Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs at Virginia Commonwealth University

Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Education (M.Ed.) - No GRE

The admission requirements for the Curriculum and Instruction, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program are:

1. Bachelor's degree
2. Three letters of recommendation addressing the student's potential for graduate study in education
3. Statement of intent
4. Transcripts of all previous college work
5. GRE scores are not applicable.

Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.) with a concentration in forensic biology: GRE required.

Admission Requirements for Forensic Science, Master of Science (M.S.) with a concentration in forensic biology:

• Bachelor’s degree in a natural science discipline, including forensic science, or a degree with equivalent coursework.
• An undergraduate GPA that exceeds 2.9 on a 4.0 scale (Most students entering the forensic science graduate program have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on undergraduate work.
• A combined score of 300 or more on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE
• Completion of eight credit hours (two semesters or equivalent) of organic chemistry with laboratories and eight credit hours (two semesters or equivalent) of general biology with laboratories
• Assessment of prior graduate coursework and/or relevant laboratory experience
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Ph.D. in Human Genetics

Applicants to the Ph.D. program must have earned a baccalaureate (i.e. bachelor’s) degree (or its equivalent) in the biological, chemical or related sciences by the time of enrollment. Successful applicants will have completed undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry through organic chemistry, genetics and mathematics through calculus. Typically, we target applicants with previous grade point averages of at least 3.3 and substantial research experience. International applicants must have demonstrated an acceptable level of English proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 100 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS. We take a holistic approach when evaluating applications, though, and strength in one or more aspects of an application can compensate for another area that is not as strong.

Applications are typically accepted for enrollment in the fall semester only, although exceptions for enrollment at other times can be made in special circumstances.

A completed application contains the on-line application, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Your letters of recommendation should comment on your suitability for graduate training and on your research or other relevant experience. Your personal statement should describe in any order (i) your research or other experience, (ii) why you are interested in Ph.D. training, (iii) your main research interests, (iv) a short list of prospective faculty mentors, (v) any career plans that you have, and (vi) any other information that will help us evaluate you as a prospective Ph.D. trainee. If you are supported by a governmental or other scholarship, please provide a copy of the financial guarantee or award letter. International applicants must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.

GRE scores are not required for admission decisions for the Ph.D. degree.