Frequently Asked Questions

GRE

  1. Is the GRE required?
    The GRE is now considered an optional admission requirement. If you choose to submit your GRE scores as part of your application, an official score report is required. If you do not submit your GRE scores as part of your application, you must submit an APA-style academic writing sample instead. Please note that the GRE is required for consideration for program-specific research scholarships.
  2. Is there a minimum admissible GRE score?
    There is no minimum GRE score for admission. We review the entire application to determine ability and fit with the program.
  3. Can I submit my application prior to taking the GRE?
    Yes.
  4. Where should my test scores be sent?
    On the day of testing, select Pennsylvania State University, School Code 2660, as a Score Recipient. Test scores will be recorded on your application and available to view in approximately three weeks.

Applying for Admission

  1. Where do I apply?
    An application link is located on the ACPSY How to Apply web page.
  2. What is the application fee?
    The non-refundable application fee is $65.
  3. Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
    Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 credits of coursework to be considered for admission.
  4. Are prerequisites required?
    Undergraduate coursework must include a statistics course and a psychology research methods course, with grades of B or higher. Applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 18 credits in psychology.
  5. Where do I verify documents submitted for my application?
    You can return to your application in the Graduate School portal anytime. Click on “Check your application status.” 
  6. I graduated from Penn State, do I need to upload Penn State transcripts?
    No, they will automatically be populated when you indicate that you attended Penn State. If you attended another institution, the Graduate School requires official transcripts regardless of the number of credits earned.
  7. I graduated from an institution other than Penn State. Do I need to upload official transcripts?
    Yes! We recommend that you order two official transcripts from the Registrar at your institution(s), each in a separate, sealed envelope. You will open one, and upload it to the application. Individuals who accept an offer of admission will be required to mail the second sealed transcript to the Graduate School, which is located at the University Park campus. Do not mail any materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions at Penn State Behrend.
  8. Can I upload an unofficial, advising, or student-use transcript with my application?
    No. The Graduate School will not process applications without an official transcript.
  9. What should I tell my recommenders to expect?
    After you submit your application, your recommenders/references will receive an email requesting them to complete a brief online evaluation of thirty academic and professional characteristics. Additional comments are optional. All your references must submit the recommendation form in order for your application to be considered complete. 
  10. Do my recommenders need to submit their online evaluation by the deadline?
    Yes, it is your responsibility to ensure that your recommendations are completed and submitted by the application deadline. Choose recommenders who can complete the form in a timely manner.
  11. Are all other documents due by the stated application deadline?
    Yes. 
  12. Is a personal interview required?
    Yes. Applicants who are admissible to the program will be required to participate in a personal telephone interview with faculty.
  13. When and how will I know if I am offered admission?
    Once your application is complete and you have been interviewed, a recommendation for admission will be made by Dr. Wilson Brown, ACPSY program coordinator and associate professor of clinical psychology. This typically takes up to seven business days and you will be notified of your admission status by email. Admission is offered jointly with the Graduate School, so your credentials also require its formal approval.
  14. Can I change my semester of application?
    Yes. Your application semester can be deferred for up to three semesters. You should email your deferral request, including the semester in which you would like to enroll, to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  15. Can international students be offered ACPSY admission?
    Yes. After an offer and acceptance of admission and verification by the Graduate School, you will be prompted to begin the student visa process. Your visa application must be approved by the Department of Homeland Security. The deadline for students who require a student visa is two months prior to the published application deadline.
  16. How will I learn about LionPATH and other Penn State processes?
    Upon acceptance of your offer of admission, you will receive a series of emails introducing you to the tools you’ll use in your graduate education, including LionPATH, which is Penn State’s student information system. LionPATH is where you register for courses, access your tuition bills, and more. You’ll also receive emails from Identity Services and the Graduate School. It is required that you complete all pre-registration activities in LionPATH prior to enrolling in courses.
  17. Why should I accept my offer quickly?
    Once you accept your offer of admission, the Graduate School will request that you send it your official transcripts, which is the final step in the admissions process. Accepting your offer in a timely manner will allow you to register for your courses sooner.
  18. Is ACPSY Orientation mandatory?
    Yes. You will be notified of the date by Dr. Wilson Brown, ACPSY program coordinator.

ACPSY Scheduling Information

  1. Where can I find the ACPSY course listings?
    Visit the ACPSY curriculum page.
  2. Are courses offered in the summer semester?
    Yes. Two required courses are offered only in the summer. In addition, you will register for an internship during the summer.
  3. Can I take just one course per semester?
    Yes. Keep in mind that your financial aid resources will be limited if you are enrolled in fewer than 5 graduate credits per semester.
  4. When are classes held?
    Classes are held either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, each semester. Practicum and internship hours will vary based on placement.
  5. Is summer enrollment required?
    Yes.
  6. Are program professors available to supervise and guide student research?
    Yes, all of the program faculty are typically available. Please email faculty directly to determine if he/she is pursuing a specific research line.
  7. Will I have an opportunity to conduct additional research?
    Yes, this is encouraged. We hope to have our students work with us on additional research projects and manuscripts.

Additional Information

  1. Where is my academic adviser identified?
    On the Student Center page of your LionPATH account. New students who have not yet been assigned an adviser can contact Dr. Wilson Brown, program coordinator.
  2. Do I need a specific GPA to graduate?
    Yes, a 3.0 minimum GPA is required.
  3. Will I be eligible for licensure in my state?
    Our program sets the groundwork for licensure in most states. You will graduate with the requisite 48-credit master’s degree. You also will have completed 700 practicum/internship hours and the required graduate coursework that fulfills the majority of states’ requirements to be licensed at the master’s-degree level.
    Since state requirements vary, plans are developed on an individual basis; we will work with you to complete an additional 12 credits, if required by your state, during your degree program.
  4. How many years does the Graduate School allow to complete a graduate degree?
    Eight years.
  5. Where are the Penn State semester dates and academic calendars listed?
    Semester dates and other pertinent information can be found on the Academic Calendars page.

Financial Aid

  • What financial aid resources are available for graduate students?
  • Are there scholarships available for graduate students in the ACPSY program?
    • Two research scholarships are available each year. Interested students should apply by July 1 before the coming fall semester. For more information, see the ACPSY Tuition and Costs page.