UNIVERSITY AND PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Psychology Department Online Application process for fall 2024 admissions will be open October 1 through December 15, 8:59pm (PST). Please read the following instructions carefully and remember that you must apply (1) to the University and (2) to the department.
UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
- Hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 2.85 (This does not include lower division courses taken after award of baccalaureate degree.) A 3.00 cumulative GPA for international coursework.
- Have been in good standing at the last institution attended.
DEPARTMENT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements for admission to the Psychology Department’s master’s programs are outlined below. However, meeting all of the criteria does not guarantee acceptance, since admission is competitive and thus dependent on comparison with other applicants.
- Grade Point Average
Minimum undergraduate overall GPA: 2.85
Minimum undergraduate psychology GPA: 3.0
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
IMPORTANT NOTE: GRE scores are not required for the M.A. program, but are required for the M.S. program. Please note, carefully identify the appropriate Master’s program during the application process.
- Completion of Undergraduate Course Work Equivalent to the Following SDSU Courses:
A. Course Requirements for the M.A. Program
| PSY | 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 Units |
| PSY | 260 | Physiological Psychology | 3 Units |
| PSY | 280 | Introductory Statistics | 3 Units |
Three classes from among the following:
| PSY | 230 | Developmental Psychology | 3 Units |
| PSY | 301 | Intro to Research Methods | 4 Units |
| PSY | 340 | Social Psychology | 3 Units |
| PSY | 350 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 Units |
| PSY | 351 | Psychology of Personality | 3 Units |
| PSY | 360 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 Units |
| PSY | 380 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 Units |
| PSY | 388 | Sensation and Perception | 3 Units |
| PSY | 410 | Advanced Research Methods in Psychology | 5 Units |
| PSY | 470 | Intermediate Statistics | 3 Units |
Plus six units of upper division psychology electives, which may be from the above list.
Psychology 101 and 280 (or equivalents) are requirements; if you do not have these courses, you will not be admitted. If you do not have Psy 260 (or equivalent), you can still be considered for admission, but if you are admitted, that missing course would be considered a deficiency. Deficiency courses must be made up in the first year of your graduate program and cannot be counted toward the Master’s degree.
B. Course Requirements for the M.S. Program
Information about the MS program course requirements can be found here: https://msappliedpsych.sdsu.edu/prospective-students/