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PHOTO: Graduate PsychologyDepartment of Graduate Psychology Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions

What graduate programs/degrees do you offer? (view Guide to Graduate Programs - PDF)
We offer seven graduate programs in Psychology:
  • School Psychology - M.A./Ed.S. 78 credits
    3 year program; 2 years coursework, 10 month internship
    M.A conferred after first year; Ed.S. conferred at end of program
  • Community Counseling - M.A./Ed.S. 60 credits
    3 year program; 2 years coursework, 10 month internship
    (both degrees conferred at end of program)
  • School Counseling - M.Ed./Ed.S. 60 credits
    3 year program; 2 years coursework, 10 month internship
    (both degrees conferred at end of program)
  • College Student Personnel Administration - M.Ed. 36 credits (2-year program)
  • Psychological Sciences - M.A. 36 credits (2-year program)
  • Combined-Integrated Doctoral Program in Clinical, Counseling and School Psychology - Psy.D. (length of program individualized)
  • Doctoral Program in Assessment and Measurement - Ph.D. (length of program individualized)
Do you accept part-time students?
Yes, most programs admit part-time students. Please note, however, that the School Psychology Program, for instance, encourages full-time participation due to the time constraints on a 78 credit hour, 3-year program. The C-I doctoral program does not accept part-time students.
I've been out of school for a long time; what are my chances of getting into your programs?
All of our programs seek diversity in the student population, and diversity includes non-traditional students by age and experience. We believe that a diverse student body creates a better learning community.
What GRE and GPA scores are you looking for?
While each program committee looks at many factors to identify a successful application, and each program sets its own criteria, the general rule is:
GRE: scores above the 50th percentile in all areas (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) GPA: in general, 3.25+
What if my GRE/GPA scores are low? Do I still have a chance to be admitted?
We look at the complete application package; undergraduate courses; recommendations; your personal statement; real-life experiences, relevant background; and, in general, the overall picture.
If you took the GRE more than once, we will look at both scores, but the "official" scores are considered to be the most recent.
I took my GRE's a long time ago, do I need to retake them?
Typically, if you took the GRE more than 5 years ago, you will need to retake them. However, the five year limit on the GREs is actually negotiable for some programs . Check with the particular program.
Can I obtain an assistantship or financial aid?
We have a great track record (close to 100%) of assisting admitted students in finding an assistantship on campus. Assistantships award a stipend and tuition waiver for full time students. Several other financial aid options exist as well. For information about all the options, please inquire to our Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at (540) 568-7820 or fin_aid@jmu.edu.
I'm interested in one of your programs, but don't think my academic background meets your admission requirements. Is there a way I can obtain all or some of the 18 hours of undergraduate psychology credit you recommend as the minimal requirement for application?
Through our Office of Continuing Education, you can apply to take courses for credit each semester. A person in this category is called a Special Student. You can take undergraduate classes when space is available. JMU also offers graduate courses to qualified persons (possessing a Baccalaureate degree) who are not enrolled in a program here, with the permission of the instructor. Should you then apply, and be admitted to one of our Master's level programs, the program is permitted to accept up to one-third of their total program credit hours (i.e., the Counseling Programs are 60 credit hours; you could then transfer-in as many as 20 credit hours taken as a special student.) In addition, many classes are offered in the evening to better accommodate employment and family constraints.
What is the tuition cost?
Tuition for in-state students is $226 per credit hour.
Tuition for non-Virginia residents is $660 per credit hour.
Tuition is somewhat less during the summer sessions.