Admissions

child playingThe 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.

Application Dates and Deadlines

Applications for the program will open in February 2017. The priority application deadline is March 8, and those who apply by this date will be notified of a decision by April 1. The regular deadline is May 1, and those who apply by then will be notified by mid-June.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree 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
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English
  • Experience working with children

Previous coursework in child development is also desired.

Required Application Materials

  • UW Graduate School online application and fee
  • Unofficial transcripts from every college or university where you earned a degree
  • Resume
  • Goal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your native language

Application Steps

Step One: Prepare to Apply

Get transcripts from each college or university where you earned a degree. Download unofficial transcripts or scan printed copies.

Update your resume.

Write a goal statement. In a two- to three-page, double-spaced statement, describe your educational and career goals. Why do you think this master’s program is right for you? What relevant work experiences and/or experiences with children and families have you had?

Identify people who are willing to write letters of recommendation for you. Three letters of recommendation are needed to apply. Recommendations should come from recent professional or academic references (within the last three years). You should choose references who can judge your capacity to thrive in the child and adolescent psychology field. Be sure to have their email addresses, which are required for the Graduate School application.

Step Two: Apply Online

Start your online application to the UW Graduate School.

Select the degree program name.

Upload all required documents.

Designate the people who have agreed to write letters of recommendation for you. Each of these people will be sent an email directing them to a secure website where they will submit their letters.

Pay the nonrefundable application fee and submit your application.

Interview with program faculty. Applications will be reviewed by the instructional leadership team, who may schedule applicants for a telephone or in-person interview.

International Students

International applicants must meet all application requirements for the program. You are considered an international applicant if you are not a U.S. citizen, immigrant or green card holder. International students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. International students on an F-1 or J-1 visa may apply to enroll in the full-time option of this degree program, but may not enroll in the part-time option. For more information, see the UW Graduate School’s International Applicant Information page.