Application

Application Questions

  • How do I apply for the degree program?

We recommend that you use the VT Graduate School online application; see the Apply link on this site for further instructions. Applications are accepted at any time during the year, and you can begin the program in any term. The online application requires an application fee that can be paid by credit card. You need to send two copies of your official transcripts from any undergraduate and graduate institution you list on the application. We do NOT require GRE scores or letters of recommendation for our program. After the Graduate School processes your application,the Department of Learning Sciences and Technology and ITMA will review it. You will be notified of our decision by mail from the Graduate School and by email from us.

  • Can I take courses without applying to the program?

Yes, we welcome students who are not necessarily seeking an Instructional Technology degree. The classification for such a student is Commonwealth Campus. This classification is open to individuals who hold an earned baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. You still have to complete the Application for Graduate Study and pay the application fee, but you may send unofficial transcripts instead of official transcripts. With this status, you can take up to 12 credit hours. These courses may be approved for credit toward a degree should you decide to pursue one. Again, see the Apply link for more information.

  • When do I start?

The academic semester in which you enroll depends on two variables. The first is when we receive your application from the Graduate School. You should submit your application at least two months before you intend to enroll in order to assure timely enrollment. The second variable is how many current students we have enrolled in the program. Although there is no set limit on numbers of students for the program, we want to ensure that each student can get a quality experience.

  • What about transfer credits?

We will accept up to six hours of graduate transfer credit; however they must meet certain minimum standards. These include:

  • the credits must be from an accredited institution and the courses must be offered by the institution.
  • credits from Continuing and/or Professional Studies Programs will not be accepted.
  • the credits must relate to the content of our instructional technology program.
  • the credits must not be older than five years old.
  • the credits must be approved by the ITMA staff.

Approval by the Staff is based on a review of the description and syllabus of the course(s) you would like us to consider for transfer. We must be assured these courses will add to your cumulative experience in our program. These documents should be sent to ITMA after your acceptance into the program.

  • What GPA do I need?

The VT Graduate School requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA for acceptance. However, because we consider more than just your GPA in making admission decisions, you MIGHT be accepted as a provisional student if your GPA is too low. Provisional students can take up to 9 credit hours and then must petition the Graduate School to change their status. The status can only be changed if the student has maintained at least a 3.0 GPA in their graduate courses.

  • What is a Commonwealth Campus student?

Examples of students who seek admission into the Commonwealth Campus program include in- or out-of-state students who a) may qualify for regular admission but do not currently wish to work for a graduate degree; b) do not qualify for admission because of a poor undergraduate record but who have several years of appropriate professional experience and wish to improve their credentials; c) require graduate courses for professional certification; or d) are not U.S. citizens and are in a visa status that does not prohibit enrollment.

According to Graduate School policy, Commonwealth Campus students may not earn a graduate degree while enrolled under this status. Therefore, if you begin the ITMA program as a Commonwealth Campus student, you will be required to change your registration status to "Regular Student" in order to earn your degree. To begin the process of changing your status, you must:

  • complete 12 hours of ITMA courses
  • be a student in good standing
  • maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • apply to the ITMA program
  • pay application fees