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Your Graduate Application

To help you understand the application application process for our PNB graduate program, please read about the general application requirements found on the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) How To Apply web page. We especially recommend the “Prepare your application” and “Application Instructions” tabs. Below you can find the requirements specific to our PNB graduate program.

Applicants for graduate study in Psychology normally must have either a Master’s degree in Psychology, or an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with at least a B+ standing, from a recognized university. Exceptions may be made for students with a background in a related or relevant scientific discipline. For example, students with strong backgrounds in biology, neuroscience, computer science, chemistry or physics are encouraged to apply.


In addition to the requirements laid out by the School of Graduate Studies (How To Apply), PNB requires the following:

A statement of interest in pursuing graduate studies in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour in one or more of the following five areas:

  1. Animal Behaviour
  2. Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience
  3. Cognition/Perception
  4. Developmental Psychology
  5. Evolution & Social Behaviour
  • The statement should be one page in length, single spaced, with 12 pt font.
  • Please list any research, teaching or work experience related to the field(s) in which you are interested in working.
  • Please list the supervisors with whom you wish to work (no more than 3)
  • Please only 2 letters of reference needed
    • Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit scores for the Graduate Record Examination (General Test).
    • If English is not your first language, please provide an official copy of your TOEFL score (see the School of Graduate Studies How To Apply page for minimum scores).

To access the online application, visit “How to Apply”.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Graduate Administrative Assistant, Anju Dalal, by email (pnbgrad@mcmaster.ca) or phone (905-525-9140, ext. 23027).


For more information about admission requirments, explore the PNB Graduate Handbook.