The UMD IO MPS program student body embodies strong intellectual diversity. Our students have academic and work experience backgrounds that go far beyond psychology. This view allows for the field of IO to progress and permeate within organizations. During our selection process, we look for elite in a different way. We look at applicants from a holistic perspective: academics, work experiences, life experiences, professional interests and passions, and more.

 

An overview of the Admissions process is provided below. We admit two cohorts a year - SPRING and FALL

The admissions cycle for our Spring and Fall 2023 cohorts is now closed. Applications for 2024 cohorts will open in July 2023.

 

The Admissions Process

There are five steps in the admissions process into the IO MPS Program.
 

Admissions Process

 

Step 1: Complete your Online Application.

 

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying. 

Within your application, include:

  • CV/ Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Letters of Recommendation (2)
  • Transcripts
  • Supplementary Application
  • TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE (for international students only)
  • Optionally, you can also include: writing samples, description of work experience or research, and a portfolio 

As you can see, we garner information about an applicant from the different parts of your application package: transcripts, resume/ CV, letters of recommendations (2), and very importantly, your statement of purpose. Your personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about who you are beyond your academic background and grades. We do not require the GRE for admission.

  • See the FAQs for more information on application specifics, including the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts, international applicant process, etc.
  • We have also provided some resources for applicants for putting together your application package. 

 

  SPRING 2023 FALL 2023
APPLICATION DEADLINE

February 1, 2023 (Domestic Students)

  • We highly encourage applying for Spring 2023 if:

    • You have/ will have your Bachelor's by December '22

    • You are a Domestic student.

March 15, 2023 (Domestic and International Students)

**We have extended our Fall deadline by 2 weeks to 3/15. 
ADMISSIONS DECISIONS MADE

February 15, 2023

May 5, 2023
TERM START DATE February 27, 2023 August 28, 2023

 

Our Spring and Fall 2024 applications will open in July 2023. 

Step 2: Interview

 

The selection committee conducts a holistic review of applications by looking at all components of your application package. Select applicants will be invited for a group interview with two other applicants and two faculty members. The goal is for us to get to know you better. The interview is designed to give us a sense of who you are, how you think, how you work with others, and how you approach different areas. At least three members of the selection committee, including the Program Director and two additional faculty members will then discuss each applicant before making final admissions decisions. 

Step 3: Get your Admissions Decision

 

Admissions decisions for Spring 2023 will be sent out by February 15, 2023.

Admissions decisions for Fall 2023 will be sent out by May 5, 2023. *International applicant admissions decisions will be sent by April 28, 2023.

**For each admissions cycle, we aim to send out decisions as soon as possible prior to the end date. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individualized feedback on admissions decisions. 

Step 4: Declare your Intent to Attend 

 

Once admitted, you will receive welcome emails from the Graduate School and the Office of Extended Studies. They will direct you to log into the graduate portal to declare your intent to attend.