How to Apply?

• 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

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the director of the program area of interest to discuss the program before applying. Contact information is available on each program page as well as on Faculty page. In addition, each program area may have additional requirements, and an on-campus interview and visit is strongly encouraged. We believe it is important to see the program first-hand and to meet current students and faculty.

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:  Lighting Design. You can include references/recommedations email addresses in your online application.

Graduate School Testing Requirements

Graduate admission tests (GRE, etc.) are not required.

Writing Sample Guidelines

Provide one writing sample that illustrates your potential for research. This could be a solo-written class paper or term project, published work, or work product that demonstrates your analytical and writing abilities. Please do not exceed 20 double-spaced pages.

Letter of Interest and Curriculum Vitae

A letter of interest (250-500 words) is required along with your latest Curriculum Vitae.

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?
• If you have a concentration or area of interest in mind, briefly outline your interests in this area.
• 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?

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 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 a 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 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

Veterans and other applicants are eligible for waivers of the application fee. This form includes the eligibility requirements.

To apply to the graduate program, students must submit the Virginia Tech Graduate School online application. 

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}

 Send official scores to Virginia Tech Graduate School, code 5859.

Our program in MFA in Theatre has a limited number of graduate assistantships and fellowships available for students applying for full time study on the Blacksburg campus. Entering students can apply for such funding as part of their admissions application. No separate application required. Generally, All accepted students receive an assistantship and full tuition waiver.

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. Admitted applicants who are offered graduate assistantships at Virginia Tech are not required to make a decision to commit to the assistantship offer until April 15. See the assistantships page for more details.