Admissions Info

Application to the M.S. in Work and Organizational Psychology requires the following items:  

1. Official copies of transcripts from each institution attended. Must include a transcript for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
2. A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts who can attest to your potential for success in this graduate program. Letters of recommendation can be requested from a variety of different recommenders to provide support for your motivation to pursue this degree, and/or your capabilities and other characteristics related to successfully completing this degree. For example, recommenders can be your faculty members/advisors from your undergraduate program (or your most recent degree program) who can provide information about you beyond the data conveyed through the course grade. They can also be your current and/or past work supervisors or coworkers who know you well.
3. A personal statement addressing the following: your personal reasons for your interest in Work and Organizational psychology; related work experience; how an M.S. will help you attain your career goals; personal attributes that will be an asset to a career in Work and Organizational Psychology; personal qualities or experiences that will help you succeed in and complete an online degree program; and why you are seeking a graduate degree in Work and Organizational Psychology. Statements should be no more than 3 pages.
4. Your resume or curriculum vitae.
5. Non-US Citizens without permanent residency status: English proficiency exam (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS). Refer to the MSU Office of Admissions and the MSU Graduate School for further.

Please note that GRE scores are NOT required.

Questions about the application process can be directed to program coordinator Darlene Dalessandro.

Complete the online application

Go to the MSU Office of Admissions Application Management website to complete the online admissions application for the graduate degree. A nonrefundable application fee is required.

In the online application, there is space to upload a "personal statement". Your written statement should address each of the items listed in the "What are the requirements" section above.

There is also space in the online application to provide contact information for your three recommendation letter writers. You just need to make sure you have their consent, names and email addresses. Once you submit the application, your letter writers will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters through the online system.

The online application is also where you'll submit your resume or CV. You will be given a link once the application fee is paid and submitted.

To return to an application you started, go to https://explore.msu.edu/apply/.

Request your transcripts

Request official transcripts from each institution attended. The official transcripts MUST be sent by the appropriate officials from each institution directly to the university. See the instructions below for sending transcripts. Your application is not complete until we receive your official.

Transcripts from U.S. Institutions 

Electronic transcripts are preferred and can be sent directly to Michigan State University admissions. If you are required to input an email, send to: workorgpsy@msu.edu.  If electronic transcripts are not an option, have paper copies sent to the following address: 

Work and Organizational Psychology Graduate Program
Department of Psychology
Michigan State University
316 Physics Road Rm 262
East Lansing, MI 48824

International Transcripts

All international academic records need to be mailed by the institutions attended in official, sealed envelopes to the following address: 

Michigan State University, 
Office of Admissions, 
426 Auditorium Dr 
East Lansing, MI 48824.

Records must show courses taken, grades earned and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. Translations must be done by the issuing institution, a certified translator in the country of study, or by an American Translator’s Association certified translator in the US. The original record should be also included.

The MSU Graduate School has more information for international applicants here.

Request English language proficiency test scores 

(for non-US Citizens without permanent residency status)

Have English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) electronically sent to the MSU Office of Admissions directly from the testing agency. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. Also, review MSU's international requirements here: MSU Admissions for International Students. Do NOT have testing reports mailed to the university or Department of Psychology.

Applications are evaluated once the application is submitted, and all required information (e.g., letters of recommendation, transcripts) is obtained. Notice of acceptance will normally be within one month after all the required information is obtained. The final application deadline for consideration for the August start date is June 30th of each year.

Admission to the M.S. in Work and Organizational Psychology requires a three-step review process:

1. The admission committee reviews the applicant's materials. The committee's recommendation (accept or deny) is forwarded to the MSU College of Social Science for review.
2. The MSU College of Social Science reviews the application and forwards their recommendation (admit or deny) to the MSU Office of Admissions.
3. The MSU Office of Admission reviews the applicant's credentials and makes an official admission decision.

Typically, the application review/admission process takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks, and you will receive system-generated updates as your application packet move from the department to college and the admission office. All applicants receive a final decision letter by email.

Questions about the application process can be directed to program coordinator Darlene Dalessandro.