The Application Process
Applying to the M.S. Geography Program
· Learn more about our program and department at our department website.
· Visit faculty websites to learn more about faculty research interests and identify those whose interests match yours.
· Contact those faculty to discuss your research interests and applying to the program.
· If possible, visit the department. Contact the Graduate Program Director (Dr. Andrew Ellis, awellis@vt.edu) or a potential faculty advisor to help arrange your visit.
· Complete the Graduate School's online application by submitting all required materials (see below).
· We pay careful attention to your Academic and Professional Goals Statement, so be prepared to address the following questions: Why do you want to attend graduate school and why are you qualified to do so? What do you expect to derive from the program? What is your research concentration area? What do you expect to contribute as a student and subsequently a professional? Which faculty member(s) are you interested in working with [very important]?
· References: At least two of the three letters should come from faculty members (if you have not been a student recently, letters from employers are acceptable but should focus on research).
· GRE scores are not required but should be reported if the exam was taken.
· TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students whose first language is not English, except for those who graduated from an accredited university where English is the language of instruction.
· A writing sample such as a research paper, undergraduate thesis, or poster presentation is required.
· Unofficial transcripts are required (official transcripts are required only if accepted).
· An updated CV/résumé is required.
· Deadlines: January 15 to receive full consideration for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, though applications can be submitted and will be accepted after January 15. To begin in the spring, applications are due October 15.