The Department of Educational Psychology seeks a diverse student body that is academically well-prepared for graduate school, committed to the development of new knowledge and interested in improving professional practice. The number of students accepted into our graduate program each year reflects the limits of our academic training resources. Since interest in the study and profession of psychology continues to grow, competition for admission is keen. In reviewing applications for admission, our faculty considers all sources of information: previous academic preparation, Graduate Record Examination score, grade-point average, recommendations and evidence that an applicant's background, interests and goals are compatible with those of the area of specialization to which they are applying.
- Basic Requirements
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution with a satisfactory grade-point average (GPA), particularly during the last two years of college and in any graduate study previously undertaken. Although the minimum required GPA for the Graduate and International Admissions Center is 3.0, the department will consider applications with lower GPAs.
- Deadlines
We strongly recommended that you begin the application process well in advance of the deadline to allow enough time for UT Graduate Admissions and the Department of Educational Psychology to process your information. During peak admissions periods there may be a delay of 2-3 weeks for Graduate Admissions to complete its review of materials.
Ph.D. Specializations
Summer & Fall admissions - December 1
Applications for Ph.D. specializations are accepted for full-time status only (at least 9 graduate hours per semester).
Master's Specializations
Summer & Fall admission - January 10
Master's students may enroll in the fall or summer semesters and part-time status is permitted (exception: the School Psychology Master's program requires full-time enrollment).
- Application Procedures
Step 1: Admission Application
All graduate students are required to apply to the state application system, ApplyTexas. This system is used by all Texas state universities and colleges. Here, applicants will input biographical information, previous education, and essays.
After the ApplyTexas application is submitted, the Graduate School will review your application. Applicants will be sent an email confirming their application submission within 1-2 days after submission. This email will also contain the applicant’s login information (UT EID) for the MyStatus page. This link will be used to upload the remaining documents needed to apply.
Step 2: Application Fee
After receiving the email from the Graduate School with EID/MyStatus Link, applicants must pay the UT application fee (nonrefundable), or if you qualify, submit a fee waiver.
Step 3: Submit Documents / Complete Application
After receiving the email from the Graduate School with EID/MyStatus link and paying the application fee, applicants can complete their application by uploading the following items:
Transcripts
Transcripts are required for each college attended. There are two methods for submitting your transcript:
- If your college is on the Texas Electronic Transcript Network (SPEEDE), you can have your transcript(s) sent electronically. Check with the registrar of your institution to find out if transcripts can be sent via SPEEDE. UT does not accept transcripts sent by registrars or thirt-party entities in any other format, i.e. by mail or by links to secure websites.
- You may upload a PDF of your transcript(s) via the MyStatus page. Uploaded transcripts are considered unofficial, but can be used to process your application for admission. Each transcript can be uploaded only once, so make sure you have the correct and full version of the transcript(s) before uploading. Note: Do not mail official transcripts or paper copies of your transcripts unless you are offered admission, as this will significantly delay application processing.
A note about International Transcripts: if documents are written in a language other than English, complete and official English translations must be uploaded together with the original-language records. Each transcript should contain a complete record of studies at the institution from which it is issued, including grades earned for each subject, and a copy of your diploma or degree certificate must be included in your transcript upload (do not upload as a "miscellaneous" admission document). Please do not upload syllabi with transcripts.
Official GRE Scores
Our department requires the GRE General Test including verbal, quantitative, and writing sections. Test scores more than five years old will not be accepted.
GRE scores must be submitted directly through the testing center. On test day, you will be able to designate which universities you would like your scores to be sent to. If you need additional scores sent, you should do so through the ETS website. You should plan to take the GRE in time to have the results reported to UT Austin before the application deadline.
Note: The University of Texas at Austin school code is 6882. It is not necessary to also list a Department Code when ordering your scores.
Letters of Recommendation
Our department requires three letters of recommendation. Letters should come from references familiar with the applicant's academic performance and potential. When completing the "References" section of the ApplyTexas application, you will have been asked to list the names of your references and their email addresses. Be sure the e-mail is current and accurate. Recommenders will be notified automatically by email with instructions on how to upload their letters once you have submitted and paid for your application. You may need to follow up with your recommenders, as each will receive only one request from the Admissions system. You will be able to view whether letters have been received, or change/add a recommender, via the MyStatus page.
Statement of Purpose
This essay describes the applicant's interests and commitment to the goals and curriculum of the program area they are applying to. It is recommended the statement address not only the applicant’s personal and academic background but also their academic and professional goals. Doctoral applicants should also address their area(s) of research interest as well as any faculty member(s) they wish to work with. This statement should be no longer than 2-3 pages single-spaced. The Statement of Purpose must be uploaded via MyStatus as a PDF file.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
A resume or CV must be uploaded via MyStatus, and should include the following:
- post-high school education
- relevant work or volunteer experience (indicate amount of time)
- honors received
- research experience
- conference presentations
- publications
Official TOEFL Scores (International Applicants Only)
Students applying from countries outside the United States must submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores via MyStatus.
Note: The University of Texas at Austin school code is 6882. It is not necessary to also list a Department Code for scores.
- International Applicants
English Language Evaluation
To better serve the needs of our international students and the faculty who work with them, all new international students with undergraduate degrees from non-English-speaking universities are required to undergo a brief evaluation for speaking and writing English (English Second Language evaluation). Texas Global will conduct the English language evaluation during International Student Orientation. This evaluation is done at no cost to the student. If the student does not pass one of the two evaluations, he/she will be required to take the designated English Second Language course the first semester at UT. If the student is required to take two English Second Language courses, he/she must take one course the first semester and the second course the next semester.
Financial Support
Financial support for international students is very limited. Texas Global maintains current information regarding cost and financial requirements for international students. Please visit their website for this information.
Additional information
Additional information for International Applications is available from Texas Global's Student and Scholar Services office.
- Application Status
You can view your application status, what application materials are missing and upload any necessary documentation online via MyStatus (UT EID required). Please use this system to monitor your application status in lieu of calling the admissions staff, if possible.
Applicants may be admitted, admitted with conditions, or denied admission. Learn more on the Graduate School website.