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Masters

Psychology - Developmental Psychology

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  4. Psychology - Developmental Psychology

Overview

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.

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Point of Pride

The Developmental Psychology graduate sequence focuses on the scientific study of stability and change in biological, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning across the lifespan. This focus on development is a distinctly ecological and interdisciplinary approach. The curriculum offers in-depth exposure to developmental theories, methodologies, and applications.

Graduate Advisor

Dr. Gregory Braswell
(309) 438-5729
DeGarmo 460

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

  • Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
  • Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
  • If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
  • If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

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. Interview invitations 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.

GPA

You must 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.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Undergraduate 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:

  • Six credit hours combined of statistics and research methods
  • One course on human development

GRE Scores

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.

Application Materials

In addition to meeting general requirements, a complete application will need to include the following items:

  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Writing Sample
  • Personal Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

Ensure your curriculum vitae or resume lists your experience. This can be paid or unpaid experience, internships, volunteer work, etc. Include the following information.

  • Dates
  • Employer or organization
  • Business addresses
  • Nature of the experiences that are relevant to being admitted to the graduate sequence
  • Received academic honors and awards
    • Date received
    • Explanation of what the honor or award recognizes
    • Research experiences, skills, and accomplishments

Writing Sample

Provide a scholarly writing sample (5-15 pages long).

Personal Statement

In 2-3 pages double spaced, address the following:

  • Your Professional and career goals
  • Research interests and experiences
  • Qualifications for admission to this graduate sequence
  • How your interests and goals fit with this graduate sequence

Letters of Recommendation

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.

Applicant Interview Day – March 7, 2025

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.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall (August) Term — January 1
  • Spring (January) Term — No spring admission
  • Summer (May/June) Term — No summer admission

Apply Now

Graduate Assistantships

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.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally:

  • Be admitted as a degree-seeking student to a graduate program
  • Be in good-standing
  • Be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 graduate credits) during the fall or spring semesters

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive:

  • Monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
  • A waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
  • A waiver for up to 12 credits of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

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.

Costs & 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.

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