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. The program admits students twice a year: in the Spring and in the Fall. This offers two options for completing the IO MPS. Both options offer seminar-style instructions, career guidance, and applied opportunities. 

  • The Spring cohort offers a fully virtual option to students whose schedules require greater flexibility. Spring students will attend live-synchronous virtual classes through easy to use web-based technology that enables learning in an engaging, interactive environment. Virtual classes are also complemented by pre-recorded online learning resources. 
  • The Fall cohort offers blended learning with face-to-face instruction on the UMD - College Park campus complemented by online lectures. Students are required to attend classes once per week in College Park.

 

admissions process

The Admissions Process

Below are the steps in the admissions process into the UMD IO MPS Program.

 

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 - submit transcripts from all previous higher education institutions 
  • 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.
  • Unfortunately, we are unable to accept any parts of the application via email. 
  • We have also provided some resources for applicants for putting together your application package. 

 

  Spring 2027: Online Cohort Fall 2027: In-Person Cohort
APPLICATION DEADLINE

Early consideration deadline: October 15, 2026 (admission decisions by November 20, 2026)

Final application deadline: January 13, 2027

Early consideration deadline: December 11, 2026 (admission decisions by February 24, 2027)

Final application deadline: March 10, 2027 
ADMISSIONS DECISIONS MADE

February 12, 2027

May 14, 2027
TERM START DATE March 1, 2027 August 30, 2027
NOTE Please note that your Bachelor's degree will need to be conferred by January 2027 to join the Spring 2027 cohort. Please note that your Bachelor's degree will need to be conferred by July 2027 to join the Fall 2027 cohort.
  • Apply online on the UMD Graduate School's online application portal.
  • The program code is for our Spring online program is MPIV
  • The program code is for our Fall in-person program is MPIO

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. 

Step 3: Get your Admissions Decision

Admissions decisions for Spring 2027 will be sent out by February 12, 2027.

Admissions decisions for Fall 2027 will be sent out by May 14, 2027. 

**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 Extended Studies. They will direct you to log into the graduate portal to declare your intent to attend.