Graduate Programs
Application Process
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The Application Deadline is January 15 for enrollment in the following Fall
Who should apply?
We are looking for diverse, curious, intelligent, and highly motivated students with strong academic records. Students with degrees in behavioral or social sciences, family and consumer sciences, or education are especially encouraged to apply, as are students with involvement in the Ronald E. McNair or SROP undergraduate research opportunities. The minimum grade-point average for admission is 3.0 (A = 4.0). As a guideline, doctoral applicant GRE scores should be above 550 for the quantitative and verbal tests, and above 4.5 for analytical writing, though the Admissions Committee may admit candidates below these scores if the student demonstrates compelling strengths in other areas. On-campus master's program applicants should have GRE scores above 500 (4.0 for analytical writing). GRE scores should be no more than 2 years old.
We encourage applications from potential M.D./Ph.D. students (Medical Scholars) and, in these cases, will accept MCAT scores in lieu of the GRE.
International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency. See Graduate School information on English Language Proficiency. http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/04c.cfm
Applicants must have an advanced undergraduate course in statistics that includes descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, probability, correlation, ANOVA or regression. This requirement may be waived under special circumstances. However, if admitted, students who do not have this background will be expected to complete a statistics course in their first year.
In addition to academic potential, we particularly recruit students whose interests and career goals fit the focus of our program and its faculty. Applicants should clearly describe why our program is a good fit for their interests, and identify at least one faculty member with whom they would like to work.
Please note that we have a "full time student" department culture and thus do not enroll part-time students or encourage outside employment during the program. As you will see below, we provide excellent financial support to our full-time students.
Dual degree program in Marital and Family Services (M.S./M.S.W.).
Students interested in the Dual degree program in Marital and Family Services (M.S./M.S.W.) must complete the School of Social Work application and indicate an interest in the Dual degree program. For more about this program and the application procedures go here: http://www.socialwork.uiuc.edu/future_students/MSW_dualdegree.html.
Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate School
If you are interested in frequently asked questions about selecting graduate schools, applying for graduate school, and financial aid see "Applying to Graduate School in Human Development & Family Studies--Frequently Asked Questions" http://www.hcd.uiuc.edu/grad/applying.html.
How do I apply?
The graduate application process begins with the completion of an online application form. Instructions and further information on applying are available at the Graduate College.
http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/apply/
If you are ready to apply, go to the application form
https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uiuc-grad
What is the deadline?
All applications for fall enrollment are due by January 15.
How do I apply for financial aid?
The fellowship and assistantship support that we provide is completely separate from state and federal financial aid. If you are interested in grant or loan opportunities, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid.In order to be considered for the fellowship and assistantship support provided by the Department, there are no add additional forms to be completed. Every student is considered for financial support. More information about how we support our graduate students can be found on the individual program pages (Human Development & Family Studies, Community Studies and Outreach, Marriage and Family Services, Agricultural Education).
Where do I send my application?
Much of the application for graduate school at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is online. There are some supplemental materials required by the Department of Human and Community Development that should be sent to the address provided below:
Graduate Program Secretary
Department of Human and Community Development
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
905 S. Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
What steps are involved in applying to graduate school at the University of Illinois in the Department of Human and Community Development?
Complete the steps listed below. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.
https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=uiuc-grad.
Step 2. You need to ask people who are writing you letters of reference to either do this online or print the forms and have them sent to the Department of Human and Community Development.
Step 3. Transcripts and educational credentials should be mailed directly to the Department of Human and Community Development at the address given below. Please see the Transcripts/Educational Credentials http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/03a.cfm section for important information regarding this requirement.
Step 4. Contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) (http://www.ets.org) to send official test scores to the University of Illinois. Our institution code is 1836 and program code is 4602.
Step 5. The Department of Human and Community Development also asks you to provide additional information about your professional interests and career goals. Print and complete the HCD Grad Application form. http://www.hcd.uiuc.edu/grad/documents/HCD_supplement.doc
A copy of this form is attached to the end of these instructions. This form can be sent as an attachment to Leann Topol (ltopol@uiuc.edu).
Send all paper materials to this address:
Graduate Program Secretary
Department of Human and Community Development
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
905 S. Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Step 6. International Students only.
Evidence of Financial Resources. All international applicants requesting visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) are required to demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover the cost of their education while in the United States. Official financial documentation is required as part of the application process in order for visa eligibility documents (I-20 or DS-2019) to the U.S. to be issued. International applicants should submit the following documentation along with other supporting application materials directly to the Department of Human & Community Development.
English Language Proficiency. All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit the results of the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. Official scores are required to be submitted directly from TOEFL/ETS or IELTS (please see these instructions (http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/04c.cfm) for submitting official scores regarding our institution code and program number).
Graduate applicants may be exempt from providing a TOEFL or IELTS score if one of the following criteria is met:
- Completion of at least two years of post-secondary full-time study, as defined by the home institution, in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
OR
- Completion of a graduate degree in a country where English is the primary language and at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, within five years of the proposed term of initial enrollment.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee. The amount of the fee is determined by your citizenship and/or visa. Generally, the fee is $60.00 for domestic students and $75.00 for international students, but here are more precise instructions about qualifications for these rates and fee waiver instructions. http://www.grad.uiuc.edu/admissions/instructions/02b.cfm
Who can I contact about this program?
The Graduate Program Secretary can be reached at the following address, telephone number and email address:
Graduate Program Secretary
Department of Human and Community Development
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
905 S. Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 333-3869
E-mail: ltopol@uiuc.edu
You can also contact the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Ramona Oswald at 217-333-2547 or by email at roswald@uiuc.edu.
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