How to Apply
Before completing your application, we ask that you first review information about each of our programs.
All application materials are due by December 1.
Application Requirements
The department uses a self-managed application procedure. You will assemble most of the materials that constitute your application file and mail them to us in one package. The only exceptions are forms submitted through ApplyYourself and the official reports of GRE and TOEFL exams, which are sent to us electronically by the testing services. Your recommenders can choose to submit their letters on-line or through the mail. If they choose to submit a recommendation on paper, they should seal the letter in an official departmental envelope and sign the back of the envelope across the seal. They should return these to you, and you should mail them to us with the rest of your materials, all together in one package. You are responsible for seeing that your application package is complete when you send it to us. Your application can be evaluated only when it is complete. Please use this checklist to be sure you have included everything. All credentials must be received by December 1. We require the following application materials:
1. Application for Admission to Graduate Study
Applications must be submitted online at https://app.applyyourself.com?id=up-as. Note that the online application system is disabled after the December 1 deadline. The application form serves as an application for both admission and financial aid (fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships) in the Department of Psychology. You do not need to apply separately for financial aid.
You can apply to more than one program if you feel they meet your interests. Your chances of admission are not increased by applying to multiple programs. You should also indicate one or more faculty with whom you would most like to work. Faculty profiles provide details about individual faculty members' research (under People on this website). The Faculty Research link on the menu to your right provides additional information about research areas represented in the department.
2. Application Fee
An application fee of $50.00 may be paid either by check or money order (made payable to the University of Pittsburgh), or it may be paid via credit card through the online application system. The application fee will be waived for applicants who identify themselves as McNair Scholars.
3. Statement of Goals
Please include a statement of approximately 1,000 - 1,500 words concerning your plans for graduate study and a professional career. Please be as specific as possible about (a) the development of your academic interest in psychology and reasons for pursuing the PhD, (b) past research experience and current research interests, (c) clinical experience (if applicable), (d) special abilities and skills (e.g., programming, assessment, neuroimmaging), (e) long-term career goals, and (f) why you have chosen to apply to the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychology and how your interests fit with the research program of the faculty member(s) whom you indicated on the application form.
4. Transcripts of All Credits
An official transcript is required from each undergraduate (and graduate) school attended. A notarized English translation is required if transcripts are in a language other than English.
5. Three Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be written by professors with whom you have studied or worked. They can be submitted online through ApplyYourself or by mail on official letterhead stationery. For recommenders who choose to submit their letters on paper, you will need to download the Recommendation Form from the ApplyYourself website, complete the top, and give it to the recommender(s). Letters submitted on paper must be on official letterhead and enclosed in sealed departmental envelopes with the recommender's signature in ink across the envelope seal. Recommendation letters submitted on paper should be mailed together with your other application materials in a single package.
6. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
Official GRE scores are required. You may take the test more than once. Please have scores sent to the University of Pittsburgh (2927), Department of Psychology (2016). You may send a copy with your materials for informational purposes, but only official score reports submitted by ETS will be accepted for admission consideration.
The Psychology Subject Test is required for applicants to the Clinical Program, including the joint clinical programs (Clinical/Developmental and Clinical/Health). It is recommended, but not required for applicants to other programs. Please note: the GRE Psychology Subject test is usually given only once in the Fall, and again in the late Spring. You may still apply even if you missed the Fall test. In this case your Psychology GPA will be more heavily weighted in the application review process.
For information concerning the GRE, contact the Educational Testing Service, Box 955, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, or the testing center of the school you are attending.
7. Additional Materials
You may submit additional materials (e.g., papers, reprints) that you think might assist the Admissions Committee in evaluating your application. Please use paper clips to hold pages together; do not send items that are stapled, fastened with brads, encased in plastic, or that are otherwise difficult to photocopy.
8. English Language Testing Scores (TOEFL/IELTS)
These scores are required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Exceptions are made for students who have received a degree from a U.S. university. Applicants with TOEFL scores lower than 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the Internet-based test, or IELTS of lower than 6.5 will not be considered for admission.
Submit all application materials and address all questions to:
Psychology Graduate Office
University of Pittsburgh
3129 Sennott Square
210 South Bouquet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
t: 412-624-4502
f: 412-624-4428
E-mail: psygrad@pitt.edu
Please note: All materials must be received by December 1. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.