Graduate Catalog
2023-2024
 
Policies, Procedures, Academic Programs
International Research Abroad
IRAC
Address:
Graduate School (MC 0325), Graduate Life Center, Virginia Tech, 155 Otey ST NW
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Contact this Certificate
Email Contact(s):
Web Resource(s):
• Website
Phone Number(s):
• William Huckle:
540/231-5645
• Graduate School Admissions:
540/231-8636

Certificate Overview

In keeping with the global dimensions of Virginia Tech’s research mission, many faculty and graduate students are engaged in research partnerships with scholars from numerous other countries. Students who engage in research while living in other countries can gain valuable disciplinary expertise as well as deep understanding of cultural dimensions of research that are essential for fruitful global endeavors. This certificate provides a means of recognizing students’ efforts and accomplishments in gaining background knowledge required for successful international research collaborations and in conducting research abroad.

 Eligible Students

  • VT master’s and doctoral students from multiple disciplines who are US citizens, including US permanent residents, seeking specialized research experiences in another country
  • International VT master's and doctoral students from multiple disciplines who are seeking specialized research experiences in a country other than the US and countries where they have studied before (pending visa regulations)
  • Students seeking degrees at universities in other countries who enroll at Virginia Tech as guest students for the purpose of gaining specialized research experience in the US
How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.
Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

Admission Requirements

  • Meet Graduate School criteria: Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or better and English language proficiency
  • Students enrolled in Virginia Tech degree programs must also meet the admission criteria for their programs

Course Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in International Research Abroad requires a minimum of 9 credits; these credits may be listed as part of the degree Plan of Study where permitted by program degree requirements.
  • GRAD 5404, Research in International Contexts, 3 cr, graded A-F
  • 3-cr elective focusing on knowledge and research expertise required to prepare for the international research abroad experience, must be graded a-F
  • 3 or more cr of 5904, 5994, or 7994 based on research conducted abroad in collaboration with a scholar abroad, graded EQ by a VT faculty member who serves as instructor of record for the credits (each 3 cr requires a minimum of 6 weeks of full-time research work abroad)