Applying to the Graduate Program in History


We normally admit full-time students only in the fall semester. Review of completed applications for those wishing to receive full consideration for financial aid begins on February 1.

A complete application comprises:

  1. The online application submitted through the graduate school.  Please see the application site for the graduate school for detailed instructions on how to submit the information they require.  This link also includes information about using a paper application in lieu of the online version.  Please include all of the following in your application:          
        • Three letters of reference
        • Statement of purpose
        • Curriculum vitae / resume
        • GRE scores
        • All academic transcripts
        • TOEFL scores for all applicants whose native language is not English.
  2. A writing sample.  Ideally this is a 10-15 page. research paper on a historical topic.  Please submit this paper directly to the history department at this address:
              Department of History  (0117)
              attn: Grad program admissions
              Major Williams Hall
              Virginia Tech
              Blacksburg, VA 24061

 

To request further information about the History master’s program please contact Professor Tom Ewing (etewing@vt.edu).  For information about the Area Studies Program contact Professor Janell Watson (rjwatson@vt.edu).  Please direct questions about the application process and application materials to the Department of History's administrative assistant, Linda Fountaine at 540-231-5331 or email her at lifounta@vt.edu.

Admissions Decisions in the History Graduate Program
The Graduate Committee advises the Director of the Graduate Program on admissions by reviewing applications and making recommendations for admission and for graduate assistantship support. While an incoming student may ideally have prior preparation in some area of history, we consider the qualifications and career objectives of all applicants individually regardless of academic background. We base admissions decision on a candidate’s prior academic work, statement of purpose, writing sample, recommendations from instructors and/or appropriate colleagues or supervisors, scores on GRE examinations, professional experience, and other supplementary material as appropriate. International students whose degree programs were not conducted in English must also take the TOEFL.