Educational Psychology Doctoral Program Admissions Information
Ph.D. in CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION, specialization in EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Admission to the doctoral program in Educational Psychology is determined by an admission committee composed of program faculty. Applicants are evaluated based on written and oral communication skills; technological competence; letters of recommendation; and their commitment to completing the program.
Admission criteria include:
- A master’s degree in education, psychology, or another closely related discipline from an accredited college or univeristy.
- Have career goals consistent with the degree offered by the Educational Psychology Program.
- TOEFL/ IELTS (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Domestic Ph.D. Applicants | International Ph.D. Applicants | ||
Starting Semester | Due Date: | Starting Semester | Due Date: |
Fall (only option) * | January 15 | Fall (only option) * | January 15 |
* Deadline for early decision admission with full funding consideration for Fall: January 15. Applicants may apply after this date. Please contact program leader for further information.
Note: Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the executive director for Equity and Access at (540) 231-8771 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
Application Checklist
Transcripts
Include a scanned copy of your transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to both Graduate Admissions and School of Education after you receive an offer of admission.
Graduate School Testing Requirements
Official GRE Scores are required for application to the Educational Psychology Doctoral Program. Please have the testing agency send official scores to the Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859. There is not a minimum score requirement for admission to the Educational Psychology Doctoral Program. The GRE selected should be the General Test (which includes verbal reading, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing).
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for the Educational Psychology Ph.D. program. You can include references/recommendations email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to the department.
Curriculum Vitae
Include your most recent Curriculum Vitae.
Letter of Interest
Applicants are asked to provide a brief (1-2 pages) letter of interest which includes the following:
- 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.
Interview with members of program faculty
As a part of the application, candidates are required to have an interview with members of the Educational Psychology program faculty. If you are shortlisted, a faculty member will contact you by telephone or email to arrange an interview.
Applying as an International Student
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 an 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 an English language proficiency test waiver. Personal Statement
International students might be required to submit TOEFL scores, immigration documents, and other additional materials with their application.
Note: 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 the evaluation of your application.
Applying for Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships
We offer one fully funded graduate assistantship for full-time enrollment in the program. A question on the application for graduate admission asks whether you want to be considered for an assistantship. Check yes.
Learn more about other available funding opportunities
Application Fees
Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application. If this poses a financial hardship, check with the Graduate School to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee. All application fees are non-refundable.
To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application.
Send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.
In-state K-12 teachers are eligible for a 25% discount! Use this application form in order to receive the reduced costs. Otherwise, as with on-campus students, we refer you to the VT Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid for information on financial assistance. Generally, distance learners may qualify for federal loans if they take 5 or more credit hours per semester.
Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.
The Graduate School sends an official offer of admission to applicants upon the recommendation of the department faculty.
After you have received your official offer of admission from the School of Education, please arrange with your institution(s) to send your official transcript(s) showing degree conferral to Graduate Admissions and to the School of Education at the addresses below:
To:
Virginia Tech Graduate Admissions
120 Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown
Mail Code 0325p 155 Otey Street NW
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
To:
Virginia Tech School of Education
Office of Academic Programs
1750 Kraft Drive (0302)
Suite 2000
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Office of Academic Programs Support
Casey Walker
Enrollment Services Specialist
1750 Kraft Drive (0302), #2003
540-231-5494
caseywalker@vt.edu
For further information, contact the Program Leader:
Dr. Brett Jones
Program Leader, Educational Psychology
1750 Kraft Drive (0302), #2040
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-230-8328 | brettjones@vt.edu