Application Instructions

Application Instructions

The University of New Mexico has adopted an electronic application system and all applicants must apply on-line.  You will begin the process by creating an account from the log-in page: APPLY TODAY.  Once you create an account, you will receive an e-mail with your log-in information; we suggest you save that message for future reference.

Before you begin the on-line application, you should spend some time going through the research section of our website to determine which concentration you would like to apply to.  Additionally, you should research the faculty and find two or three whom you would like to work with.  Part of the application procedure is making these preferences known.

Check back here soon for a list of faculty accepting students for Fall 2026!


It is also okay to reach out to faculty members in our department via email to discuss your interests in working with them, and to ask faculty members if they are planning on taking any new students now or in the future.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • For best consideration your application must be submitted by December 1st.  Applications received after this date will only be considered if openings remain.
  • Our Open House for interviews will be held virtually sometime in February.  Separate interviews will be held for excellent applicants who are unable to attend our open house.
  • The on-line application will ask you to upload your transcripts and we encourage you to do so.  Additionally, you must submit an official copy of your transcripts to the Office of Admissions (or International Admissions if you are an international applicant).  Their address is: 
    Office of Admissions
     PO Box 4895
     Albuquerque, NM  87196-4895
    or your institution may submit them electronically to apply@unm.edu.
  • The on-line application will ask you to submit your GRE scores; this is unnecessary as we have waived the GRE requirement for this application cycle.  
  • The on-line application will ask you to submit contact information for your recommenders.  Please have that information ready. 
Application for admissions specific instructions
Application Section
Specific instructions for the on-line application.  You may wish to refer back to this page once you have started the on-line application.
Educational Background
VERY IMPORTANT: Under "Most Recent College/University" list your bachelor's degree information--even if that is not the most recent school you've attended. In the first "Other College/University" list your Graduate school information, if you have any. IF NOT, skip to the second "Other College/University" section and list any other College/University information you have.
Program of Interest and Additional Interests
Select: College of Arts and Sciences> Psychology> Psychology> PhD Psychology.  Next, you will choose an area of interest: CBB, Clinical, Developmental, Evolutionary, or Diversity and Health Data Science Across the Lifespan.  You may choose a second area under Second Interest.  Finally, in the Faculty Member Preference box, choose at least one but up to three faculty members you wish to work with, and please list them in order of preference.
Test Scores

For Fall 2025 admission:  The GRE-General Test score requirement is waived. However, you are more than welcome to submit your scores if you choose to. The Psychology Subject test is strongly recommended for applicants who do not hold a degree in psychology.  The Institution Code for UNM is 4845, the subject code is not necessary.

Letter of Intent
Your Letter of Intent/Statement of Purpose should describe your goals, research interests, research experience, and how they fit with your chosen faculty mentor(s).
Writing Sample
This is optional.  You may submit a writing sample that documents your research interests, and that showcases your research and writing abilities.  Some applicants have told us they are required to submit something so if you are not submitting a writing sample, and are unable to continue past this, feel free to upload a blank sheet of paper.
CV/Resume
This is a required document.
Recommendations
At least three letters of recommendation are required; two of these should be from former professors.  Recommender will be listed on your application and will be contacted electronically to submit their recommendation letter.
Problems or Questions?