Science Education Ph.D. Program Admissions Information

Transcripts
Please provide a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application. Please arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for Science 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.

Graduate School Testing Requirements

Official GRE is required for Science Education (Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instructions). 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 Science Education Doctoral Program

Writing Sample

A writing sample exemplifying scholarly work [a master's thesis or a sample of professional writing such as a published article or sample of an exemplary academic paper from previous graduate work. 

Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

A Letter of Interest outlining and describing the experiences you bring to the doctoral program and your career goals. Please address the following two questions in the essay:

1. What is motivating your decision to enroll in a doctoral program at this time? What are your professional goals related to this desire? How are your aspirations compatible with the program to which you are applying? What are the special characteristics and/or skills you would bring to your program of interest?
2. What is your personal philosophy of teaching and learning in your content area? How has your philosophy manifested itself in your practice over the years? What issues have you encountered in your content area that interests you?
3. As a part of your response, please share the following:
   • example(s) of a particularly difficult or challenging teaching scenario that you have experienced in your career, how you handled the situation, and what you learned from it;
   • example(s) and explanation of what you would consider your greatest success(es) in your career as a teacher; and
   • a description of your teaching "self' based on what you would imagine your students' perceptions of you to be.

For the Curriculum Vitae, a current resume or vita that includes these points:

• Record of Professional Experience including teaching, counseling, publications, or other related professional activities
• Teaching and/or Professional Certificates held
• List of Academic Honors, Awards, Prizes, or other Recognition received
• Co-Curricular or Community Service Activities (in order of importance to candidate)

Three or more years of K - 12 teaching or other significant teaching experience

Relevant teaching experience: Three or more years of K - 12 teaching or other significant teaching experience 

Interview with members of the Science Education program faculty

Applicants will be required to schedule an interview with members of Science Education faculty. The interview normally includes the following:

• questions regarding application folio
• other schools applicant is applying to
• VT faculty with whom they have consulted about admissions
• whether or not the candidate has previously applied to VT

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

• 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 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.

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.

School of Education Scholarships

The Graduate School sends an official offer of admission to applicants upon the recommendation of the department faculty.

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
402 Wallace Hall (0565)
295 West Campus Drive
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061}