How to Apply?

General Requirement

• 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.
• Students should also submit a Science Content Preparation Checklist for your subject area. This content check worksheet should be submitted by potential students with the other application materials. It is used for analysis of coursework for licensure and can be used by potential applicants to check on the completion of all requirements.
  • Licensure Content Area Requirements
  • Endorsement Content Area Requirements (Optional)
• 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 info.

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. For application inquiries, please contact:

Learn More about accelerated B.A.-M.A.

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.

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

This content check worksheet should be 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.

Licensure Content Area Requirements

Endorsement Content Area Requirements (Optional)

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 supplemental information and admissions checklist with Graduate School online application.

How much is tuition?

Tuition varies based on in-state or out-of-state status and whether or not you are a teacher. Virtual Campus students do not have to pay activity fees, only a technology fee. Graduate tuitions and fees are listed at http://www.bursar.vt.edu. Our campus is considered Virtual.

For Virginia School Personnel, please scroll down to the bottom of page.

For questions regarding tuition and fees, please contact the Bursar's Office at bursar@vt.edu.

Completed forms for the K-12 Employee Reduced Tuition should be mailed or faxed to Graduate School at the following address:

Graduate School

Graduate Life Center

Virginia Tech (0325)

Blacksburg, VA 24061

Fax: 540-231-2039

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

Graduate Assistantships for Blacksburg Campus Only

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.

What about financial aid?

There is a discount for in-state K-12 teachers; 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.

Learn more about other available funding opportunities

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