Colleges Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech www.vt.edu

Virginia Tech is a public institution that was founded in 1872. Its campus size is 2,600 acres. As a broad-based research university with a large undergraduate population, Virginia Tech strikes a balance among learning, discovery, and engagement. Building on its strengths in science and engineering, Virginia Tech, a former military technical institute in Blacksburg, encourages students to “invent the future.” Students account for more than half the total residents in Blacksburg. They can participate in more than 600 clubs and organizations, including a large Greek system of more than 50 fraternities and sororities. Freshmen must live on campus, and the school has renowned dining facilities. Virginia Tech is a research powerhouse, with seven research institutes and two university research centers that offer undergraduate and graduate students research opportunities.

Academics

Virginia Tech offers 116 bachelor’s degree programs through its nine undergraduate academic colleges, 160 master’s and doctoral degree programs through the Graduate School, including programs in the College of Engineering and a professional degree from the Virginia–Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. In addition, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute is a public/private partnership jointly managed by Virginia Tech and the Carilion Clinic. Virginia Tech offers a novel, innovative program focused on interdisciplinary studies and research, aptly named “Scieneering”. The University Studies program gives students the opportunity to explore and learn about the majors available at Virginia Tech before they choose a particular program of study. The student-faculty ratio at Virginia Tech is 17:1, and the school has 34% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include Management Sciences & Information Systems, Information Science, and Mechanical Engineering.

Special Highlights

Innovation Campus. The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus is a place where you can gain hands-on experience working with industry and government to tackle real problems, accelerate your impact, and supercharge your career from day one. Because change doesn’t happen in a silo, we’re intentionally building the foundation for the future from one of the most inclusive and connected tech communities in the country. With open access to an inclusive tech ecosystem at the doorstep of industry giants, and just a few miles from the Nation’s capital, our Alexandria, Virginia, campus gives students the tools to drive change and jumpstart their careers.

Center for Human Computer Interaction. The Center is a world leader in human-computer interaction research, both designing interactive experiences and studying human interaction with and through technology. Human-Computer Interaction pervades every aspect of life, from augmented reality to social media to autonomous vehicles to crowdsourcing. The center places special emphasis on two main research thrusts: 3D experiences and social informatics. The center is an institute-level research center, with primary support and oversight coming from the Institute for Creativity Arts and Technology. In a unique partnership between institutes, the center also receives support and oversight from the Institute for Critical Technologies and Applied Science.

School Mission & Unique Qualities

At Virginia Tech, we’re reimagining how education and technology intersect. This approach transforms the ways we teach and learn, perform research, and engage with communities around the world. “Hokies” collaborate with diverse team members and cross the traditional lines between fields and disciplines to tackle global-scale problems. We push the boundaries of knowledge in order to make a difference in the world. The Virginia Tech campus is in Blacksburg, Virginia. Most buildings are built of limestone in a neo-Gothic style. Notable green spaces include the Hahn Horticulture Garden, Virginia Tech Duck Pond, and the old-growth forest, Stadium Woods.

Student Reviews…

“Virginia Tech is an incredible school! There’s always something exciting happening. Whether you’re interested in joining clubs related to your major, exploring new hobbies, or doing community service, there’s a niche for everyone here. The challenging curriculum and passionate professors make learning rewarding. The campus is stunning, especially in the fall.”