Application Deadlines

February 15: To be considered for funding

To be considered for a paid Graduate Assistant/Graduate Teaching Assistant position (tuition remission + stipend), you must submit an application for the Fall semester by February 15. (Assistantships are allocated in early March.)

Rolling admissions for those not seeking internal funding

If you do not seek an MCPH graduate assistantship, you can apply at any time for admission to the next semester.

Application Process

Apply here with our On-line Application

The above link is for all applicants to any VT Graduate Program 

What do I need for a complete application?

  • Transcripts from your undergraduate institution. (The Graduate School will need your official transcripts eventually, but the MCPH Steering Committee can make initial admissions decisions based on unofficial transcripts.)
  • 3 letters of recommendation. At least two should be written by faculty at your undergraduate institution.
  • A personal statement (~750 words) outlining your preparation and goals
  • Writing Sample (usually between 10 and 20 pages)
  • GRE Scores (optional)
  • Any other personal documents required by the Graduate School’s general application

What are we looking for when we make our admissions decisions?

  • Undergraduate BS or BA degree, preferably in the humanities or design disciplines (e.g., American Studies, Architecture, Area Studies, Art History, Classics, Communication, Folklore, History, History of Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Landscape Architecture, Political Science, Religion and Culture)
  • A strong undergraduate GPA, ideally 3.5 in-major undergraduate, 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA.
  • For international students, a TOEFL score of 550 (written) or 213 (computerized) or 80 (IBT)

Please note that these requirements have some flexibility; in accordance with the Graduate School’s philosophy of Holistic Admissions, we consider applicants as people, not numbers. Consequently, we sometimes admit students with lower GPAs or GRE scores when those scores are offset by other factors, including:

  • Community engagement/service
  • Demonstrated leadership
  • Personal/professional ethics
  • Documented achievements
  • Research and scholarship
  • Social, economic, and physical challenges, or other barriers

When will we let you know if your application has been accepted? 

Usually within 10 business days for our admissions decision. We try to finalize our funding decisions by March 1 (for those who have submitted applications by February 15 for consideration of funding).