Application Information


NOTE: Pleas read carefully. Information updated 10/11/2007.

Review of completed applications for those wishing to receive full consideration for financial aid will begin on February 1. The final deadline for submitting all application materials is February 15. To request further information about the Area Studies Program contact Professor Janell Watson, areastudies@vt.edu. Every effort will be made to notify all applicants of their status by March 15. Decisions on admissions and funding for assistantships are made by the Director of Graduate Studies, the Area Studies Coordinator, and the History Department Graduate Committee.

In the "Study Objectives" portion of the application, it is important to specify History as the particular area of specialization.

The Area Studies Program requires that all applicants supply in English the following materials. For specific information on what to submit where, see http://www.history.vt.edu/graduate_students/app_process.htm:

  • Application for Graduate Study, including an application fee. May be done online at http://www.grads.vt.edu/admissions/applying/index.html.
  • Official academic transcripts from all undergraduate institutions that the student has attended.
  • A statement of purpose (500 words), identifying scholarly background and interests and academic objectives.
  • Three letters of recommendation (use form provided by the Graduate School).
  • GRE scores (Graduate Record Examinations) The GRE should be taken prior to December15 to ensure that the scores reach the Graduate School by the application deadline. For more information, see: http://www.gre.org/
  • TOEFL scores (Test of English as a Foreign Language), if English is not the applicant's native language. For more information, see: http://www.toefl.org/ .
  • One writing sample in English, normally a research paper or analytical essay.
  • Applicants who wish to be considered for a Graduate Assistantship in Foreign Languages and Literatures should include a separate letter in addition to the GTA application, describing their classroom experience and teaching abilities. Furthermore, their letters of recommendation should address relevant skills, such as language proficiency.

A limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships are available in the three constituent departments that comprise Area Studies. Persons with a strong language skill in Spanish, French, or German may be assigned to the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. A proficiency level of "Advanced" in the target language is required for all GTAs in Foreign Languages and Literatures. Applicants requesting a Graduate Teaching Assistantship in Foreign Languages and Literatures should submit letters of recommendation that address relevant foreign language skills.

All individuals wishing to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship are requested to include a separate letter describing their classroom experience and teaching abilities.

For more information concerning Graduate Teaching Assistantships, please contact Professor Janell Watson , Area Studies coordinator.