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.

Applications for the Graduate Certificate in Information, Policy and Society will be considered from students enrolled in a graduate program at Virginia Tech and from non-degree and Commonwealth Campus students who have been permitted to take courses by the Graduate School. Certificates will be awarded upon application for the certificate and application for certificate conferral once course requirements have been completed.

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

This program requires a letter of interest (250–500 words) along with a copy of your most recent 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 100 (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. 
• Online (Virtual) Campus:  Prospective online campus international students does not require any visa as our program is 100% online and can be completed through asynchronously conducted courses online.

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 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 Political Science