Is the GRE Still Required for Psychology Master's Programs?

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Like many graduate fields, psychology has shifted away from the GRE. Many master's programs now go test-optional or test-blind — but the GRE still matters for doctoral-track applicants and for scholarship/assistantship consideration.

GRE Policy Trends in Psychology Master's Admissions

Quick Answer

Mostly no. The majority of psychology master's programs are now test-optional or test-blind. The GRE is still commonly required for PhD/PsyD doctoral programs and for some funded master's and clinical programs.

The Full Explanation

Since the pandemic, master's programs in counseling, industrial-organizational psychology, and applied psychology have largely dropped GRE requirements. Many MA and MS programs are fully test-optional or have permanently removed the GRE.

Doctoral-level programs (PhD, PsyD) are more conservative — most still require the GRE, and the GRE Psychology Subject Test is commonly requested. A strong score on the Quantitative section remains important for research-focused programs.

Even at test-optional programs, a strong GRE score (Q 157+, V 157+) can strengthen scholarship, assistantship, or GA funding decisions. It's often worth taking for PhD/PsyD applicants regardless of the stated policy.

Program-by-program policies change frequently. Always verify requirements on the current admissions page — some programs have reinstated the GRE after 2024.

GRE Policy Overview in Psychology Graduate Admissions

Master's in counseling: mostly test-optional
MA/MS psychology: commonly test-optional
I-O psychology master's: mostly test-optional
MSW (for psych applicants): almost always test-free
PhD clinical psychology: GRE still commonly required
PsyD: GRE usually required; subject test sometimes requested

Key Takeaways

Most psychology master's programs are test-optional
Doctoral programs still commonly require the GRE
A strong score helps with scholarships even at optional programs
Verify requirements on the current admissions page

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Conclusion

For most psychology master's applicants, the GRE is optional. For doctoral applicants and those chasing funding, it's often still worth taking.