Requirements for Admission

• A strong background in the behavioral and/or social sciences and at least one undergraduate statistics class.
• Excellent GPA and strong GRE scores.
• Three letters of recommendation that document superior academic competence and work ethic.
• Background and professional goals that are consistent with program strengths and priorities.

Application Deadline: January 15

• All degree programs begin Fall semester.
• January 15 is a firm deadline for complete applications to all degree programs, but later applications may be considered on a “space available” basis in the HDFS MS and PhD degree programs.

Elements of a Complete Application

• The Application Form: The Graduate School at Auburn University uses a web-based application process. Click here to apply to the Graduate School.




• The Processing Fee: The non-refundable application fee is $50 (U.S. citizens; $60 for international students). It can be paid by credit card when you submit your electronic application or it may be paid by check or money order. Your web-based application becomes available for departmental consideration only upon payment of your application fee.




• Official Transcripts: Request the registrar at each school you list on the Graduate Application Form to send official transcripts to the Graduate School at the following address:
  
  
  The Graduate School
  Auburn University
  Auburn, AL 36849-5122
  




• Standardized Test Scores:
  
  
  
  
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores: Auburn University requires current GRE scores (within 5 years). Request that the Educational Testing Service send your official GRE scores to the Auburn University Graduate School.
  
  
  
  • TOEFL (if English is a second language): Request that the Educational Testing Service send your official TOEFL scores to the Auburn University Graduate School.




• Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters are required. The strongest letters come from faculty, employers and/or internship supervisors who have had direct experience with you and can report on your academic strengths, work ethic, and/or capacity for team work. There is no special form for reference letters. Ask you references to send their letters directly to:
  
  
  Joe F. Pittman, Ph.D.
  Graduate Program Officer
  Human Development and Family Studies
  203 Spidle HallAuburn University, AL 36849
  




• Letter of Intent: Your 3-5 page, double-spaced, typed letter of intent will help the Admissions Committee assess the fit between your background and goals and the degree option to which you are applying. The letter should begin with your name and the degree you intend to seek. It should be mailed to Dr. Pittman at the address above and should address the following issues:
  
  
  
  
  • If applicable, personal experiences that led to your interest in HDFS or MFT.
  
  
  
  • Research and professional interests; research experiences that led to your interests; professional, paraprofessional, or significant volunteer experiences in the provision of human services that shaped your interests.
  • Your specific interests in HDFS at Auburn University; faculty research programs or training opportunities at Auburn that interest you.




• Resume: Send a resume or vita to highlight their background and experience to Dr. Pittman at above address.




• Optional Application Materials (Send to Dr. Pittman at above address):
  
  
  
  
  • Publications and Professional Presentations: Students who have participated in a professional publication or presentation given in a professional forum are encouraged to send a copy with their application materials.