Psychological Science: Concentration in Social, Personality, and Affective Science, M.A.

The successful applicant should have a solid background in science and scientific thinking. This background can be in psychology, related behavioral sciences (e.g., economics, public health), the physical sciences, computer science, or statistics. Research experience is desirable (but not necessary), and people in mid-career who want to pivot to the science of human behavior are encouraged to apply. 

In addition to the general requirements for admission, this program requires:

Department prerequisite form

Indicate what Psychology coursework you've already completed. Different concentrations have different specific prerequisites. Applicants to the Master of Arts in Psychological Science: Concentration in Social, Personality, and Affective Science must have:

• An undergraduate degree in psychology or a related discipline (e.g., sociology, human development, decision sciences), or any science background. It is most helpful to have some undergraduate preparation in the content areas of social psychology, personality science, affective science or group processes, as well as in both research methods and statistics.
• Students are required to complete a statistics course at the intermediate undergraduate level before enrolling in their first year in the graduate program. The Department offers such a course for accepted graduate students that occurs in the summer term (mid-July to mid-August).

Print the form, sign it and scan it to upload to Cal State Apply. Please make sure that all PDFs are filled and saved on Cal State Apply before submitting your application. 

Applicants will also have to submit letters of recommendation, their CV/resume and a personal statement.

Personal statement:
Please answer the questions for the graduate program in which you’re applying to, in an essay format. This essay portion of the departmental application should be typed, 12-point font, and double spaced. Also, please include your last, first name and last four digits of your SS # on the top right-hand corner.

In one essay (5-page limit) please describe the following: 

1. What are your professional goals and how would completion of the graduate program in Social Psychology at SFSU help you achieve those goals?  
2. What is the motivation that underlies your academic and career goals?  
3. Please summarize your principal areas of interest in Social Psychology.  
4. Please describe experiences (e.g., research, employment, volunteer activities) that relate to or have helped develop your current interests in Social Psychology.  
5. Please describe any additional research experience that you have in any area of Psychology.  
6. Our faculty is comprised of active researchers. Indicate which of the Social Psychology (or departmental) faculty you hope to work with and explain why. 

Letters of recommendation
All applicants must request at least three letters of recommendation from people acquainted with your academic qualifications or related experience (i.e. research, practicum, or work). Letters from professors in courses or fields that are closely related to the concentration to which you are applying are the most useful, as well as from employers who are relevant to your chosen field of study.

In the Evaluations section of the Cal State Apply Application, you will have the opportunity to enter the names and email addresses of your three references, along with the due date for the letter of recommendation and a short personal message to the evaluator. You will also need to check the box saying that you waive your right to see your letters of recommendation. Each reference will receive an email allowing them to submit their letter directly via the application platform.

GPA
If you do not meet the university’s general GPA requirement, you must contact the program coordinator prior to applying.

GRE scores:
You may include your GRE scores in your application if you would like; however, this is not required. Request to have your official GRE scores sent directly to the University (California State University – San Francisco school code: 4684). An electronic copy of your score report should be uploaded to your Psychology Department Program Materials portion of the Cal State Apply application. There is a place in the Cal State Apply application that allows you to input your GRE scores, but you also need to upload your GRE Unofficial Score Report as well. You are allowed to submit your application before taking the GRE but make sure to send your GRE scores to the department at (lriley1@sfsu.edu) or to psych@sfsu.edu before the February 1 deadline.

Fall: February 15 (extended deadline)
No Spring Admissions

Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.