Frequently asked questions – psychological foundations/QME

How long will it take to complete the degree?

The time needed to complete a master’s or Ph.D. depends on the area a student is enrolled in (e.g., learning and cognition/educational technology). Generally, full-time students making normal progress take 2-2½ years to obtain a master’s degree and 5-5½ years to obtain a Ph.D.

What would I have to do to graduate?

All master’s programs require students to successfully complete the required EPsy core area coursework, pass an exam, and to write and defend a research paper to graduate; some have additional requirements. All doctoral programs require students to (a) successfully complete the required EPsy core area coursework, (b) successfully complete a pre-dissertation project requiring a written research paper, (c) pass doctoral written specialty prelims, (d) pass a preliminary oral exam which requires writing and defending a research paper, (e) pass their doctoral oral which requires writing and defending a dissertation; some have additional requirements.

What are the application deadlines?

The psychological foundations and quantitative methods tracks admit for fall and spring semesters, as well as summer session. All application materials must be received by the following dates:

Fall – December 1 (for fellowship and departmental financial aid consideration)

or March 1

Spring – October 15

Summer – March 1

Spring, summer and fall (March deadline) applicants will be disadvantaged in fellowship and TA/RA opportunities.

What is the minimum GPA, GRE, and English language proficiency score you require?

The program prefers a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. There is no minimum required GRE score, but the program prefers a minimum GRE verbal score of 550 and a minimum GRE quantitative score of 550. The Graduate School operational standard for English language proficiency for international students is a TOEFL score of 550 (213 on the computer-based test), 80 on the MELAB, or 6.5 on the IELTS. Note: The Graduate School operational standard on the new Internet-based TOEFL (IBT) is a minimum total score of 79, plus section scores of at least 21 on the writing section and 19 on the reading section.

Average scores for students admitted to the M.A. program for Fall 2008 were a 3.67 undergraduate GPA, and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1263.

Average scores for students admitted to the Ph.D. program for Fall 2008 were a 3.54 undergraduate GPA and a combined verbal and quantitative GRE score of 1283.

What would my course load be?

Course load varies by program area but full-time students typically take at least 9 credits per semester.

Do I have to go full-time, or can I complete my degree work studying part-time?

The availability of courses, advisers, etc. on a part-time basis varies by program area. There is often more flexibility in master’s programs; doctoral students are normally expected to study full-time.

Are evening classes available?

The availability of courses, advisers, etc. in the late afternoon or early evening varies by program area. However, several program areas offer courses in the late afternoon and early evening. See Catalogs for course schedules, including a listing of evening classes.

What financial aid is available?

Sources of support administered by the department are teaching assistantships, research assistantships available through funded projects sponsored by department faculty, and fellowships supported by the Graduate School (www.grad.umn.edu/). The department also nominates promising students for University-wide fellowship competition provided by the Graduate School. Underrepresented and educationally disadvantaged students are eligible to be nominated for special fellowships. Stipends and conditions vary for different forms of support. Students who wish to be considered for fellowships and departmental financial assistance must submit all application materials to the program and the Graduate School by December 1st. Prospective students also are encouraged to apply to the Office of Student Finance (http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/Financialaid/) and to external agencies for financial aid.

Who can I contact to obtain additional information?

For more information about psychological foundations/quantitative methods, contact the admissions secretary, 250 Education Sciences Building, 56 East River Road, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, telephone: 612-624-0042, e-mail: psyf-adm@umn.edu.

Revised August 2005