How to Apply?

Application deadline: February 1. 

Requirements for regular MA program

• Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
• GRE is not required
• For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents:
  • For TOEFL taken before January 2026: minimum of 90 overall; minimum of 20 on Listening, Writing, and Reading; minimum of 25 on Speaking
  • For TOEFL taken after January 2026: minimum of 4.5 overall; minimum of 4.5 on Listening, Writing, and Reading; minimum of 5 on Speaking. 
  • IELTS: minimum of 6.5; 7 on Speaking.
  • Learn more about testing requirements

Requirements for BA/MA program

• Minimum GPA: 3.4 (4 Scale)
• 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:

Virginia Tech Graduate Admissions
120 Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown (Mail Code 0325)
155 Otey Street NW
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

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. Test scores should be sent to us using ETS institution code 5859. International applicants who have graduated from an accredited university where English is the language of instruction or those who are U.S. permanent residents ("green card" holders) are exempt from demonstrating English proficiency.

Applying as an International Student

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

The VT Graduate School offers application fee waivers. The Department of Philosophy also a limited number of waivers it can provide. Interested students must first apply for Graduate School waivers before requesting Departmental ones. If you are interested in applying for a Departmental waiver, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Gil Hersch, by January 1st with a CV, unofficial transcript, and an explanation of why you need a waiver. Decisions on fee waivers are based on the number of applicants, merit, and need. Decisions will be communicated by January 10 to allow applicants 3 weeks to complete applications by the February 1st deadline.

Students can apply for funding in the form of GTA-ships as part of their admissions application. No separate application required.

Entering students can apply for funding in the form of GTA-ships as part of their admissions application. No separate application required.