Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
If you are interested in taking a course for professional development, you may apply as a nondegree graduate student.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required.
No GRE or GMAT scores are required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (3) — you will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Program-Specific Questions
Vita or Résumé — A one- to two-page listing of your professional experience. Upload to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — 2–3 page essay articulating career and educational goals that demonstrate your written communication skills and basic statistical knowledge.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
- Choose "Applied Demography" as the certificate
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Applying as a Nondegree Graduate Student
Apply as a "nondegree" graduate student to begin taking courses right away. You may take up to 6 credits in nondegree status that will apply to the masters or certificate before submitting your application portfolio. Nondegree applicants may be asked to submit undergraduate transcripts. If you apply as a nondegree graduate student, you must re-apply to the master's degree or the certificate to be considered for admission into the program. Admission as a nondegree student does not guarantee admission to either of these programs.
To apply as a nondegree graduate student:
Technical Requirements
Review the general technical requirements for this program.