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Graduate Admission

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Application for admission to most graduate-level programs at the School of Education and Human Development is made using an online application system. In the event that a program uses a common application portal for applications, the program page will note that in its admission instructions.

The steps on this page outline our general admission process for graduate degree programs. Requirements will vary from program to program. The first step you should take is to familiarize yourself with the unique admission requirements for your program of interest. Below is a list of things to familiarize yourself with as you consider a graduate program:

  1. Admission requirements that are unique to your program of interest. Some of these requirements might include:
    • Prerequisite educational background
    • Test scores that the program requires you to submit along with your online application
    • Additional professional experience requirements 
    • Supplementary documents that need to be uploaded as part of your online application
  2. Term of entry you are applying for
  3. Modality–online vs. in-person? Is the program in Charlottesville vs. an off-campus location?
  4. What is the typical length of study for the program you are interested in?

 

Application Components

Test Scores

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores Are Optional
The School of Education and Human Development has taken a test-optional approach to graduate admission. We want all applicants to be able to represent themselves in the best possible light in the admission process. Our admission processes seek a full picture of an applicant’s potential from a variety of sources such as a goal/professional statement, a writing sample, letters of recommendation, and transcripts. 

Our doctoral programs seek students who fit well into our areas of specialization and faculty interests; we recommend you address this in your application materials. Students who believe they may benefit from having especially strong scores may add them to their application. Not submitting your GRE scores when your program of interest offers you the option to submit them does not affect your application negatively in any way.

  • If you choose to submit GRE scores, they must be official and less than five years old. The University of Virginia’s institutional code is 5820. Information on sending official GRE scores can be found on the ETS website

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Exam Scores and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Scores

International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Scores must not be more than two years old. Applicants who have or will have earned an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction do not need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Official scores should be sent to the University of Virginia. For the TOEFL the institutional code is B875. IELTS does not require an institutional code.

Expected scores:

  • Paper-based TOEFL: 600
  • Computer-Based TOEFL: 250
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • IBT TOEFL: at least 22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening for a total score of 90.
  • All incoming (new) graduate students whose first language is one other than English are required to take the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Exam (UVELPE) unless they have been exempted from TOEFL or IELTS.
  • Prospective graduate teaching assistants whose first language is one other than English are required to take the University of Virginia English Language Proficiency Oral Test (UVELPE Oral) (formerly known as the SPEAK Test). A score of at least 55 is required for permission to begin teaching without completion of oral language training. The UVELPE Oral Test is administered in August, December, and May. Candidates for the test are identified by their department. Information about the UVELPE Oral Test is available at Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC).

Apply Now

Application for admission to graduate degree programs at the UVA School of Education and Human Development is made through an online application. To access the application portal, click here:

Supplementary Materials

Each program will have a list of supplementary materials that you are required to submit along with your online application. In the event that the program you are applying to requires physical materials mailed in as part of your application, you can find mailing guidelines further down on this page. Supplementary materials you will be required to submit with your application include the following:

  • Goal/Professional Statement–This is your opportunity to describe your understanding of and interest in the program area to which you are applying, what you hope to learn during the program, and how it will help you achieve your professional goals. The prompt on the application provides additional information you might include in your statement.
  • Letters of Recommendation–Most programs will require you to submit two letters of recommendation as part of the online application. These should be solicited through your online application. In the event that a program requires more than two letters, the program page will list how many additional letters of recommendation you will need, along with additional guidelines for selecting a recommender. You can submit your application before the letters are received.
  • Transcripts–Upload copies of transcripts showing college coursework and degrees completed to date. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Official transcripts are required only when you accept an offer of admission. If you are submitting an electronic transcript, please email it directly to [email protected]. A transcript must be provided for each school listed on your application. Transcripts that are not stated in English must be accompanied by a translation into English. Your application will be considered incomplete until all transcripts are received. 
    • We will accept international transcript evaluations from members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). While we do not endorse any specific providers, we commonly receive evaluations from Educational Credentials Evaluators, International Academic Credential Evaluators, Josef Silny and Associates, or World Education Services. Course-by-course evaluations are preferred.
  • Application Fee–You will be prompted to pay the $85 nonrefundable application fee as part of your online application. Your application will be considered incomplete until the application fee is paid or waived. Information for domestic applicants on fee waiver eligibility and steps for applying.
    • Application fees are automatically waived for international students from the countries listed here: Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia
  • Writing Sample–For some programs, an additional writing sample will be required as part of your online application. Refer to the program page for writing sample instructions. If your program of interest requires a writing sample as part of your application, your application will be considered incomplete until your writing sample is received.

Apply Now

Application for admission to graduate degree programs at the UVA School of Education and Human Development is made through an online application. To access the application portal, click here:

Direct Admission for Current UVA Undergrads into EHD Master's Programs

The School of Education and Human Development offers a direct admission option to current UVA students wishing to enroll in select graduate programs. Learn more about our direct admission opportunity here:

Direct Admission
Mailing Guidelines

Electronic transcripts should be sent to [email protected].

Mailing items that could instead be uploaded can cause unnecessary delays in the application process. If you do need to mail documents, please send them to:

School of Education and Human Development Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box 401104
Charlottesville, VA 22904
(via U.S. Postal Service)

Central Admissions Office
School of Education and Human Development Admissions
1001 North Emmet Street
Room 232, Carruthers Hall
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(via UPS/FedEx)

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