Due Date

Early, preferred application due date is February 1.
Late applications may be considered. Please contact the DS coordinator or the faculty member of interest for more information.  Priority funding will be provided to those who apply by February 1.

Application Components

Applications must be submitted online and include the following components:

• Online application form
• Personal statement (suggestions: writing a personal statement)
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Thesis or writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation - recommenders should be identified in the online application and then will be contacted electronically to complete the form/letter online. (suggestions: letters of recommendation)
• TOEFL scores for those whose native language is not English
• The GRE is not required for admittance in to the program
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities

NOTE: A key component for acceptance into our program is a match between your interests and those of the core faculty member(s). Thus, it would be helpful to indicate your research interests and the faculty member(s) you would like to work with in your personal statement. For more information on current research projects and core faculty members, click here. Check out the graduate school application procedure.  When selecting a program, select Developmental Science.

Apply Online

Admission Criteria

Criteria for admission include but are not limited to:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Well-written personal statement with research interests that match with the department
• Previous research knowledge and experience (preferred)
• For those entering with a Bachelor's degree:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited educational institution in child development, developmental psychology, human development, developmental science, psychology, or other related area
  • At least one course in statics and one course in research methods (preferred)
• For those entering with a Master's degree:
  • Master's degree from an accredited educational institution in child development, developmental psychology, human development, developmental science, psychology, or other related area
  • At least one course in statistics and one course in research methods, with grades of a least a B
  • Completion of an empirical Master's thesis (this document must be sent along with your application)
• For non-native English speakers:
  • Subscores on the TOEFL at least 24 for speaking and 21 for writing

More Info

For more information on NDSU financial opportunities

Review Graduate School Information for Prospective Students

For more information contact Dr. Joel Hektner, Department Chair 701-231-8269 or Dr. Heather Fuller, Program Coordinator 701-231-5621.