Admission Requirements

All students need to meet the following minimum requirements:

• A B.A. or B.S. in Psychology or related field from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent OR;
• A B.A. or B.S. in another discipline from an accredited institution or foreign equivalent with coursework to include Introduction to (or General) Psychology in addition to an undergraduate course in Research Methods or Statistics
  • For those applicants who have not taken these prerequisite courses yet, a competitive application would include a plan to take these classes at an accredited institution (in-person or online) prior to starting the program be addressed in the Goal Statement.
• Practical work experience (e.g., beyond entry-level or part time jobs in retail)
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on 4.0 scale, or equivalent, is desired. Applicants with grades on a scale other than 4.0, will be evaluated based on standards for the country of their degree
• GRE scores are not required for admission
• English proficiency scores:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores: 99 iBT
    • Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) scores breakdown: Writing (23), Listening (23), Reading (25), Speaking (28, 23 acceptable if have 2 years’ work experience in supervisory or management positions in the U.S.)
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores: Minimum score 7.0
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic scores: 68
    • Scores must be less than 2 years old.
    • Please note: All international students are required to submit TOEFL scores unless you attended a university in an English-speaking country or hold an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution. IELTS are accepted in substitution for TOEFL scores.
• If you have a three-year degree versus a four-year degree, your transcript will be reviewed to determine whether you have met the necessary pre-requisites for the program. Eligibility for admission can only be determined upon receipt of a complete application.

We’re here to help! Fill out the form below to speak to us.

Sorry, we’re having a technical issue.

Try refreshing the page. If the problem persists, please check our status page at status.formassembly.com or email us at support@formassembly.com

Thank you for your patience.

Diagnostic information: FA_LB_ERR_BH

Application Process

All international applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to allow sufficient time to receive all the necessary documents and to process and assess the application.

International applications are accepted for the fall semester only. We encourage all international applicants to send in their documents at least six months prior to the start of the semester applying to. To apply, complete a Degree-Seeking UMBC Graduate School Application and use program name: Industrial & Organizational Psychology (MPS).

• Apply online
  • Submit your statement of goals as an attachment in the “Academic Goals and Research Interests” section
  • Insert names of references into “References” section (Note: we only require two. Put N/A in third line)
  • Submit Experience Form as an attachment in “Additional Admissions Documents” section
  • Complete residency information to be reviewed for tuition rates
• Request official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions to be sent to UMBC Graduate School, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250 or emailed to gradschool@umbc.edu.
• Request for test scores to be sent by ETS to UMBC (code 5835)

All documents should be mailed to:

UMBC Graduate School, M.P.S. I/O Psychology
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250 U.S.A.

Your application packet should include the following documents:

• Completed graduate degree application including residency form. Use program code PRST-INOP
• Experience Form
• Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
• TOEFL scores forwarded to UMBC by ETS – UMBC’s institutional code is 5835
• Two Recommendation letters (if you choose to forego the online option, please see the paper form here).
  • Because of the specific rating factors on which you will be evaluated, we recommend that at least one from an academic professor or advisor if possible. This will make your application more competitive. If that is not possible or practical, applicants may submit letters from other sources. Additional letters beyond these two may be submitted.
• A focused 300-500 word Goal Statement demonstrating a basic understanding of the field of I/O and career aspirations with some application of I/O or HR. We recommend that you structure your essay in a way that addresses the following points (as applicable):
  • Your personal and academic background including any coursework relevant to Psychology in general or I/O specifically (this is especially important for non-PSYC majors)
  • Why you are interested in a career in I/O Psychology or Human Resources including any career goals
  • How I/O Psychology ties into any of your work experience to date
  • Any research experience which you have had
• Application fee ($50 online)

Obtaining Immigration Documents

If you intend to apply for an F-1 visa and require an I-20 from UMBC, please include the following additional documents with your application.

• Copy of valid passport
• Certified bank statement or bank verification letter from financial sponsor showing a minimum of $29,000 (USD) in available funds.
• Letter from financial sponsor stating they will be responsible for all living expenses and school-related expenses for the duration of your stay at UMBC.

Send these documents after receipt admission acceptance. Note: I-20 is processed after formal acceptance into the program.

All immigration related questions should be addressed to International Education Services by phone at (410) 455-2624 or by e-mail, ies@umbc.edu.

Financial Aid/Tuition/Assistantships

• The program does not offer financial aid or graduate assistantships.
• Tuition information: Helpful hints about tuition and paying your bill: here
• Student Business Services: Billing, tuition, fees, payment options: here

Looking for more info?