HDFS Graduate Admissions

Dr. Brian Vaughn speaking at the Second Hsin Yi Infancy Conference in Taiwan.

To apply for admission to one of our graduate programs, you must have the following:

* A strong background in the behavioral and/or social sciences



* Official transcripts



* Satisfactory GRE scores



* Three letters of recommendation from former professors, work supervisors, or internship advisors
(There is no reference form. Please have letters addressed to Dr. Pittman at the address near the bottom of this page.)



* A 3-5 page letter of intent, described below.



Applications received by January 15 will be given first consideration. Other applications will be considered on a space available basis. Financial support and assistantships are available for qualified students.



Click here to apply to the Graduate School.


Guide to Graduate Programs and Supplementary Application Material 2005


Click here for the HDFS Assistantship Application

ELEMENTS OF A COMPLETE APPLICATION

The application deadline for the MS-MFT Option is January 15. Applications for the HDFS M.S. and Ph.D. degrees completed by January 15 receive first consideration, but applications for the latter degree programs are reviewed through the Spring and Summer Semesters as spaces are available.

The Application Form: The Auburn University Graduate School application is available on the web at the following address:

http://www.grad.auburn.edu/ps/admissions.html

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.

Transcripts: Send official copies of transcripts from all schools listed on the Graduate School Application Form to the Graduate School (see address below).

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores: Have the Educational Testing Service send your official GRE scores to the Graduate School.

Other Standardized Scores (TOEFL if English is a foreign language): Have the Educational Testing Service send your official TOEFL scores to the Graduate School.

The Graduate School
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849-5122

Letters of Recommendation: You must obtain (3) letters of recommendation and have them sent to Dr. Pittman at the HDFS address below. (Please note that there are no forms for these references.) The most useful letters come from faculty who have had direct experience with you and can speak to your academic strengths. A letter from internship supervisors or employers can also be appropriate to the extent that it addresses your work habits.

Letter of Intent: Your letter of intent will help the admission committee assess the fit between your background and the goals of the graduate program for which you are applying. The letter should be 3 to 5 pages (typed, double-spaced) and should address the following issues (be sure to put your name on the letter):

A. Indicate, from both professional and personal viewpoints, why you want to be admitted to an HDFS or MFT graduate program?

B. Identify your specific professional objectives. How did these goals evolve? Give examples from your professional and educational background. Describe experiences in which you participated in research. What was your role in the project? What did you learn? Also describe any professional, paraprofessional or significant volunteer experiences in provision of human services that have shaped your interests in graduate study.

C. Why did you decide to apply to Auburn University? How will the Department of Human Development and Family Studies facilitate your goals?

Graduate Assistantship Application Although optional, it is recommended that you complete this form. Send it to the HDFS address below.

Send letters of recommendation, letters of intent, applications for assistantship and other materials for HDFS to:

Joe F. Pittman, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Programs Human Development and Family Studies
203 Spidle Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849

REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL APPLICATION MATERIAL FOR MFT APPLICANTS:

Applicants to the MFT program may be requested to submit a videotaped presentation following initial assessment by the admissions committee. Guidelines for the development of the tape will be provided to selected applicants following the January 15 application deadline. The MFT option does not require an on-site interview as part of the application process.