How to Apply

This document will be developed in consultation with your undergraduate adviser and the MPS program coordinator. Once complete, you can download and include with your application.

• IUG Plan of Study form

The resume is not to exceed two (2) pages and will be evaluated for professional appearance and how well information presented supports program requirements.

• Your personal statement should state why you have the abilities, experiences, skills, and knowledge to succeed in our program. It should demonstrate why you are a good "fit" for our program and why our program is a good "fit" for you. To do this, please specifically address the following questions in your personal statement:
  • What are my professional goals in the field I have chosen? Elaborate on your future career plans and your motivation for pursuing your master's degree.
  • What are my strengths and areas/skills that I want to improve upon?
  • Why am I a good fit for this program?
• Going beyond the details in your résumé, please share your unique story with us in your essay. Use the personal statement to demonstrate strengths and skills that you are developing through your work/volunteer experiences.
• Formatting: Limit your statement to 1,200 words or fewer and use 12-point font, single-spaced format.

You will need to initiate the process for references through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three (3) references in total, as follows:

• Two (2) letters of recommendation of your choice- this can be faculty, work supervisors, volunteer supervisors, etc.
• One (1) Undergraduate Academic Adviser reference- the undergraduate adviser will submit a letter document approval of the IUG Plan of Study Form. References must be professional, no peers or family members.

Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment to success in a graduate program. They will also see a space to either type in the letter or upload a letter. Please inform all references to complete both the form and a typed letter (PDF format preferred). References are to be submitted by the November 15 deadline.

Official transcripts must be provided from Penn State and any other colleges and universities attended. Applicants must list Penn State as part of their academic history in the application and then Penn State transcripts will auto-load into the Graduate School application. For any other institutions attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed, transcripts will need to be provided and uploaded by you. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

There are several questions you will answer under the program-specific tab of the application. Please be sure to indicate that you are applying the MPS Graduate Degree only (not the Experiential Track), and please answer YES that you are applying the Accelerated Master’s Program (BS/MPS IUG).

Applications are submitted electronically through the Penn State Graduate School and include a $65 nonrefundable application fee. Please note the application deadline of November 15.