How to Apply?

• Applicants can hold either a master's degree or a bachelor's degree in a relevant field or discipline, from an accredited college or university, but a master's degree is preferred.
• Applicants must also have a GPA of 3.3 or higher in either of the above degrees.
• TOEFL/ IELTS  (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.

Official Transcripts

Include a scanned copy of your transcript(s) with your online application, and then arrange for an official copy to be sent to both Graduate Admissions and the School of Education after you receive an offer of admission.

Department Graduate Testing Requirements

Official GRE scores are required as part of your application. Please have the testing agency send official scores to the Virginia Tech Graduate School, using code 5859.

Letters of Reference

Three letters of reference are required as part of your application. We strongly recommend that at least one of these letters of reference be from someone in an academic position. You can include letters of reference or contact information for your references as part of your online application or have references send their letters directly to the Graduate School.

Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

A letter of interest (3 to 5 pages in length) and a current curriculum vitae are also required by the School of Education.

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.

Interview with EDRE program faculty

In some circumstances, an applicant may be asked to participate in an interview with EDRE faculty. 

The interview can focus on one or more of the following issues:

1. Previous academic work;
2. Leadership qualities;
3. Experience in the field in which the applicant wishes to pursue a degree;
4. The current level of understanding of issues and problems in the applicant's prospective major field of study;
5. Clarity of professional goals as related to doctoral study and relevance to the degree.

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 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. 

Applying as an International Student

International students might be required to submit TOEFL scores, immigration documents, and other additional materials with their application.

Any Additional Information/Supporting Material

Applicants are also welcome to submit any other information that they consider to be useful in evaluating their application.

Applying for Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships

Graduate Assistantships:

A question on the application for graduate admission asks whether you would like to be considered for a graduate assistantship. Check yes. Please note that indicating that you would like to be considered for an assistantship does not guarantee that you will be offered one.

Learn more about other available funding opportunities

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.

Application Fee Waivers

Veterans and other applicants are eligible for waivers of the application fee. This form includes eligibility requirements.

To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application. 

Include a scanned copy of your transcript(s) with your online application, and then arrange for an official copy to be sent to both Graduate Admissions and the School of Education after you receive an offer of admission.

The official transcripts showing degree conferral should be sent directly from your institution(s) to Graduate Admissions and School of Education:

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

To,
Office of Academic Programs 
School of Education
402 Wallace Hall (0565)
295 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

Official GRE scores are required as part of your application. Please have the testing agency send official scores to the Virginia Tech Graduate School, using code 5859.

A question on the application for graduate admission asks whether you would like to be considered for a graduate assistantship. Check yes. Please note that indicating that you would like to be considered for an assistantship does not guarantee that you will be offered one.

Learn more about other available funding opportunities.

You will be notified by the Graduate School about the action taken on your application for admission