Applicants should have a strong science background, typically including experience with hands-on empirical research and statistical analysis. Students are admitted on a competitive basis, which includes evaluation of previous academic records, research experience and match with perspective advisors, and recommendations.
The general requirements for admission to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences apply to candidates for admission to the Psychology Masters program.
The Department of Psychology requires all application materials to be submitted by May 15 including letters of recommendation, test scores, and transcripts in order for your application to be given consideration. Please plan to submit your application far enough in advance to ensure that all your supporting materials will be attached to your application prior to the deadline.
To apply for the program, you need to submit:
Our applicant evaluation rubric (PDF)
In an effort to make our admissions process more transparent and equitable, we are sharing our applicant evaluation rubric with you. Please note that we use the rubric to evaluate candidates holistically, and even competitive candidates may not score “high” in every category.
In writing your statement of purpose, we strongly encourage you to address each criterion where “statement” is listed as source of evidence, as well as providing context for any areas that result in a lower rating (e.g., explanation for lower grades).
Because our MA students work directly with a faculty mentor in a lab to complete their thesis, it is particularly important for you to identify one or more faculty members who are a good fit for your research interests: List these faculty members in your application form, and explain why you are interested in working with them in your statement.
Please note: For best consideration, submit your application by February 1st. Applications may be submitted through May 15, with rolling review, but otherwise competitive applicants may not be considered later in the cycle if their faculty of interest have already accepted a student. If you plan to apply later in the cycle, we strongly encourage you to contact your faculty of interest to see if they are still considering applications.
Note for international applicants: applicants who do not have an undergraduate degree from an English-speaking country must meet the Brandeis English language proficiency exam score minimums. Applicants not meeting these minimums will NOT be considered for admission to the program.
What We Look For
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•OR lacks relevant coursework without evidence of other ways of gaining relevant knowledge
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Department of Psychology
Brown 125
MS 062
Brandeis University
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02453
781-736-3300