How to Apply - School of Education - Virginia Commonwealth University

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How to Apply

You’re ready for an advanced degree, so let’s get started

Whether you’re pursuing a certificate, master’s or doctoral degree, we’re ready for you.

We believe in holistic admissions, where we review items such as your academic and professional background, references, a statement of intent and, for select programs, interviews.

At first glance, the application process might seem a bit intimidating. We’re here to help break down the pieces and offer tips and suggestions, so you can put together your best application.

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Online Application

The online graduate application is your main portal to submit all required application documents. The system is designed to help you submit the unique materials based on your selected program of study.

References

Please review your individual program page for the number of references required. Many of our programs require three (3) yet some require fewer for the admissions process. Reference letters should be from individuals who can speak to your academic or professional abilities: professors/instructors, supervisors or co-workers. Ask references to connect your unique strengths to your future program and offer direction on what you’d like them to highlight.

If many years have passed since your last academic program, identify a colleague, mentor or supervisor who has observed how you might have taken a new concept and applied or presented it creatively. Contact us if you have questions about this academic requirement.

Note: We do not accept references from family, friends or clergy, unless you are employed by a religious organization.

Statement of Intent/Personal Statement

The terms “statement of intent” and “personal statement” are used interchangeably for the same application requirement. Your statement should describe your motivations for pursuing a graduate degree at VCU’s School of Education and how our specific program aligns with your future career goals.

Certain academic programs require specific prompts and guidance, which are detailed on the online application. Please review the application instructions before developing your statement of intent.

For Ed.D. Leadership program applicants, please see the detailed application checklist listed on this webpage for information about writing your statement of intent.

For Ph.D. program applicants, please follow these guidelines for your statement of intent. Upload a statement of intent (~2 pages) that explains your reasons for applying to the program. This statement, which is used by faculty to evaluate your fit with the degree program, should:

- Share your career goals and how this program would help you meet those goals.
- Explain what areas of research you hope to pursue in the program, and how our program fits your research goals.
- Identify which faculty member(s) you would hope to work with in the program. Consider the fit between their areas of research expertise and engagement with your own goals, and explain why you would want to work with specific faculty, and on what sorts of research.
- Share your prior work, educational, and/or research experiences that have prepared you to be successful in a research-intensive Ph.D. program.

Writing Sample Guidelines

If your application requires a writing sample, here are some guidelines:

Please upload a writing sample that highlights your ability to engage in scholarly writing. This might include published research, conference papers, portions of your thesis, or course project papers.
If you are submitting a writing sample that was co-authored, you should be the primary/lead author.
Your writing sample should not exceed 20 pages.
Please select a writing sample that is most relevant to [concentration area/special education] and that showcases the areas of research you would hope to engage in the program, if admitted.

Transcripts

Contact your previous colleges or universities to request that they submit your official undergraduate and graduate transcripts directly to VCU’s admissions office. If you have sealed envelopes of your transcripts, we can accept them as long as the seal has not been broken.

Sealed envelopes can be sent to:

VCU Graduate Admissions Office
Box 843051
408 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284-3051

Official electronic transcripts can be sent directly from your former institution to: gradmail@vcu.edu

Admissions Testing Guidelines

You can submit test scores, including the GRE, but we do not require them for admission. If you opt to submit test scores, they will become part of your application and may be used in our admission decision.

However, your program of interest might have specific application criteria that includes testing.

If you’re an international student, you have additional requirements. Learn more.

If needed, our school code for admissions testing is 5570.

Interviews

Many of our graduate programs include an interview into our decision. You’ll be contacted directly by your program team near the application deadline to schedule an interview if required. Make sure we have your most updated email and phone number.

Graduate Application Decision

Once we receive all your application materials, your application will be sent for review. If the application deadline is extended for a program, the timeline will be from the final deadline posted. If you have any questions on your application status, contact soeinfo@vcu.edu.

Virginia State Residency

The online application requests additional forms to provide evidence of your residency status, which will be stated on your letter of acceptance, if admitted. See the Graduate Bulletin for residency requirements.