Dear Student:

Thank you for your interest in graduate study at Virginia Tech. The hallmarks of graduate education include quality graduate programs, outstanding faculty and graduate students, and an environment that fosters academic excellence.

Virginia Tech offers graduate education throughout the commonwealth; through the main campus located in Blacksburg, at multiple locations in Northern Virginia and through smaller facilities throughout the state. As a premier research university, we offer 76 masters and 62 doctoral degrees through eight academic colleges. Our interdisciplinary research centers provide wonderful opportunities for graduate students and faculty in their scholarly pursuits. I invite you to explore the breadth, depth, and diversity of our academic and social opportunities.

At Virginia Tech, graduate students are an important and valued part of the academic community. We view graduate education as a partnership between our graduate students and our highly qualified faculty. This partnership is facilitated by more than 3,500 active research projects and provides significant opportunities for intellectual growth and professional development. The university's library, computing, laboratory and research facilities, and broad range of support services for graduate students make Blacksburg an ideal setting for graduate study. And our graduates are employed at many top universities and colleges, businesses and industries, research facilities, and governmental agencies across the country, demonstrating the value and quality of our programs.

We know that the availability of financial assistance is an important factor in your decision to attend graduate school. Over 60% of our full time graduate students receive assistantships (GA, GTA, GRA), a package that includes a stipend, tuition remission, and 80% reimbursement for health insurance. Information about assistantships is available through the department and through the Graduate School. Information about financial aid can be obtained by visiting the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Our virtual home contains a wealth of information for you. I encourage you to explore our website and take advantage of our on-line application and other electronic resources.

Thanks for your interest in graduate education at Virginia Tech.

Sincerely,

Karen P. DePauw

Vice Provost of Graduate Studies and Dean of Graduate School