Admissions
On This Page: Application Dates & Deadlines | Minimum Admission Requirements | How to Apply | International Students
The University of Washington Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment program is designed for those who want to pursue careers providing mental health services to children and youth. The program can be completed in 15 months (five quarters).
Thanks to $2.2 million in state funding awarded in 2023, the program has been able to double the number of students trained annually. Since summer 2024, the cohort size has increased from 27–30 students to 54 students and will continue at that level going forward.
Application Dates & Deadlines
A new cohort for the Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment starts every summer quarter. The application deadline is in December, and you will be notified of an admission decision by March.
| Applications Open | Application Deadline | Program Begins |
|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | December 1, 2025 | June 22, 2026 |
Applicants will be notified of an admissions decision by April 1.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (preferably in a social science, science or health science discipline) from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent from a foreign institution
- A minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the last graded 60 semester credits or 90 graded quarter credits, or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution with no grading system
- Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English
- Experience working with children
- Successful completion of a criminal background check
Previous coursework in child development is also desired.
How to Apply
Begin your application for admission to the UW Graduate School.
If you’re a new applicant, click the Create an account link to start building your applicant profile.
Next, select your program.
In the Program Selection tab, choose these options:
• Select your application type: Graduate
• Narrow your search: By Degree
• Filter by degree: Master's
• Select your program: Psychology – MA (Applied Child & Adolescent: Prevention & Treatment)
You can save your application at any step and come back to it later.
Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended. If you’re a former or current University of Washington student, you must include your UW transcript.
Prepare an updated resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your educational background and professional experience.
Compile your most recent work or job experience working with children, adolescents and/or families. Include your total hours of experience and a brief description of work. List this information separately from your resume.
Additional information is provided in the application.
These statements are short, written responses to prompts. Specific instructions and prompts are provided within the application. If you wish to prepare in advance of the application’s release, draft key points to explain your reasons for applying to this program.
Identify three people who can recommend you to the program. Recommendations should come from recent professional (current or former employers/supervisors) or academic references (instructors/professors) within the last three years. Make sure you choose people who can judge your capacity to thrive in the child and adolescent psychology field.
GRE scores are not required and will not be considered if submitted.
Pay the nonrefundable fee and submit your application.
You can check the status of your application at any time by logging into the application page.
A select number of applicants are invited to interview with program leaders. Interviews are held virtually on Zoom, follow a group format and last up to 50 minutes. Applicants must complete an interview before being considered for an admission offer.
International Students
The Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment program welcomes international applicants. You are considered an international applicant if you’re not a U.S. citizen, immigrant or permanent resident. International applicants must meet all admission requirements for the program.
Visa Status
International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. International students who require F-1 or J-1 visa status are not eligible to apply. To participate fully in the program, your visa must allow part‑time study and internships. This program is considered part‑time because at least one of the five quarters requires taking fewer than 10 credits.
For more information, review the citizenship and visa status section of the Graduate School's application process page, and contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services at uwgrad@uw.edu if you have any questions.
English Proficiency Requirement
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. The UW Graduate School’s Policy 3.2 describes several ways to do this. Test scores must be sent directly to the UW by the Educational Testing Service using institution code 4854. Only scores less than two years old will be accepted.
The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran. This policy applies to all programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. Discrimination is prohibited by Washington State Gubernatorial Executive Orders 89-01 and 93-07, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, State of Washington Gender Equity in Higher Education Act of 1989, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1972 as amended, other federal and state statutes, regulations, and University policy. Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action compliance efforts at the University of Washington are coordinated by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, University of Washington, 4320 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle WA 98195-4969, Box 354960, telephone 206-543-3392 or email eoaa@uw.edu.
The University of Washington is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at least ten days in advance at: 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-685-7264 (fax), or dso@uw.edu.