Admissions Overview

The first step to applying to Michigan State University and the EPET doctoral program is to complete the University Application. The application period for a Fall 2024 program start is OPEN.

Materials Deadline: December 1st.

Admissions Requirements

The admissions requirements are the same for the hybrid and the on-campus programs.

1. University Application and Fee.
   • All applications should be for Fall Semester (FS).
   • Application fees, payable to Michigan State University, are non-refundable.
2. Request Letters of Recommendation.
   • Provide contact information for 3 recommendation letter writers.
   • You will need to include: first and last name, job title, employer, and email address.
   • Please ensure you have a mutual agreement and understanding with your recommender prior to submitting their information into the system. You are responsible for ensuring the required letters of recommendation are submitted on your behalf. You may need to follow up with your recommenders regarding missing letters to complete your application.
3. Upload your Professional & Scholarly Goal Statement (specify “Academic Statement” as the document label).
4. Upload your Writing Sample.
   • Submit an example of academic or professional writing, e.g., something that you have published, a master’s thesis, or a paper you might have submitted to fulfill graduate course requirements. You must have authored the sample exclusively. The purpose is to demonstrate your ability to write analytical English prose in order to give the review committee a clear idea of how well you will be able to carry out the kind of analytical writing that is such a central component of advanced graduate students.
   • Samples whose content is close to the applicant’s stated interest are most useful.
5. Upload your Vita or Resume (specify “Resume” as the document type).
   • List professional experience, awards, honors, publications, presentations, professional affiliations, and professional development activities.
6. Send one copy of your Official Transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
   • These transcripts must be sent directly from the institution; please contact the Registrar’s Office at the institutions you attended for the appropriate procedures and fee information. Note: for courses you have taken at MSU, a transcript is not required. (International applicants, see the additional information below.)
7. Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
   • The verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the GRE should be submitted. Applications should have official test results reported to institution code 1465. Note that scores that are more than 5 years old cannot be considered for the application.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ list. Also, EPET program support (epetphd@msu.edu) can answer questions related to the submission of your materials for both the hybrid and on-campus programs. Note that all admissions decisions are made by EPET program faculty.

International Applicants

People who are applying to our programs from overseas have a few extra requirements in the application process. See the International Applicants page of the MSU Graduate School website.

1. You would need to prove that you have financial means.
2. You would need to demonstrate sufficient fluency in English. For more information, see also the English Language Center.
3. All transcript information must be professionally translated into English.
4. Official copies of ALL records from all post-secondary schooling attended/attending. Mark sheets, transcripts, certificates, and diplomas, must be submitted as official documents directly from each institution. In most cases, these documents will need to be sent in official, sealed, issuing institution envelopes.
5. Other important resources can be found at:
   • Graduate School resources for international students
   • International Admission
   • The International Center for Students at Michigan State University
   • International Student Financial Aid
6. Please contact Office for International Students and Scholars for additional information regarding visa requirements.

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. To learn more, visit the English Language Competency page of the MSU Graduate School website.

A few suggestions for all applicants…

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. Access to fellowships and the program itself are facilitated by submitting your materials before the deadline.
• GRE scores are essential for doctoral admissions decisions, here and elsewhere. If you are not happy with your score, construct a plan to prepare and retake the examination.
• Give close attention to your Professional and Scholarly Goals Statement 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 requires 3 letters of recommendation.
• Most of all, make sure that you are ready for 5 years (typically) of demanding and exciting work to become an educational researcher and scholar!

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 a 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.

Student Residence

Michigan State University will not be offering certain online programs to students based on their residence at the time of application for admission to Michigan State University – see State-By-State Summary https://esp.msu.edu/StateSummary.pdf

Student Notification

Applicants or students enrolling in any course or program shall be notified if graduates of the program in which they are enrolling qualify to sit for any licensure, licensure exam, third party certification, third party certification exam, or similar credential related to the program’s field of study. This notice shall be clearly stated and given regardless of whether or not the license, certification, or other credential is required for entry into the student’s chosen field of study or occupation. The notification shall be in writing and signed or otherwise acknowledge by the student.

Student Notification – Professional Licensure, Certification & Exams

Professional Licensure. Michigan State University has not determined whether online or hybrid courses or programs meet the requirements for professional licensure outside the state of Michigan. Applicants or students need to contact the applicable licensing board(s) in the states they wish to pursue licensure before seeking admission or beginning study in a course or program.