Community Psychology Admission Requirements

​​​Admission into DePaul's Community Psychology MA/PhD program is very competitive. We typically admit about three students per year, and these students are fully funded with tuition waivers and stipends and serve as research and teaching assistantships in return. The Community Program has a mentorship model, so fit with faculty interests is important; however students often have the opportunity to work closely with more than one faculty member. The Community Psychology MA is a non-terminal degree earned only by students who have been admitted to the PhD program. Students cannot be admitted for the MA program alone. Drs. Jason, Jeong, McMahon and Mikels​ will be evaluating applications for admission for​ the 2025-26 academic year, but only two students will be admitted.

Please read through the general instructions before filling out the online application. When filling out the online application select the Psychology Graduate Programs application, not the College of Science and Health application.

International Admission

Students educated outside the United States must present proof of English proficiency. The program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 96 on the TOEFL iBT, or a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, or a minimum Duolingo score of 125.

For additional information for international students please visit our International Student Admission Process page.

Application Evaluation

Community faculty evaluate all application materials carefully and emphasizes the following criteria:

1. Completeness of Credentials: Faculty will only review complete applications submitted before the December 5 deadline. The review process begins shortly after this date, and interviews with a group of selected applicants will take place on campus in February. Applicants will be notified if they qualify for an interview. In-person interviews are strongly preferred; however, phone/Skype interviews can be arranged if necessary.

2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores and Grade Point Average (GPA): The GRE is optional. Students who do not submit a GRE will not be penalized. If you choose to submit a GRE score, please submit your scores directly through ETS. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is advised. If an applicant is particularly strong in one area but not another, this criteria is not followed rigidly.

3.  Undergraduate Preparation. Students are expected to have had courses in statistics, psychological research methods, and other areas of psychology to permit advanced study in this field. The minimum requirement for admission is 32 quarter hours (24 semester hours) in psychology. Although not required, history & systems, social and community psychology, and math courses are viewed positively. In addition, applied and research experience will be an important consideration in the selection process.  Download and fill out the Course History List form.

4. Three Letters of Recommendation. Students should have at least 3 letters of recommendation. Selected recommenders are encouraged to address the applicant’s academic abilities, potential for conducting research, and ability to work with others.

5. Personal Statement: No specific prompt is provided in order to allow applicants the freedom to express themselves as they deem appropriate. Applicants are encouraged to highlight their research interests and name faculty with whom they would like to work. A guideline of two to three pages is advised.

6. Match to the Program: As the DePaul Community program is highly specialized, the match of a student's career goals and experiences to the program objectives is also a significant consideration in the admission evaluation process.

7. Diversity. Community faculty encourage applications from students from marginalized and/or minoritized backgrounds (broadly defined). We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruiting, training, and retaining our graduate students.

8. Disabled Students: Community faculty encourage applications from students with disabilities.

Take the next step

Learn more about Graduate Admission.
Attend an Admission Event.

Ready to apply?

If you need assistance to complete your application and/or have questions, contact the CSH Graduate Admission office at (773) 325-7315 or cshgrad@depaul.edu.