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Admissions Process Checklist

Application Deadlines

  • Fall – July 15
  • Spring – December 15
  • Summer – April 15

Steps 1-4 should be completed four to six weeks prior to the start of the term you wish to begin the program.  Your online application must be submitted by the above deadline (step 2). 

Step 1

Make sure you meet the Admission Requirements

Step 2

Fill out and submit an online application to the Graduate School. 

The application process will require you to create a user account. You will be able to complete a portion of the application, save it, and return to edit or finish later before the final submission. You may find the following information useful when filling out the form:

  • Items that make up an application.
  • When filling out the application form, you will be asked to select a campus, choose “Virtual Campus.”  All courses are only offered in an online format.
  • When asked to select a major, choose “Agricultural and Life Sciences” and the concentration of your choice.
  • Be prepared to pay a non-refundable application fee online by credit card or e-check.

Step 3

While completing your online application and prior to submission, you will be required to upload one copy of your scanned official transcript from each institution from which you have earned or will earn an undergraduate or graduate degree. From the institution(s) where you have received a degree, the degree conferral date must be listed.  If the institution you are requesting a transcript from requires that it be sent directly to Virginia Tech, please have transcript mailed to:

Jennifer Jones
Virginia Tech
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Academic Programs
1060 Litton-Reaves Hall (0334)
Blacksburg, VA  24061

Do not upload your institution’s web-based academic record or a document stating it is not an official transcript. Make sure that all critical and identifying marks have been scanned and are legible. These include the institution’s name, your name, the names of your courses and the grades you have received. It is important that you scan both the front and back of your transcript as we will need to be able to review the information provided on the back of your transcript concerning credit hours, the institution’s grading scale, etc. Please ensure that your file is in PDF format only. If you encounter issues uploading your transcripts in your online application, please email grads@vt.edu or call the Graduate School at 540-231-8636.

Step 4

Decision notifications are mailed 4 to 6 weeks after admissions materials are received. Once you have been officially accepted into the program, follow steps 5-10.

Step 5

Create a Virginia Tech user account (called a PID) at Virginia Tech: Generate PID

Your PID is a key to your presence at Virginia Tech and you will need it to access your course websites, student records, library research materials, and more.

Step 6

Set up your email software to begin checking your new Virginia Tech email account (your PID@vt.edu). You must check this account regularly as Virginia Tech will use it, even if you request otherwise. See VT Computing - Email for details and assistance. You can also check your VT email online using webmail or have your email forwarded to an alternate address.

Note:  Centralized computing support services and everything you need to know as a new Virginia Tech student may be found at Computing @ Virginia Tech.

Step 7

The Plan of Study will be organized and prepared with your concentration advisor and committee. When you are accepted into the program you will be assigned an advisor. Your plan of study is an official document outlining the courses you plan to take and their sequence. It must be signed by your full committee and submitted to Jennifer Jones, assistant director, for processing through the Graduate School prior to completing 24 credit hours in the program.

If you are unsure of your advisor, please contact Jennifer Jones at jejone18@vt.edu or call 540-231-1104. 

Step 8

Refer to the Graduate Honor System and understand that it applies to all graduate work submitted for credit.

Step 9

Visit http://www.cals.vt.edu/academic-programs/online.html to learn more about course registration, academic schedules, university support resources, and more. This website will serve as your program homepage while you are taking classes.