Explore the specific research area FAQs to find out more details.
The GRE is optional. Our program reviews applications holistically and uses GRE scores (if they are provided) as just one of many pieces of information in determining an applicant’s potential for success in our program. We weigh previous research experience, current research interests, and career goals most highly. We recognize, however, that some students may not have had opportunities to develop their research skills or interests. In these cases, GRE scores will be considered to the extent that they may better reflect your potential for graduate school success.
No. However, scores on this test have been shown to be very good predictors of graduate school performance (see Kuncel, Hezlett, & Ones (2001), Psychological Bulletin, 127, 162-181). Nevertheless, we do not require the test, i.e., you can apply to our program without having taken the GRE Psychology Subject Test.
No. We understand that there are many factors that can influence your GPA, including your major, health challenges, family obligations, and other commitments. We will look at your GPA in the context of your entire application. However, if you believe your GPA does not reflect your potential as a future scientist, it would be beneficial to directly address that in your application. You may consider asking one of your recommenders to share more about any circumstances that may have influenced your GPA and address the degree to which your GPA reflects your potential, in their estimation. We also encourage you to address this yourself in your personal statement.
No. All applications are reviewed in full by faculty.
Follow this link to see if you are eligible for an application fee waiver: https://grad.msu.edu/application-fee-waiver
It is rare that an MA/MS degree from another institution is considered a sufficient substitute for an MA at MSU, given the specific requirements of our program. Importantly, students with a non-thesis-based MA/MS, and/or a degree in an unrelated area (e.g., English literature), will be required to complete the Master’s Program at MSU. Waiver of the entire MA degree requirement may occur in rare instances when the committee feels that both the thesis and the coursework completed (see immediately below) provide a sufficient substitute for the MA requirements here at MSU. Students who enter the program with a MA or MS degree from another institution who do receive this waiver for the Master’s Program are automatically admitted into the PhD program.
If you completed a data-based MA/MS thesis in psychology or a related field, and you would like to waive the thesis requirement at MSU, you must receive prior approval. The departmental policy regarding whether an existing MA/MS thesis will be counted is that 1) the thesis must be data-based, 2) in psychology or a related field, and 3) it should demonstrate research competency. More information on specific steps for getting this waiver are provided after an admission decision is made.
There are opportunities for some course waivers in your area of interest, and rarely in quantitative methods. Processes for doing so will be explained if you are admitted to the program. You can also request that credits from graduate-level courses taken at other institutions be counted towards your degree. MSU limits this to 9-credit hours at the Master’s level (unlimited at the PhD level),but only if they were NOT counted toward another degree program at MSU.
There is a graduate dormitory on campus (Owen Hall) and there are also university apartments. However, almost all students choose to live off-campus. There are plenty of reasonably priced apartments and townhouses in either walking or short-driving distance from campus.
Students generally come to the East Lansing area to look for an apartment and sign a lease during the early summer. However, some students start looking as early as April, because some apartment complexes will put you on a waiting list, and will contact you when a unit comes available within the time frame that you would like to start your lease.
While you may decide you don't want to have a car if you live very close to campus, most of the current students do have cars. There are bookstores, restaurants, athletic facilities, and a few small stores near campus, but most of the supermarkets and many other stores and restaurants are not a reasonable walking distance. A bus line runs throughout the East Lansing area to outlying shopping areas. A car, taxi, or Uber/Lift is necessary to reach the Lansing City Airport. The Detroit Airport can be reached by commuter bus or by car. Amtrak stops near the MSU campus and has routes to Chicago and elsewhere. Campus parking permits are available for purchase by students who have assistantships and fellowships. These allow graduate students to park in specific areas of campus. This Parking Services page has more information about parking on campus. There are other low-cost or free parking options within a short walk of campus that many students choose to utilize.
The assistantship stipend is designed so that one student can afford to live modestly. Whether you need a loan will depend on your lifestyle and if you have mitigating factors, such as a partner or dependent children, high moving expenses, etc. Some current students do have loans; however, there are also a large portion of students who are managing the process loan-free.
In fall and spring semesters, students with assistantships are waived tuition for nine credit hours; during summer session, four credit hours of tuition are waived. Students who take more than nine (or four) credits are required to pay for those additional credits, but pay at an in-state student rate. The out-of-state portion of the tuition is waived for graduate assistants. Students are responsible for paying fees each semester.
All graduate students on a 9-month assistantship or fellowship receive student medical insurance coverage for a full calendar year, free of charge. More details can be found on MSU's Human Resources page.
Students often take advantage of the many clubs, bars, and restaurants on Grand River Avenue near campus and downtown. The campus and community hold concerts, theatrical performances, and sporting events throughout the year. You can learn more about East Lansing on the city's webpage.
Students often take advantage of the beautiful Great Lakes surrounding the state of Michigan. The beaches of Lake Michigan are gorgeous and the closest are about a two-hour drive away.
The first snowfall is usually in early November, and winter weather usually lasts until early May. Temperatures are coldest in January and February, usually ranging from mid-30s to the single digits. Snowfalls are not particularly heavy, and we have a number of students from southern states that have successfully learned to drive in the snow!