Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions

What is engineering?

According to the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology , the organization that accredits engineering degrees in the United States:
Engineering is that profession in which knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences gained by study, experience, and practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize, economically, the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.

What kind of calculator will I need?

All you will really need is a basic scientific calculator, which can be purchased almost anywhere for around $20. If you already have a programmable or graphing calculator you will be allowed to use it, except on EngE tests, for which you must have a very basic, non-programmable calculator. For many things, you may find a programmable or graphing calculator useful, but you don't really need it to get by. Some departments will require a more expensive calculator later on, and we'd rather you save your money now and get the fancy one when you really need it. By then it will be more powerful and/or cheaper, too.

Will I have to purchase a computer?

Yes. All Virginia Tech engineering students have owned their own computers since Fall 1984. Requirements are set each year (usually in late spring) by the College of Engineering. Beginning in Fall 2006, all engineering students are required to own a convertible tablet pc of the specified configuration.

Will I have to purchase specific software for my classes?

Yes. Use of the tablet pc and software is an integral part of engineering and math classes from Day 1 forward. Software is specified by the College of Engineering. Package prices are negotiated so that as a Virginia Tech student you will pay a small fraction of the normal cost for complete professional versions of software such as AutoCAD, Matlab, and MS Office.

I've heard something about an accelerated class offered during the summer for new students. What is that?

During Summer 2002, EngE offered an experience that combined EF 2984 and EF 1016 into a single four-week course for some exceptionally qualified students. Two weeks were spent in Blacksburg, and two weeks were spent in Europe, using the University's Swiss chalet as a home base.

What courses should I take in high school to be prepared for engineering?

There are certain graduation requirements for all high schools (English, social studies, etc). In addition, you should take mathematics (at least through trigonometry), chemistry, and physics. Calculus is desirable, but not required. A thorough knowledge of trigonometry and pre-calculus subjects will be necessary for success. Many high school students believe that success in English, foreign language, the social sciences, and the humanities is not important for engineering students or for engineers. This is simply not true. In addition to their technical knowledge, engineers must be highly skilled communicators with knowledge and understanding of society, history, and how to work with the incredibly diverse mix of individuals that one encounters throughout the world.

Are scholarships available for freshman engineering students?

Yes. Freshman engineering scholarships are administered through the office of the Dean of Engineering. You may contact Rebecca Shelor for more information.

What should I do about advanced placement credits?

The primary context of this question relates to credit for calculus. Our experience is that advanced placement (AP) credits for Calculus work very well with our program. If you score high enough on the AP test to get the credit, you've learned the material, and there's no need for you to take the courses. We consistently give the same advice for all other AP credits.

What should I do about dual enrollment credits?

You will need to have the college or community college that granted the credit send an official transcript to Virginia Tech. The best place to have it sent is the Office of the University Registrar, 250 Student Services Building.

I've been invited to join the Honors Program. Should I participate?

Absolutely! The Honors Program offers special courses for the students who are eligible. Many Engineering students participate, and we encourage them to do so.

Is it possible to be an athlete and major in engineering?

Yes, there are Engineering students on most, if not all, of the sports teams at Virginia Tech.

Is it possible to be in the Marching Virginians and major in engineering?

Yes. Approximately one third of the Marching Virginians are Engineering students. After all, music and mathematics are related, and everyone knows Engineering students are good at math.

Is it possible to be in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and major in engineering?

Yes. Many engineering students are in the Corps of Cadets, often holding significant leadership positions.

Is it possible to be in the Highty Tighties and major in engineering?

Yes. Many members of the Highty Tighties are engineering students.

Is it possible to double major in Engineering and another discipline, or to get a minor in another discipline?

Yes, definitely. Engineering students routinely earn dual degrees and minors. Historically, dual degrees or minors in mathematics, chemistry, English, physics, economics, and various foreign languages have been common. More recently, the Business Minor offered by Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Business has been very popular.

What is the success rate in Engineering at Virginia Tech?

Historically, 50% of the students admitted as General Engineering Students graduate with engineering degrees.

Are Virginia Tech's engineering degrees accredited?

Absolutely. All Bachelor of Science degrees are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology except for Computer Science which is accredited by Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET. You must graduate from an accredited engineering program in order to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering examination, which is the first step toward becoming a Professional Engineer.

What undergraduate degrees does the Virginia Tech College of Engineering offer?

The Virginia Tech College of Engineering offers a broad spectrum of engineering degrees, specifically 14 Bachelor of Science degrees: Aerospace Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Science & Mechanics, Industrial & Systems Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining & Minerals Engineering, and Ocean Engineering. For more information, you can visit the homepages of the various departments: Aerospace & Ocean Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, The Via Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Engineering and Management, Engineering Science & Mechanics, The Grado Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Mining & Minerals Engineering.

Are there some courses that do not count toward an Engineering degree?

Yes, the following pdf file lists the non-degree courses.