How to Apply?
Application Checklist
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
- TOEFL/ IELTS (For all non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. permanent residents). Learn more about testing requirements.
- Graduate admission tests (GRE, etc.) are not required.
At the Program Level
While the program welcomes applicants directly from undergraduate study, it is especially well-suited for individuals with prior experience in the arts—whether through work in not-for-profit organizations, performance ensembles, community engagement, educational outreach, or other creative enterprises. Ideal candidates bring a clear sense of purpose and defined career goals, seeking to deepen their leadership capacity, expand their strategic thinking, and make a lasting impact in the arts sector. This program provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary foundation for those committed to shaping the future of arts organizations and cultural institutions.
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Amanda J. Nelson, amandajnelson@vt.edu to discuss the program before applying.
Transcripts
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.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required for M.F.A. in Theatre: Arts Leadership. These may be submitted through the online application.
Graduate School Testing Requirements
Graduate admission tests (GRE, etc.) are not required.
Letter of Interest and Resume
A letter of interest (250-500 words) is required along with your latest Curriculum Vitae/Resume.
Letter of Interest Guidelines:
- Why do you want to undertake graduate work at Virginia Tech?
- Why do you qualify to pursue a graduate degree at Virginia Tech?
- Discuss your interest and experience in Arts Leadership along with career goals and aspirations.
- What graduate faculty members are you interested in studying with and why?
- What do you expect to contribute as a student and subsequently as a member of the profession?
Applying as an International Student
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 status may apply only to the Blacksburg campus. For assistance with immigration questions, contact the Cranwell International Center. Financial and immigration documents may be submitted after you receive admission into a graduate program.
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.
For admission, we expect a minimum TOEFL score of 90 (IBT) or IELTS score of 6.5 for admission. Further, TOEFL scores of 20 or greater in Listening, Writing, Speaking, and Reading subsections are required. Some departments may require higher minimum scores.
English proficiency can also be demonstrated through a conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited university where English is the medium of instruction. If this applies to you, we will code a waiver of the English proficiency requirement into your application once we receive and review your transcript showing degree conferral and medium of instruction as English.
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. All application fees are non-refundable.
Application Fee Waivers
A Virginia Tech Graduate School application fee waiver request is submitted on the Fee Waiver Request tab in the online application.
To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application.
Admission deadline: Jan. 15 for consideration for funding
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:
Virginia Tech Graduate Admissions
120 Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown (Mail Code 0325)
155 Otey Street NW
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Tuition and Fees for Virginia Tech graduate programs. The School of Performing Arts awards both full and partial support through assistantships (tuition remission and a stipend). Awards are competitive and based on qualifications and departmental needs.
Funding to support your graduate studies is available. The School of Performing Arts awards both full and partial funding to support its M.F.A. students through assistantships (tuition remission and stipends). Awards are competitive and based on qualifications and departmental needs.
Whenever possible, M.F.A. students will be assigned assistantship duties that provide hands-on practice and experience in their area of study. Assistantship assignments may include working in the Scene and Props Shops, Costume Shop, Management Office (marketing and front of house for theatre productions), Concert Production, Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech, and the Center for Communicating Science. Assistantships may also include students serving as a graduate teaching assistant or as an instructor for an undergraduate course. To maintain funding support, students must be making satisfactory progress towards their degree and be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours each semester. While we make every effort to provide support for the three years of study, financial support may vary by year. All funding is contingent upon available state and federal funding.