How to Apply: International I/O Psych Students

Fall 2024 Application Deadline: May 1, 2024
Fall 2024 Semester Begins: August 30, 2024

The following information is provided for international applicants interested in applying to the Masters of Professional Studies in I/O Psychology. International applicants should read the information provided carefully prior to applying.

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At a Glance

Delivery

In-person

Locations Offered

  • Shady Grove (Rockville)

Programs Offered

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M.P.S. 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 (Exceptions to English Proficiency Requirement):
    • 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.
      • Duolino: 115
      • Please note: All international students are required to submit English Language scores unless you hold an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution or hold a degree from an English-speaking country on the list of exceptions.
  • 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.

Please note that the above are guidelines used by the Selection Committee and that reviews and final decisions are made at its discretion on a holistic basis taking into account the entire application.

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Contact Information

M.P.S. 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. Application review periods will begin on November 1 and run through May 1 each year.
**Note all application materials, including letters of recommendation and transcripts, must be submitted by May 1 to be considered for admission.

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 require three references. Letters must be submitted by the writer directly to UMBC and include the recommendation form).
    • 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
  • Official transcript(s) from each college & university attended
    • The WES Course-by-Course evaluation is strongly encouraged to expedite the review process, but is not required. Upload the WES evaluation into the “Additional Admissions Documents” section.
  • Official English Proficiency Scores forwarded to UMBC
  • Resume/CV
  • Three recommendation letters (if you choose to forego the online option, please see the paper form).
    • 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.
  • 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;
    • Any mitigating factors related to your prior academic performance which you would like us to know about.
  • Application fee ($50 online)

I/O Psychology Certificates

The Training and Talent Development and Organizational Consulting graduate certificates are hybrid programs with several courses offered online only. U.S. Department of Education regulations require students with F-1 visas take a minimum number of in-person courses every semester.

Unless you are also enrolled in a master’s program at UMBC, these graduate certificate programs do not offer enough in-person courses to comply with that regulation. As a result, no I-20’s for F-1 visas will be issued by UMBC for international applicants only pursuing a certificate.

Obtaining Immigration Documents

If you intend to apply for an F-1 visa and require an I-20 from UMBC, you will be required to provide a copy of a valid passport and proof of financial support. Please refer to the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) page on I-20 Information and Financial Requirements for more information. All immigration related questions should be addressed to OISS through a Help ticket.

International students who may be interested in applying for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension can learn more by visiting 24-Month STEM OPT Extension.

Financial Aid/Tuition/Assistantships

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