The Developmental Psychology graduate sequence focuses on the scientific study of stability and change in biological, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning across the life span. This focus on development is a distinctly ecological and interdisciplinary approach. The curriculum offers in-depth exposure to developmental theories, methodologies, and applications. Students may choose a pre-doctoral focus designed to prepare them for advanced graduate study and academic careers or an applied focus for careers in a diverse array of community settings that provide human services.
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 February. 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.
Applicants must have an undergraduate major in psychology or a related field (e.g., Human Development and Family Studies or Educational Psychology).
It is recommended that applicants have taken at least:
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 |
---|---|
Fall (August) | January 1 |
Spring (January) | No spring admission |
Summer (May/June) | No summer admission |
The University provides opportunities for 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:
Graduate assistants receive:
Similar to admission to the program, graduate assistantships also are highly competitive. Applicants who are offered admission may be offered a graduate assistantship, depending on the availability of funding. Applicants who accept our admission offer will receive further information about the assistantship process.Graduate assistantships are subject to verification of employment eligibility under U.S. immigration laws and the receipt of anticipated state funding.
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. Gregory Braswell | DeGarmo 460 | gsbrasw@ilstu.edu | (309) 438-5729 |