Admission Steps

Transcripts

We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Standardized Test Scores

GRE scores are optional for admission to this program. Applications submitted without scores will receive full consideration. Every application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a careful review of all application materials.

If you choose to submit test scores, you may upload your Test Taker Score Report PDF, which is considered unofficial. Official scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency upon admission to the University of Denver. The ETS institution code to submit GRE scores to the University of Denver is 4842.

University Standardized Test Policy

Letters of Recommendation

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Essay Instructions

Your approach to psychology: Please prepare a statement (200-250 words) about how your past and current experiences in psychological science, as well as your plans for future growth, demonstrate your curiosity for and understanding of inclusive practices in research, teaching, and clinical work. Examples of inclusive practices include, but are not limited to, representative and participatory research, universal design for learning in teaching, and culturally responsive practices when interacting with clients in a clinical setting.

Personal Statement Instructions

Our department values a collaborative and integrative approach to psychological science that fosters intellectual curiosity and innovation, invests in people in a supportive and inclusive environment, and serves the public good through advocacy and action. To achieve this, we encourage community members to be self-reflective, adopt a growth mindset, and actively seek opportunities to improve their knowledge and skills.

Please prepare a personal statement (approximately 750-1000 words total, typically double-spaced) which will be reviewed by faculty and graduate students within the program. We recommend you touch on each of the following:

1. Describe your interest in conducting psychological research, indicate your proposed area of specialization, and describe the reasons why you wish to pursue graduate studies in your chosen area of specialization. (250-350 words)

2. If you have had practical experience (paid or volunteer) in the field of psychology, please describe it. This can include but is not limited to: research assistant positions, clinical positions, independent research, student capstones, student theses, and community engaged research or service. If you have been in another area of academic study or employment, discuss the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ve had, how they will apply to the expectations of our research-focused program, and the reason for the change. (250-350 words)

3. Please state which faculty member(s) you would like to do your research with. Explain why the faculty’s research interests and methods and/or specific features of our training program represent a match with your training goals and career plans. (150-200 words).

Finally, please type the name(s) of your proposed mentor(s) on a separate line at the end of your autobiographical statement to facilitate screening. You can select up to 3 potential mentors, ordered with the best interest match listed first. Regarding mentor selection: we have, and encourage, cross-program collaborations. While it is most common for applicants to select mentors within their program of interest (e.g., a student applying to the Dev PhD is often mentored by Dev faculty), it is possible to identify a mentor from another program (e.g., a student applying to the Clinical PhD may select an ASC or Dev faculty mentor). For best mentorship match, we encourage applicants to list mentors best aligned with their research topics, methodologies, and populations of interest.

Résumé Instructions

Please submit a résumé that includes publications, professional presentations, awards and scholarships, professional experience (both research and clinical), and membership in professional organizations.

Start Your Application

Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Apply Now

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Financial Aid Information

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.