Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science

Our bachelor's degree program pepares students to work in a range of fields, including engineering, manufacturing, materials selection and design, quality assurance and control, research and development, technical consulting, management, and sales and marketing. Through our Engineering Communications Program, they learn how to communicate their work through writing, speaking, and visual media. And, they gain an excellent background for post-graduate studies in science, engineering, medicine, law, and business.

Students are empowered to succeed through our Cooperative Education Program that alternates semesters of study with professional employment. Study abroad opportunities are also possible. And, eligible students may earn a university honors degree.

Our department provides robust academic advising services to help students thrive in the classroom, and our top-notch research faculty offers many hands-on opportunities to undergraduates. Scholarships, assistantships, and professional development and networking opportunities also are available.

Curriculum

Students typically enter the department after completing their first year of study in Virginia Tech's Engineering Education program. Students must complete a total of 131 credit hours to gain a Bachelor of Science degree. Materials science engineering courses are available in the university's course catalog.

In addition to foundational courses in materials science and engineering, students tailor their degree with electives in several subdisciplines, such as metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials, composites, biomaterials, and nanomaterials. These credits may also focus on areas of study in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, information technology, microelectronics, and other specialities.

Our undergraduate curriculum includes our robust Engineering Communications Program, including writing, public speaking, proposal preparation, reporting, research skills, critical and creative thinking, and graphical presentation.

Our students can pursue various minors through the College of Engineering.

Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

Ambassadors

What's it like being a materials science and engineering student? Our ambassadors can answer all your questions from a student perspective.

Scholarships

The College of Engineering offers a variety of scholarships to both first-year and transfer engineering students. The application process begins with filling out an online questionnaire.

Undergraduate Research

Each semester, many faculty provide opportunities for undergraduates to work on grant-funded research projects working with a range of materials. For more information, visit our research pages.

Students involved in research may receive academic credit toward their degree. Details are available from the undergraduate advisor.

Internships and cooperative employment

Internships give students real-world experience, allowing them to apply the knowledge and theory they learn in the classroom and the lab. Students are encouraged to seek internship opportunities as early as possible. Details are available from the office of Career and Professional Development.

Our department strongly encourages cooperative education for all students. Co-ops help students build real-world skills, gain work experience, and network with future employers. All students are encouarged to work with the Cooperative Education and Internship Program. Participation in a co-op experience will extend the student's expected graduation date by at least one semester.

Student organizations

Virginia Tech has more than 800 student organizations on campus that offer social and professional development and rich experiences for everyone. Several student chapters of engineering and materials science and engineering organizations are also active, including Virginia Tech Materials Engineering Professional Society, American Foundry Society (Piedmont Chapter), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, and others.

Study Abroad

Students interested in study abroad opportunities can learn more from the Global Education Office and the undergraduate advisor.