Higher Education and Student Affairs Admissions Information

Transcripts

Include a web printout or scanned copy of your unofficial transcripts with your online application.  If you receive an offer of admission and choose to enroll at VT, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to both Graduate Admissions and School of Education.

Department Graduate Testing Requirements

The GRE is optional for the Higher Education and Student Affairs M.A.Ed. program.If you wish to submit scores, please have the testing agency send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for the Higher Education and Policy Studies M.A.Ed. You can include references/recommendations email addresses in your online application, and they will receive an email with instructions on how to provide an electronic reference. Please submit at least one letter from a college professor who knows the quality of your previous academic work, and at least one from a professional reference, such as a current or former employer.

Personal Statement

Applicants are asked to provide a brief (1-2 pages) personal statement which includes the answers to the following questions. The faculty expects your responses to be composed entirely by you, without editing or review by others.

• Why do you want to undertake graduate work?
• What do you expect to derive from your program of study?
• If you have a concentration 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?

Resume

Please provide a current resume outlining your most recent experiences or by listing those that are most relevant to your application. The resume should include:

• Work/Research Experience
• Research Achievements (including publications, thesis/dissertation, journal or conference papers)
• Honors/Awards
• Related Courses/Skills
• Minors and/or Specialty Areas
• Professional Organizations/Affiliations

Applying as an International Student

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

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.

TOEFL scores are required of all international students whose first language is not English, except those applicants who have graduated from an accredited university where English is the language of instruction. TOEFL scores are not required of US permanent residents and US naturalized citizens. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is also accepted; a 6.5 minimum score is required. International applicants should consult the Graduate School web page for more information about the TOEFL and or other application requirements.

Interview with members of program faculty

After an initial review of applications, selected applicants are invited to an interview weekend, which takes place mid-late February. Specific dates are determined each year. During the weekend, applicants interview from admissions and graduate assistantships. Throughout the interview process, applicants will interact with faculty, assistantship supervisors and current students.

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.

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

To apply to the Virginia Tech Higher Education and Student Affairs M.A.Ed. program, select "Education, Higher Education (M.A.Ed.) " as your major. Choose degree option “M.A.Ed.” from the list.

 Send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.

The HED Admissions Coordinator will guide applicants through the process of applying for available Graduate Assistantship positions.  While funding is not guaranteed, admitted students are generally offered a “package” with an offer of admission and a graduate assistantship position. The GA position and provides a monthly stipend, a health insurance benefit and covers tuition (not fees).

Potential GA Opportunities Include:

• Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity
• Department of Recreational Sports
• Cultural and Community Centers
• Career and Professional Development
• Office of First Year Experiences
• Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life
• Office of Housing and Residence Life
• Office of Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program
• Office of New Student and Family Programs
• Office of Student Engagement and Campus Life
• Office of Student Conduct
• Pre-College and Pipeline Initiatives
• The Student Success Center
• University Academic Advising Center

A question on the application for graduate admission asks whether you want to be considered for a teaching assistantship. Check yes. Please note that Indicating that you wish to be considered for an assistantship does not mean that you will be offered one, only that you wish to be considered for one, if available.

Find out what loans are available as a graduate student and other opportunities.

School of Education Scholarships

Admission to the master's program in Higher Education is determined by an admission committee composed of program faculty. You will be notified by the Graduate School about the action taken on your application for admission.

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 and School of Education:

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

_{and to,
Office of Academic Programs 
School of Education
1750 Kraft Drive (0302)
Suite 2000
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061}