Undergraduate Experience

Materials Science and Engineering values the success of every student. In conjunction with the College of Engineering and the overall university, we offer a range of opportunities for hands-on learning, as well as mentoring, networking, and financial support.

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 gives 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 chapters

• Virginia Tech Materials Engineering Professional Societies (MEPS)
  
• American Foundry Society (Piedmont Chapter)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
  
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)  
• Tau Beta Pi, National Engineering Honor Society 
  
• Virginia Tech Human-Powered Submarine Team

National chapters

• American Ceramics Society (ACerS) 
  
• American Society for Materials (ASM International)
  
• The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (TMS) 
  
• American Foundry Society (AFS) 
  
• Materials Research Society (MRS) 
  
• Society for Biomaterials 
  
• Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering (SAMPE)
   

Study Abroad

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