Admissions Requirements & Process

What Materials are Required to Apply to the Program Evaluation M.A. or Certificate Program?

Application to the M.A.* or Certificate** in Program Evaluation requires the following items:  

  1. Official copies of transcripts from each institution attended. Must include a transcript for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  2. A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts who can attest to your potential for success in this graduate program and a career in program evaluation. If you exited a graduate program in the past calendar year without completing the degree, one letter of recommendation must come from that program’s director/chairperson.
  3. A personal statement addressing the following: your personal reasons for your interest in program evaluation; related work experience; how an M.A. or certificate in program evaluation will help you attain your career goals; personal attributes that will be an asset to a career in program evaluation; personal qualities or experiences that will help you succeed in and complete an online degree program; and why you are seeking a graduate degree in Program Evaluation. 
  4. Your resume or curriculum vitae.
  5. If non-native English-speaker, English proficiency exam (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS). Refer to the MSU Office of Admissions for further details.

Please note that GRE scores are NOT required.

Anyone interested in taking one or more courses as a non-degree seeking student, contact us regarding course availability and complete the MSU online Lifelong Education Application status through the university.

*Residents of Canada should contact us at progeval.msu.edu for information about program availability in your province.  

**Students who are currently enrolled in an M.A. or Ph.D. program at MSU do not need to complete an admissions application. These applicants need only submit a letter from their program adviser or chairperson indicating that the student is in good standing and that they agree the certificate is an appropriate adjunct training opportunity.

How do I apply?

Follow these steps to apply for admission:

  1. Complete the online application
    Go to the MSU Office of Admissions Application Management website to complete the online admissions application for either the graduate degree (program code 7735) or graduate certificate (program code 7754). A nonrefundable application fee is required. 

    In the online application, there is space to upload a "personal statement" and an "academic statement." We require a "personal statement" only. Your written statement must address each of the items listed in the "What are the requirements" section above.

    There is also space in the online application to provide your recommendation letter writers' contact information. Once you submit the application, your letter writers will receive an email with instructions for submitting their letters through the online system.

    To return to an application you started, go to https://explore.msu.edu/apply/.

  2. Request your transcripts
    Request official transcripts from each institution attended. The official transcripts MUST be sent by the appropriate officials from each institution directly to the university. See the instructions below for sending transcripts. Your application is not complete until we receive your official transcripts.

    Transcripts from U.S. Institutions 
    Electronic transcripts are preferred. Have electronic transcripts sent to progeval@msu.edu. If electronic transcripts are not an option, have paper copies sent to the following address: Program Evaluation Graduate Program, Department of Psychology, 316 Physics Road Rm 262, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 . 

    International Transcripts
    All international academic records need to be mailed by the institutions attended in official, sealed envelopes to the following address: Michigan State University, Office of Admissions, 426 Auditorium Dr East Lansing, MI 48824.

    Records must show courses taken, grades earned, and must be translated into English if the original records are in another language. Translations must be done by the issuing institution, a certified translator in the country of study, or by an American Translator’s Association certified translator in the US. The original record should be also included.

    Read more about sending international transcripts here: https://grad.msu.edu/internationalapplicants. 

  3. Request English language proficiency test scores (for non-US Citizens without permanent residency status)
    Have English language proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) electronically sent to the MSU Office of Admissions directly from the testing agency. MSU's TOEFL code is 1465. Also, review MSU's international requirements here: MSU Admissions for International Students. Do NOT have testing reports mailed to the university or Department of Psychology.

When is the application deadline?

The table below shows the upcoming deadlines for submitting the online application and required supplemental materials including personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores (if applicable).

Start Semester

(First Day of Class)

 Online Application Deadline 

 Supplemental Materials Deadline 

Summer 2024 (May 13)

April 1

April 15

Fall 2024 (Aug. 26)

 July 1

July 15

Spring 2025 (Jan. 13)

November 1

November 15

What happens after I submit my application?

Admission to the M.A. or certificate in program evaluation requires a three-step review process:

  1. The admission committee reviews the applicant's materials. The committee's recommendation (accept or deny) is forwarded to the MSU College of Social Science for review.

  2. The MSU College of Social Science reviews the application and forwards their recommendation (admit or deny) to the MSU Office of Admissions.

  3. The MSU Office of Admission reviews the applicant's credentials and makes an official admission decision.

Typically, the application review/admission process takes approximately 2 weeks. All applicants receive a decision letter by email.

How does the admission committee evaluate applicants?

The admissions committee uses the following criteria to judge the strength of an application:

  1. Academic aptitude: To what extent is this applicant prepared to succeed in graduate level coursework?
  2. Program fit: To what extent is the program evaluation M.A. or certificate a good option as an educational opportunity for this applicant?

To evaluate academic aptitude, the commitee reviews the applicant's materials for evidence of a minimum GPA of 3.0 in prior undergraduate or graduate work, a strong performance in any related coursework (e.g., research methods, statistics, other social science courses, writing courses), and qualities needed to succeed in graduate courses. 

To evaluate program fit, the committee reviews the applicant's materials for evidence that they understand what program evaluation is, that the degree/certificate is in line with their career goals, and that they possess qualities to succeed in online courses. 

Ready to Apply?

Click here to start your application