How to apply to the graduate program

Thank you for your interest in our PhD program. Before getting application materials, please take the time to read through the resources on our Prospective Students page.

We recognize that the application process is complicated and different at every school. We hope that these instructions will assist you in completing your application.

Application process overview

The application process is dual: you apply separately to the Institute of Child Development, and to the Graduate School. Both the Institute and the Graduate School process a large number of applications each year. In order for your application to receive prompt and full consideration, it is essential that you follow the instructions below.

The application deadline for receipt of all materials is December 1st for consideration for September of the following year.

Getting started

There are two main components to the application process:

1. ICD Departmental Application
2. Graduate School Application

In addition, there are special application instructions for students applying to our specialty tracks. Be sure to refer to the section below about specialty tracks if you plan to apply to one.

A. ICD departmental application

The departmental application packet is made up of the following six items:

1. Departmental application form [download [.doc] or [.pdf]]
2. Curriculum vitae [see instructions]
3. Personal statement (typed statement outlining your interests and professional goals)
   This statement is an integral part of your application and will be weighted heavily in its evaluation. Your statement (not to exceed 3 double-spaced pages) should be written in narrative style, and should minimally include the following points:
   • how you became interested in psychology and from whom you received encouragement to continue your work in psychology;
   • the aspects or specific problems in your area of specialization that interest you most at this point;
   • a brief description of any participation in research, applied psychology, or employment that might be relevant to your application;
   • the specific factors that led you to apply to the University of Minnesota;
   • an acknowledgement of your outstanding strengths and weaknesses (including specific skills, special talents or aptitude that you think will contribute to your success as a graduate student in child psychology);
   • the kinds of psychological work you see yourself doing seven or eight years after you get your degree; and
   • your signature.
4. Three letters of recommendation and recommendation forms [download [.doc] or [.pdf]]
   Letters should be sent in a sealed envelope with the recommender's signature across the sealed flap. Letters may be mailed directly to ICD by the recommender, or included in the application packet sent by the student, but either way they should be sealed and signed across the flap.
   NOTE: The waiver form must be returned whether or not you waive your right to read the letter.
   IMPORTANT: Please do not use the online letters of recommendation system included in the Graduate School application.
5. One transcript from each college/university attended (may be student copy or photocopy)
6. Copy of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. NOTE: Request official copy to be sent to ICD: institution code=6874, department code=2006.
   

Mail the above six items to:

Chair of Admissions
Institute of Child Development
51 East River Road
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Applications are processed only when all of the above are received. Remember the deadline for receipt of all materials is December 1.

You will receive an e-mail at the e-mail address you list on your departmental application form when we receive your application materials. You will receive another e-mail when your departmental application is complete. This does not mean that your graduate school application is complete, as the graduate school application is a separate process.

B. Graduate School application

(See Graduate School instructions.)

All applicants should submit the following two items to the Graduate School:

1. Graduate School application [must be completed online—$55 application fee for U.S. applicants, $75 for international applicants]
   NOTE: All applicants, including those applying to joint programs, should indicate their intended major as child psychology Ph.D.
   IMPORTANT: Please do not use the online letters of recommendation system included in the Graduate School application. You should upload your personal statement (and other required statements) to your Graduate School application in addition to submitting it with your departmental application, but you should not upload any additional optional documents. Please send all departmental application materials to ICD. Thanks.
2. One transcript from each college/university attended.
   
   To be considered for admission, the Graduate School requires all transcripts/credentials from institutions of higher learning you have attended – including partial or incomplete transcripts/credentials. In order to ensure timely processing of your application for admission, we encourage you to send all of your transcripts/credentials in one envelope. You may mail photocopies or fax us a legible copy of your transcript/credentials. If you do fax or send a photocopy, do not send official trancripts/credentials at this time; if you are admitted, we will notify you then that you must request official or certified transcripts/credentials to be sent directly from your institution(s). Transcripts/credentials can be faxed to 612-625-6002 or mailed to:

Graduate School Admissions
309 Johnston Hall
101 Pleasant Street S.E.
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Do not assume that your Graduate School application file is complete until you receive a complete notice from the Graduate School. If you do not receive the notification within 4-6 weeks of submitting your application online, call the Admissions office at 612-625-3014. You will receive the complete notice, along with all other correspondence from the Graduate School, at the e-mail address you use during the creation of your online application. Due to the processing time in the Graduate School, students are strongly urged to complete their Graduate School application early. Remember the deadline for all materials is December 1.

Applicants to specialty tracks

Please be sure you have reviewed information about the program and the specialty tracks.

Developmental psychopathology and clinical science (DPCS) track: Applications are processed at the Institute. Do not apply to the Department of Psychology. Be sure to mail all materials to ICD. Materials sent to the wrong department will cause a delay in processing your application. It is possible if all materials are not received in ICD by the December 1st deadline that we will be unable to include your application in our review. We urge you to apply early and complete the GRE as soon as possible, allowing 4-6 weeks for official reporting of scores.

Joint child psychology/school psychology track: Applicants must complete the departmental application for Educational Psychology (call 612-624-4156 for those materials or see their website), in addition to both the Institute of Child Development application and the Graduate School application (complete only one Graduate School application).

International applicants

Counseling, advising, and educational services are provided for students and scholars from other countries by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in conjunction with professional advisers in Student Services. Students may receive counseling and advising services regarding visa requirements and other immigration issues, social, personal, and financial matters; international and intercultural educational opportunities; academic issues; and English language requirements.

International applicants who require an I-20 for a student visa must provide a Financial Certification Statement [.pdf] to the Graduate School. For assistance, contact ISSS (612-626-7100).

Additional information about admissions

If you have additional questions about any part of the admissions process or about the graduate program, please contact:

Danielle Bordeleau
Associate director of graduate studies
612-625-9778
borde021@umn.edu