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Master's Degrees Admissions

How to Apply to Master's Programs in the School of Design

Applications for the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) Program and Master of Science (MS) in Architecture, Interior Design track

Landscape Architecture:
Prospective Master of Landscape Architecture students apply directly to one of three tracks in the accredited MLA degree program. While not required, all applicants to the 3-year and Advanced Standing Tracks are encouraged to contact the degree program to discuss their interests and academic plans. All applicants for the 1-year plus Thesis Track must contact the Landscape Architecture Program prior to applying.

Interior Design:
This concentration allows those with professional degrees in Interior Design or closely related areas the opportunity for advanced research which is expected to add to the body of knowledge in the discipline of Interior Design. Potential research areas include design practice, history of interiors, computer applications in interior design, and environmental factors related to interiors. This concentration is available on the main campus in Blacksburg.

You can apply to master degrees offered in the VT School of Design through the Virginia Tech Graduate School’s online application portal. https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.html

Please refer to the VT Graduate School webpages for more information on becoming a graduate student at Virginia Tech. 

The VT Graduate School application includes a formal application, official transcripts of previous university level coursework and degrees, and three letters of recommendation. International students must also provide official TOEFL or IELTS test scores. GREs are no longer required.

In addition, applicants must also submit:

  • Statement of Academic and Professional Goals that addresses applicants background as it relates to academic and professional interests in landscape architecture, motivation for graduate study at Virginia Tech, and, if applicable, any areas of potential specialization (max. 1000 words). 

  • Personally Authored Exhibit/Portfolio that demonstrates an aptitude for design and/or creative work beyond the academic transcript. An 8-page maximum PDF (minimum of 250 dpi) must be uploaded as part of the on-line application.

  • Students requesting advanced standing must provide evidence of academic and/or professional design and course work for decisions on course content waivers. This may include demonstrations of site design and design development, freehand and/or digital drawing, site analysis, site engineering, and use of GIS applications. It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide context for each item submitted (e.g., project description; scope and individual contribution).

Application Deadline

Applications are due by January 15th for fall semester entry using the online VT Graduate School application system. International students must apply by February 15th so that visa deadlines can be met. Students wanting to be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship must submit by the deadline to be considered. The VT Graduate School notifies applicants after review of the program’s recommendation. Applications received after posted deadlines will be considered only on a space-available basis. Please contact the Landscape Architecture or Interior Design program to discuss any late applications.

Additional Requirements for International Candidates

The VT Graduate School requires official TOEFL or IELTS test scores for all international applicants. Minimum TOEFL scores for MLA applicants are: 600 (paper-based) or 90 (internet- or computer-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. In addition, transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Learn more about applying to Virginia Tech as an international student at the VT Graduate School website: https://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.html