Prospective Students
Application Process and Requirements
The application process needs to be completed no later than December 15, 2024 for consideration for admission Fall semester 2025.
Human Development & Social Policy Master’s Degree Program Prerequisites & Checklist
The admissions committee considers a variety of indicators such as courses taken, grades, employment experiences, research experiences, as well as fit with the expertise of faculty members in the department. These indicators include the overall pattern of required and recommended elements described below. Exceptional students who have successfully defended their Master’s degrees in our department may continue into the Ph.D. program, contingent upon FCS Departmental faculty recommendation.
All applicants are required to have
An undergraduate social science research methods course (from any department) with a B grade or better.
An undergraduate statistics course (from any department) with a B grade or better.
A bachelor's degree from a fully accredited college or university.
An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 (for all undergraduate work or for work completed during the last two years of study, whichever is higher).
The GRE is no longer required. If you choose to take the GRE please specify the Department Code #4602 and the Institution Code #4853 for the University of Utah to help direct the scores to the FCS Department. GRE-prep courses are available for many different sources.
Note: GRE paper test scores are usually sent 5 weeks after the testing date and computer-delivered tests are sent 15 days after the testing date.
A 500-word essay describing your career goals and interest in the program, including which faculty you would like to have as advisors.
A writing sample.
Three letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members).
International Applicant Requirements
A minimum TOEFL score of 80iBT (550pBT) or better, or a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 or better. (Minimum score requirements are subject to change). In order to receive financial assistance as a Teaching Assistant (if funds are available), students must be certified for speaking ability by the ITA Program prior to beginning their teaching assignment.
Additional Recommended Interests
Human Development & Social Policy is an interdisciplinary field studying influences on individual, family, and community well-being. The admissions committee values coursework showing alignment with this field, especially research-focused courses like independent studies or projects. Faculty consider how applicants' goals align with their research interests and program objectives. Applicants should mention faculty whose research aligns with their own interests in their essays (refer to faculty web pages for details).