Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the new GRE general test required?
A: The General Test is required. As of this August, there will be a new version of the GRE test. We will accept scores from either the old or new version of the test. It is the applicant's responsibility to take the test in time for scores to be included on the departmental and university applications. FSU's institutional code is 5219 (required when having official scores sent to us). If the GRE scores are older than 5 years, it is necessary for the GRE to be retaken. Special care is used in interpreting the GRE scores of students who may have had an educational or cultural experience somewhat different from that of the traditional majority.
Q: Is the psychology subject GRE required?
A: The psychology subject GRE is not required for any of the programs, but it is recommended. The general GRE, on the other hand, is required for all programs.
Q: Do I have to upload materials to the ‘department’ application?
A: For Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Social, and Applied Behavioral Analysis: No. All material (transcripts, personal statement, CV, GRE scores (if available)) and letters of recommendation are uploaded to the university application. Letters of recommendation are uploaded by the recommender to the university application. Make sure you provide the letter writers’ correct email addresses on the University application.
For Neuroscience: No, there is no departmental application for Neuroscience
Q: Do I have to upload materials to the ‘university’ application?
A: For Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Social, and Applied Behavioral Analysis: Yes, see response above.
For Neuroscience: All supporting documentation for application to the Program in Neuroscience should be uploaded during the online application process, including Research Interests, Test Scores, Transcripts, Statement of Goals and Purpose, Resume, and contacts for recommendation letters.
Q: What are the application deadlines?
A: The application deadlines vary by program. They are as follows:
December 1, 2011 for Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience
December 15, 2011 for Cognitive Psychology and Social Psychology
January 13, 2012 for Developmental Psychology
February 1, 2012 for Applied Behavioral Analysis Master’s Program
Q: How do I know which professors are accepting new students?
A: For Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, and Social: The names of faculty who are accepting a student are listed in the departmental online application. (Click on the “Interests” tab and then on the “Faculty” tab.)
Q: I haven't completed my degree. Should I send my transcript now or wait until I have completed my degree to send my transcript?
A: You should upload your most current transcript before the deadline to the university application.
Q: Is there a Psy.D. program?
A: FSU does not offer a Psy.D.
Q: Does the psychology department have any terminal Master’s programs?
A: The Applied Behavioral Analysis program is the only one that offers a terminal Master’s degree. Students in the Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental and Social areas often earn Master’s degrees on their way to earning their Ph.D.s, but there is no terminal Master’s degree offered in these areas.
Q: Are any graduate courses or degrees offered online?
A: We currently do not offer any graduate courses or degrees online.
Q: If I have a Master’s degree from another University, will my thesis count toward the thesis requirement (required for Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, and Social doctoral programs) for my doctoral degree in Psychology at FSU?
A: Students who have entered the Florida State University graduate program in psychology, and who have previously completed a master’s degree in psychology or a closely related area, which has required an empirical thesis, may not have to complete a master’s thesis at FSU. The department will review the student’s master’s thesis from the other institution and determine whether the master’s thesis is acceptable to fill that requirement. If the thesis from the other institution is accepted by the department, the student must still complete the course requirements and research apprenticeship requirement for the Master’s degree at FSU.
Q: Can courses I took as a graduate student at another University be counted toward my degree requirements for the doctoral programs at FSU?
A: If a student has completed a graduate course at another University that closely matches a required course, the student can request that the requirement be waived. The student will submit the syllabus from the course completed elsewhere for review. If the course is evaluated to be equivalent, the requirement will be waived.