Apply to the Hybrid Doctoral Program in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology

Application process

Applications are made to the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education (CEPSE). If you have questions about the hybrid program, feel free to contact Robin Dickson epetphd@msu.edu, 517-884-2094.

All admissions decisions are made by EPET program faculty.

General Admissions Requirements

• The MSU Graduate Application
• The Departmental Application to CEPSE
• Two (2) official copies of transcripts from all previous institutions attended
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• Graduate Record Examination Scores
• Vita or Resume
• Writing Sample (samples whose content is close to the applicant’s stated interest are most useful)
• Statement of Research Goals (a very important element of your application; feel free to make this a longer version of the Personal Goal Statement required by the Department)

Requirements for the English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to be proficient in English as a condition for regular admission to MSU. Such applicants will be required to demonstrate their proficiency by meeting certain minimum standards on any one of the following tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
• Michigan State University English Language Test

More details about these assessments and minimum scores required by the University are given in the “Application for Graduate Study,” p. 10, http://grad.msu.edu.

As you prepare your application materials for submission, here are some specific suggestions to consider.

• Shop widely for doctoral programs, in and outside of the College of Education, and make sure that Educational Psychology and Educational Technology is right for you. If you are not sure, contact us.
• If possible, don’t wait until the December 1st deadline to apply. Early application allows faculty to contact prospective students with questions or potential problems with admissions paperwork.
• Like it or not, GRE scores matter in doctoral admissions decisions, here and elsewhere. If you are not happy with your score, construct a plan to do a little study and retake the examination.
• Give close attention your Statement of Research Goals and make sure that it articulates your research interest(s), how that interest has arisen, and why it is compelling for you. If possible, describe how you have been thinking about exploring that interest and draw links to EPET faculty whom you think are doing related work.
• If possible, select a Writing Sample that is linked to your research interest.
• Understand that you are responsible for making sure that Recommendation Letters are submitted in a timely fashion. Access to fellowship support and admission to the program require 3 letters of recommendation.
• Most of all, make sure that you are ready for 5 years (typically) of demanding and exciting work to become a educational researcher and scholar!

In general terms, the EPET program is looking for bright, well-prepared, highly-motivated applicants who feel strongly drawn to research and scholarship in educational psychology and/or educational technology. All applicants must be ready for full-time study that is more demanding and consuming than all their prior education. They must also be ready to learn to conceptualize, carry out, and report innovative research.