Our application deadline is December 1, 2023 for students who plan to begin graduate training in Fall 2024.
Applicants must submit all application materials through the Graduate School's online application system (click here to access the system) before the December 1 application deadline.
Application Components
Upload unofficial copies of all transcripts. If you are accepted by our academic program, you will be asked to provide official transcripts to the University's Graduate School.
Please do not send official transcripts until you have received an official letter of acceptance.
Submission of GRE scores is optional. Submission of GRE scores is not required. Please know that we do not view the lack of GRE scores negatively. No application will be dinged in the review process by not including GRE scores. However, if an applicant has taken the GRE and feels their inclusion would enhance their application, then scores should be included.
Applicants from countries where English is not considered the native language are required to provide proof of English language ability. More information on language requirements, minimum proficiency test scores, and exemptions & waivers can be found here on the Graduate School's website.
A personal statement of 500 words or less includes a description of your career objectives and your specific interests in psychology. You should indicate past research activities and the areas of research activity in which you are particularly interested, as well as indicating what faculty research interests are parallel to your own.
For suggestions on the statement of purpose, please see "What should I include in my statement of purpose?" in the Graduate Program FAQ section of our website.
This should list relevant research achievements (e.g., published papers, conference presentations and fellowships) and skills (e.g., expertise in computer programs and data analysis techniques).
Provide a research or academic paper you authored, preferably in your area of interest. These could include a manuscript (in preparation, submitted, or published), conference presentation or grant application. You could also include a paper from a class that highlights your ability to explain psychological concepts, analyze data, or interpret research findings.
Fit with a faculty member's ongoing research program is important for admission to our program. You can learn more about our faculty members and their research here. You can learn about faculty members who are interested in recruiting new students for Fall 2024 by clicking here.
In your online application list at least one, but not more than three, faculty members with whom you are interested in working. List your most preferred mentor first.
Interest in a faculty member's research can also be indicated in the personal statement or supplemental materials section of the application.
Request recommendations from three references through the online application system.
Supplemental Information is the opportunity for you to enter information or upload a document that does not fit into any preset links in your application. If you need to explain something about your application or clarify information, you can. This is not a required component of your application and you are encouraged to only enter information you feel is necessary or would be helpful to faculty reviewing your application.
"Choosing Mizzou for graduate school has been one of my best decisions! The faculty have been so helpful and knowledgeable, and there really is a great spirit of collaboration among both faculty and students. Plus, Columbia is a beautiful city to explore!" - Christal Davis, Clinical Graduate Student
Application Review
Your application will be reviewed by faculty members in the training area to which you apply. Selected graduate students may also review portions of your application. Specifically, graduate students may review your personal statement, letters of recommendation, resume or vita and writing sample. GPA and GRE scores will not be made available to graduate students.
If your application is considered for a university fellowship, it will be reviewed by other faculty in the Psychological Sciences Department and the University Fellowship Committee.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The University of Missouri does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability or status as a qualified protected veteran. For more information, contact MU Human Resource Services , the Director of MU Office of Institutional Equity or the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.
Many questions you might have about our program and your application can be answered in our Graduate Program FAQ or by contacting our Director of Graduate Studies, Dennis Miller (millerden@missouri.edu).