The Cognitive and Experimental Psychology graduate sequence emphasizes study in basic research content areas (e.g., behavioral neuropsychology, conditioning, perception, learning, memory, psycholinguistics, and cognitive development) and the development of quantitative and methodological skills. The sequence focuses on three content areas: behavioral, neuroscience, and cognitive science, which provide a critical foundation for advanced graduate study and can facilitate entry into research-related careers in non-academic settings. The objectives of this sequence include building a solid foundation of basic psychological research, which will help students understand and explain behavior.
The master's degree can be completed with two years of full-time enrollment on campus.
A student applying to a master's program must:
International students can learn more about specific application requirements and deadlines by visiting the Office of Admissions.
Complete your application by January 1.
Admission is offered only for the fall semester and is very competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission offers are sent in March. The Council for Graduate Schools stipulates that an applicant has until April 15 to accept or decline an admission offer. Some admission offers may be delayed until applicants notify the department that they are declining admission.
Have a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or 3.0 GPA for 9 hours of graduate coursework.
There are no specific undergraduate course requirements for students applying who are majoring in Psychology (or a related field such as Biology, or Cognitive Science) at an accredited US institution. All other students applying must have completed 21 hours of undergraduate psychology course work including:
You should have proficiency in math. This can include:
If you have not completed the required undergraduate courses, you may still be admitted. Missing courses will be added to your curriculum and must be completed during you first year of graduate study.
The GRE is not required for applicants and will not be used to evaluate applicants. The GRE may be submitted to establish math proficiency. If you wish to submit GRE scores, use institution code 1319.
In addition to meeting general requirements, a complete application will need to include the following items:
Ensure your curriculum vitae or resume lists your experience. This can be paid or unpaid experience, internships, volunteer work, etc. Include the following information.
Provide a scholarly writing sample (5-15 pages long).
In 2-3 pages double spaced, address the following:
The online application system will ask you to upload three letters of recommendation. You’ll also need to enter your recommenders’ names and email addresses into the system.
Some applicants may be invited to visit the department during the spring semester. The Applicant Interview Day schedule includes meeting with current graduate students and other invited applicants, interviews with faculty members, lunch, and a late afternoon social. Invited applicants will be contacted by the graduate coordinator.
Term | Application Deadline |
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Fall (August) | January 1 |
Spring (January) | No spring admission |
Summer (May/June) | No summer admission |
The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.
To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally:
Admitted Graduate may be offered a graduate assistantship, depending on the availability of funding. Graduate assistantships are subject to verification of employment eligibility under U.S. immigration laws and the receipt of anticipated state funding by the University.
Graduate assistants receive:
See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.
Name | Office | Phone | |
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Dr. Jeffrey Wagman | DeGarmo 413 | jbwagma@IllinoisState.edu | (309) 438-7888 |