How to Apply?

• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a four-point scale
• TOEFL/ IELTS (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.

Graduate students accepted in any other graduate program at Virginia Tech would be admitted to the STS graduate certificate program on the basis of their acceptance to their home department. Recommendations for admission to the certificate program for non-degree-seeking students would be made by the STS Graduate Admissions Committee, based on transcripts, a writing sample, a statement of purpose, and the minimal requirements specified in the Graduate Catalogue for admission to the Graduate School. (These admissions criteria differ from our regular degree admissions in that they require neither the GRE nor letters of recommendation.)

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.

Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

A letter of interest (250-500 words) is required by the deparment of Science and Technology in Society along with your latest Curriculum Vitae.

In your letter of interest, include the following:

(a) your past work experience,

(b) your long-range education and career objectives, and

(c) your reasons for completing the Graduate Certificate.

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 before applying. 
• Greater Washington, D.C., Metro Area 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 before applying. 

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

Nondegree applicants and former students seeking readmittance must pay a nonrefundable $25 application fee. 

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. 

Graduate students accepted to any other graduate program at Virginia Tech will be admitted to the Graduate Certificate in science and technology studies on the basis of acceptance into their home department. 

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}

 Send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.

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. 

You may be eligible to apply for non degree programs as a commonwealth campus status, non-degree student status or visiting graduate students. Learn more about this program.

Apply for Graduate Courses in Science and Technology Studies (Greater Washington, D.C., Metro Area)

Apply for Graduate Courses in Science and Technology Studies (Blacksburg - Main Campus)