Admissions Requirements

To enroll in the doctoral program, an applicant must have:

• Possess a master's degree
  
• 3.0 Grade Point Average (from undergraduate or graduate degrees)
• Submit GRE scores
• Submit 3 letters of reference
• Complete an interview with the Mathematics Education program faculty
• Submit a current vita
• Submit a writing sample of scholarly work

Official 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.

Department Graduate Testing Requirements

Official GRE is required for Mathematics Education (Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction). Please have the testing agency send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.

There is not a minimum score requirement for admission to the Counselor Education program.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required for Mathematics Education (Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instructions). You can include references/recommendations email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to Graduate School.

We strongly recommend that at least one of these letters of reference be from a person in an academic position.

Writing Sample

A sample of your best written work. We prefer academic writing samples, but if you have none available, we can accept a work-related sample of writing.

Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

A letter of interest (3-5 pages) is required by the School of Education along with your latest Curriculum Vitae.

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?

Interview with members of the mathematics education program faculty

As a part of application, candidates are required to have an interview with members of the Mathematics Education 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

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.

Any 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

Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application, though check 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. 

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.

We offer fully funded graduate teaching assistantships for full time enrollment in the program. A question on the application for graduate admission asks whether you want to be considered for a teaching assistantship. Check yes, as most of our students are fully funded.

Learn more about other available funding opportunities

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