Application process
HDFS Doctoral Degree Program
Admissions timeline
Opens
Priority Deadline
Final Deadline
Application steps overview
The following is an overview. More details of each step are lower on this page.
1. Apply through OSU application
Apply by deadline indicated by program of interest
2. Complete and submit application
OSU will reach out for any missing documents
3. Application marked as "complete"
Faculty takes 6-8 weeks to review application once it is marked as "complete"
4. Admission Decision
Admission decision is sent to applicants after faculty review.
Make sure your application is complete before submitting. Ensure that you have uploaded your transcripts, statement of purpose, and 3 references!
Step one: Satisfy admission requirements
Academic qualifications
- Combined GPA of 3.0 or better on the last 90 quarter credits of graded coursework
- International Students: TOEFL score of > 80 or > 550, depending on the TOEFL test taken (please see the Graduate School’s International Applicants page for more information)
- 15 quarter hours of undergraduate or graduate level courses in the behavioral and social sciences
- 3 quarter hours of undergraduate or graduate level statistics
- Admitted students who do not have a master’s degree will complete a Master’s of Science as part of their PhD studies.
- Admitted students who previously completed a non-thesis master’s degree will complete a thesis-like project as part of their PhD studies.
The GRE is not required
We join many other programs at Oregon State and other peer institutions across the country who have eliminated this structural barrier to promote a more equitable, diverse and inclusive student body.
Step two: Submit your application
Apply through Oregon State University's admissions application.
Materials required
- Official transcripts sent to OSU (applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation)
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
- 3 letters of recommendation
- HDFS supplemental questions (included within the OSU Graduate School application)
Questions?
Admissions applications questions?
Contact COH graduate admissions.
Program questions?
Contact program director John Geldhof, PhD