FAQ

When is the ADP admissions application deadline?

December 1st, 2024 for Fall 2025.

I work full-time and am interested in attending the ADP program part-time. May I do so?

We rarely, if ever, admit part-time students. We have found that such students do not have sufficient time to devote to their studies. Although some of our classes are offered in the evenings, many are offered during the early or late afternoon.

In addition, being successful in the program requires more than completing courses. Students must have sufficient time to be involved in research, which is quite time-consuming.

 

Do I need to take the GREs?

No. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, taking the GRE is not required for the current admission cycle.

Do you offer financial support for students in the ADP program?

We offer five years of GA funding (e.g. TA, RA, or other) to new ADP Ph.D. students who remain in good standing and who make (or whose advisor makes on their behalf) a documented credible effort to obtain external funding (e.g. grants, fellowships, outside GA position) for at least two of those years.

Learn more about funding information for graduate students.

Can I be admitted to the ADP program even if I did not major in psychology as an undergraduate?

Yes, although most of our students were psychology majors as undergraduates, we do admit students who did not major in psychology. Admission decisions are based on the applicant’s background, interests, and qualifications.

In some cases, applicants who do not have sufficient background in psychology are admitted provisionally, contingent upon successfully completing a specific course or two. Often such students are required to take an advanced undergraduate course in research design and analysis.

I am very interested in the ADP program, but no one on the faculty has similar interests to mine. Is that a problem?

Possibly. When making decisions about whom to admit, one of the criteria we use is a match between a faculty member and the applicant’s area of interest. At times, we do not admit applicants who are highly qualified because there is no one on the ADP faculty whose interests are sufficiently similar to that of the applicant.

How do I apply to the ADP program?

Apply online at the UMBC Graduate School’s website.

What is included on the ADP admissions application?

– CV or Resumé

– Personal Statement

– Writing Sample (Optional)

– Transcripts of all prior coursework and degrees.

– Select up to two faculty members who will serve as the faculty mentor. Please see ADP Faculty to learn more about each faculty member’s research interests.

– 3 Letters of recommendation