How to Apply?

General Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with minimum of 3.0 GPA
• TOEFL/ IELTS  (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.

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 History (M.A.). You can include references/recommedations email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to department

Writing Sample

Please provide a writing sample. The ideal writing sample is a 10-15 page research paper on a historical topic that highlights your research and writing skills. A shorter, 7-10 page analytical essay is also acceptable.

Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

A letter of interest (250-500 words) is required by the Department of History along with your latest Curriculum Vitae.

Please address the following questions in the letter of interest:

• Why do you want to undertake graduate work?
• Why do you qualify to pursue a graduate degree at Virginia Tech?
• What do you expect to derive from your program of study?
• If you have a concentration or area of interest in mind, briefly outline your interests in this area.
• What do you expect to contribute as a student and subsequently as a member of the profession?
• If you have not previously indicated in your application the names of faculty members you are interested in working with, please include that information in this statement.
• If interested in the public history certificate, include in the statement.
• If interested being considered for a Virginia Center For Civil War Studies scholarship, please indicate in the personal statement.

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 History 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.

These assistantships offer students pre-professional training in historical pedagogy or historical research as they support the work of individual faculty members. Advanced students with graduate assistantships may, if qualified, teach an undergraduate survey course during their last semester in the program. Students interested in careers in library or archival administration should ask to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship in Special Collections at Virginia Tech’s Newman Library. 

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.

We offer scholarships for students who have research interests in the causes and consequences of the American Civil War. One or two scholarships, up to $5,000 each, will be awarded annually and may be renewed for a second year. Holders of these scholarships are also eligible to hold graduate assistantships. Students who would like to be considered for these scholarships should declare their interest in their personal statements.

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.

For the Dual Degree Option with Teaching Licensure:  apply to both the History MA and the Curriculum and Instruction MA programs.