How to Apply?
Application Checklist
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Compatibility with faculty research interests
- TOEFL/ IELTS (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.
Transcripts
Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to the VT Graduate School after you receive an offer of admission.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for M.A. in Communication and Reputation Management. You can include email addresses for your recommenders on your online application and your recommenders can upload their letters individually.
Writing Sample Guidelines
Provide one writing sample that illustrates your potential for research. This could be a solo-written class paper or term project, published work, or work product that demonstrates your analytical and writing abilities. Please do not exceed 20 double-spaced pages.
Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae
A letter of interest (250-500 words) is required by the School of Communication along with your latest Curriculum Vitae.
Letter of Interest Guidelines:
- Why do you want to undertake graduate work in communication at Virginia Tech?
- Why do you qualify to pursue a graduate degree at Virginia Tech?
- If you have a concentration or area of interest in mind, briefly outline your interests in this area.
- What graduate faculty members are you interested in studying with and why?
- A list of graduate faculty is available in the "Faculty" area of our department's website
- What do you expect to contribute as a student and subsequently as a member of the profession?
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 an International Student Advisor.
Additional Information/Supporting Material
Applicants are welcome to submit any additional information with their application materials that would be useful in evaluation of your application.
Application Fees
Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application. You may 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. A Virginia Tech Graduate School application fee waiver request is submitted on the Fee Waiver Request tab in the online application. Application fee waiver codes are issued Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5p.m. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing of the fee waiver request.
Application fees are non-refundable after the application is submitted. Please submit an application fee waiver request in advance of application submission for consideration.
To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application.
Priority Deadline: February 1 for consideration for funding (domestic and international applicants)
International Applicant FInal Deadline (no funding consideration): April 15
Domestic Applicant FInal Deadline (no funding consideration): May 31
Blacksburg Campus Application Type:
- Please select an Application Type: First Time Graduate Study or Readmission
- Please select a Program: Communication
- Please select a Degree Type: MA
- Please select a Campus: Blacksburg (Main Campus)
- Please select a Term: Fall
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.
The School of Communication 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 Graduate School sends an official offer of admission to applicants upon the recommendation of the School of Communication 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.
Priority Deadline: Febuary 1 for consideration of funding (domestic and international applicants)
International Applicant Final Deadline (no funding consideration): April 15
Domestic Applicant Final Deadline (no funding consideration): May 31
Program Inquiries