How to Apply?

For regular MA program

• Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
• Note: GRE is not required
• TOEFL/ IELTS  (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents): learn more about testing requirements.
  • For admission:
    • TOEFL: minimum of 90 overall; minimum of 20 on Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Reading subtests
    • IELTS: minumum of 6.5
  • For consideration for funding:
    
    • TOEFL: minimum of 25 on Speaking subtest

For BA/MA program

• Minimum GPA: 3.4 (4 Scale)
• Note: GRE not required

Transcripts

Scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for M.A. as well as the BA/MA in Philosophy. You can include the email addresses of your references/recommedations in your online application.

Writing Sample Guidelines

Ideally, a writing sample should be a piece of philosophy between 15 and 25 pages. However, if such materials are not available, we will also consider professional reports or other appropriate documents of which the applicant was the sole author. For students who have completed Master's Degrees in other fields, a chapter of a thesis may also be appropriate as a writing sample.

Statement of Purpose and Curriculum Vitae

A statement of purpose is required along with your latest Curriculum Vitae. Your statement of purpose should provide a description of your main philosophical interests, as well as the reasons why you are qualified to pursue these interests at the graduate level. You are welcome to indicate which faculty members you would be interested in working with, but this is not required. For more information on statements of purpose, consult the following guides:

• Eric Schwitzgebel's Guide to Statements of Purpose
• Geoff Pynn's Guide to Statements of Purpose
  

Evidence of English Proficiency 

The Graduate School requires that all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents demonstrate English proficiency to ensure they enter the university with sufficient English skills necessary to function in a graduate program. A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test score is the most common way international applicants demonstrate English proficiency. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (IBT) or IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. Test scores should be sent to us using ETS institution code 5859. See this page if you qualify for a English language proficiency test waiver. 

Applying as an International Student

• Blacksburg Campus: Prospective residential on-campus international students might be required to submit immigration documents, and other additional materials with their application. Please consult with Graduate Student Immigration Services.

Additional Information/Supporting Material

Applicants are welcome to submit any additional information with application material that would be useful in evaluation of your application.

Application Fees

Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application, though check to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee. All application fees are non-refundable.

Application Fee Waivers

Veterans and other applicants are eligible for waivers of the application fee. This form includes the eligibility requirements.

To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application. 

Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

The official transcripts showing degree conferral should be sent directly from your institution(s) to Graduate Admissions:
_{Virginia Tech Graduate Admissions
120 Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown (Mail Code 0325)
155 Otey Street NW
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061}

The Department of Philosophy has a limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships available for students applying for full time study on the Blacksburg Campus. Entering students can apply for such funding as part of their admissions application. No separate application required.

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences also offers the following funding sources, which are competitive and are nominanted by faculty members directly to Graduate School.

• Dean's Diversity Assistantships for students who qualify (same financial package as GTAships).
• McNair Scholar assistantships, on a competitive basis, to students who were McNair Scholars as undergraduates (same financial package as GTAships).
• The Powell Fellowship, for long-term Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need ($20,000 for one year, plus in-state tuition).
• Additional funding opportunities are updated regularly on the Graduate school's website. 
• Write to the Graduate Director at jmackenzie@vt.edu.

Visit Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Graduate School sends an official offer of admission to applicants upon the recommendation of the department faculty. Admitted applicants who are offered graduate assistantships at Virginia Tech are not required to make a decision to commit to the assistantship offer until April 15. See the assistantships page for more details.