Earth Science Education Teacher Preparation Program Admissions Information
M.A.Ed. in CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION, specialization in EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION
MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- Prospective students should apply to the Graduate School at Virginia Tech.
- A 3.00 GPA for regular admission status or 2.75 GPA for provisional status is required (last 60 hours of coursework).
- Two letters of reference that address your academic ability and teaching potential are required.
- Prospective students should also complete and submit the Licensure Undergraduate Course Content Requirements Checklist for their subject area. This checklist is used for analysis of coursework for licensure and can be used by potential applicants to check on the completion of all pre-requite coursework requirements.
- Students must pass Praxis II test in their specific science content area(s) and the Virginia Communication and Literacy (VCLA) prior to student teaching in the spring. The required Praxis II Content Knowledge test will depend on the endorsement sought and the test codes are as follows (paper/computer-based); Earth and Space Sciences (0571/5571).
- Visit this page for more testing information.
GRE Scores are NOT required for application to this program.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| Starting Term | Due Date |
| Spring / Dual Status | November 15 |
| Summer I & II | March 15 * |
| Fall | April 15 * |
* To be eligible for SOE scholarships, apply before February 1
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.
ACCELERATED BACHELOR - MASTER
Virginia Tech students may be considered for dual status admission during the last semester of undergraduate coursework (3.0 GPA required) or in the Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Program during their last 12 months of undergraduate coursework (3.3 GPA or above required). Students beginning the graduate program in the spring semester as dual status or regular status will normally complete the program in a fifth year following graduation from undergraduate programs. If space permits, students may be admitted in the summer for a 15-month program or in the fall for a two-year program. Application deadline is November 15 for spring admission, March 15 for summer admission, and April 15 for fall admission.
Application Checklist
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.
Licensure Testing Requirements
- Students must pass Praxis II test in their specific science content area(s) and the Virginia Communication and Literacy (VCLA) prior to student teaching in the spring. The required Praxis II Content Knowledge test will depend on the endorsement sought and the test codes are as follows (paper/computer-based); Earth and Space Sciences (0571/5571).
- Please use this link to learn more about the required tests.
Earth Science Licensure Program (6-12) in Science Education Content Area Requirements
The licensure content area requirements checksheet should be filled in and submitted by potential students with the other application materials. It is used for analysis of coursework for licensure and can be use by potential applicants to check on the completion of all requirements.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required for Earth Science Licensure Program (6-12) in Science Education (M.A.Ed. in Curriculum and Instructions).
Essay
Write a 2-3 page essay in which you discuss why you want to be a science teacher. Consider any experiences you have had working with young people and characteristics that you possess which would make you a good teacher.
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.
Supplemental Information and Admissions Checklist
Please include the supplemental information and admissions checklist with Graduate School online application.
How much is tuition?
Tuition varies based on a student’s in-state or out-of-state status and whether or not you are a teacher. Graduate tuition and fees are listed at http://www.bursar.vt.edu.
The Virginia Tech School of Education offers a discount to current Virginia Educators. Learn more.
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.
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:
Virginia Tech School of Education
Office of Academic Programs
1750 Kraft Drive (0302)
Suite 2000
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Contact the Office of Academic Programs for Admissions Support:
Lori Sharp
Enrollment Services Specialist
1750 Kraft Drive (0302), #2063
540-231-5348
llsharp@vt.edu
For Further Information, Contact the Program Leader
Dr. Brenda Brand
Program Leader
1750 Kraft Drive (0302), #2035
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-8334 | bbrand@vt.edu