Psychological Science: Concentration in Developmental Psychology, M.A.

In addition to the general requirements for admission, this program requires:

Department prerequisite form

Indicate what Psychology coursework you've already completed. Different concentrations have different specific prerequisites. Applicants to the Master of Arts in Psychological Science: Concentration in Developmental Psychology must have:

• Completed an undergraduate course in intermediate statistics. If students haven't had it already, intermediate statistics (PSY 571) must be taken during the summer prior to or during the first semester of the graduate program.
• Psychological research methods
• Lifespan development

Print the form, sign it and scan it to upload to Cal State Apply. Please make sure that all PDFs are filled and saved on Cal State Apply before submitting your application.

Applicants will also have to submit letters of recommendation, their CV/resume and a personal statement.

Personal statement:
Please answer the questions for the graduate program in which you’re applying to, in an essay format. This essay portion of the departmental application should be typed, 12-point font, and double spaced. Also, please include your last, first name and last four digits of your SS # on the top right-hand corner.

In one essay (6-page limit) please describe: 

1. Aside from your interest in human development, what are your professional goals and how would completion of the graduate Developmental Psychology program at SFSU facilitate achieving them?
2. Describe the area(s) of developmental psychology (e.g., cognitive, emotional, health) which you are most interested in and, briefly, how these interests emerged.
3. What research, publication, work, volunteer, or other experiences have you had which are related to your current interests in psychology?
4. What are your future educational and/or career goals? Please be specific.
5. Describe what you might be doing after getting your master’s degree.
6. Our faculty is comprised of active researchers. Indicate which of the Developmental Psychology (or departmental) faculty you hope to work with and explain why.

Letters of recommendation
All applicants must request at least three letters of recommendation from people acquainted with your academic qualifications or related experience (i.e. research, practicum, or work). Letters from professors in courses or fields that are closely related to the concentration to which you are applying are the most useful, as well as from employers who are relevant to your chosen field of study. 

In the Evaluations section of the Cal State Apply Application, you will have the opportunity to enter the names and email addresses of your three references, along with the due date for the letter of recommendation and a short personal message to the evaluator. You will also need to check the box saying that you waive your right to see your letters of recommendation. Each reference will receive an email allowing them to submit their letter directly via the application platform.

GPA
If you do not meet the university’s general GPA requirement, you must contact the program coordinator prior to applying. 

GRE scores:
You may include your GRE scores in your application if you would like; however, this is not required. Request to have your official GRE scores sent directly to the University (California State University – San Francisco school code: 4684). An electronic copy of your score report should be uploaded to your Psychology Department Program Materials portion of the Cal State Apply application. There is a place in the Cal State Apply application that allows you to input your GRE scores, but you also need to upload your GRE Unofficial Score Report as well. You are allowed to submit your application before taking the GRE but make sure to send your GRE scores to the department at (lriley1@sfsu.edu) or to psych@sfsu.edu before the February 1 deadline.

Fall: February 15 (extended deadline)
No spring Admissions

Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.