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Master of Arts in Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment

Admissions

child playingThe 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 a recent award of more than $2.2 million in state funding, the program is doubling the number of students it trains each year. Starting in summer 2024, the cohort size will increase from 27–30 students to 54 students.  

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 (or equivalent measures of performance if a graduate of an institution with no grading system) for those credits earned at the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree OR at least a 3.0 grade-point-average (on a 4 point scale) for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits (UW Graduate School Policy 3.1)
  • 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.

Required Application Materials

  • UW Graduate School online application and fee
  • Unofficial transcripts from every college or university where you earned a degree
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your native language
Please note that GRE test results are not required.

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 statement of purpose. See the UW Graduate School application for specific instructions on the statement of purpose.
  • 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 students must have a visa status that allows for academic study at the University of Washington. At this time, we're unable to accept applications from students who require F-1 or J-1 visa status, but you're welcome to apply if you're in the United States on a different kind of visa. To participate fully in the program, your visa needs to allow for part-time study and internship/practicum participation. The UW cannot provide consultation on visa statuses it doesn't sponsor.

International applicants must meet all admission requirements for the program. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements 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.

Single Course Enrollment

If you want to sample a course before enrolling in the degree program, or if you need credits for professional development, you can apply to take select courses on an individual basis. See the Single Course Enrollment page for more details.