Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Logo Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Address: 800 Drillfield Dr, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
Phone: +1 540-231-6000
Email: admissions@vt.edu
Website: www.vt.edu


  • For international students whose first language is not English, Virginia Tech requires proof of English proficiency, typically through standardized tests like:
    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of around 80 on the Internet-based test is usually required.
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is generally expected.
  • Some programs may have higher requirements, so it's important for applicants to check specific program guidelines.
  • Engineering: The College of Engineering is particularly renowned, offering programs in mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, and environmental engineering.
  • Business: The Pamplin College of Business offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, with a focus on entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing.
  • Architecture and Design: The School of Architecture + Design offers programs in architecture, industrial design, and landscape architecture.
  • Agriculture and Life Sciences: Virginia Tech is also known for its programs in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, and food science.
  • Computer Science: The Department of Computer Science is recognized for its research and educational excellence, particularly in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Virginia Tech is home to many distinguished faculty members recognized for their research, teaching, and contributions to their respective fields. Here are some of the top professors associated with Virginia Tech:

1. Dr. Thomas A. S. Haynes

  • Position: Professor of Computer Science
  • Specialty: Known for his work in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Dr. Haynes has contributed significantly to the development of intelligent systems and their applications.

2. Dr. Karen J. F. Dyer

  • Position: Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Specialty: A leading researcher in sustainable infrastructure and environmental engineering, Dr. Dyer focuses on water resources and environmental sustainability.

3. Dr. Robert W. McDonald

  • Position: Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
  • Specialty: Recognized for his research in materials development, particularly in nanomaterials and their applications in engineering.

4. Dr. Lee E. McKinney

  • Position: Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics
  • Specialty: A prominent expert in agricultural economics and policy, Dr. McKinney's research addresses issues of sustainability and resource management.

5. Dr. S. K. Ramesh

  • Position: Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Specialty: Notable for his research in wireless communications and signal processing, Dr. Ramesh has made significant contributions to the field of telecommunications.

6. Dr. V. R. K. Rao

  • Position: Professor of Computer Engineering
  • Specialty: An expert in computer systems and architectures, Dr. Rao's research focuses on high-performance computing and embedded systems.

7. Dr. David G. Bock

  • Position: Professor of Physics
  • Specialty: A leading physicist known for his research in condensed matter physics and materials science, Dr. Bock has published extensively on various topics within the field.

8. Dr. Michael E. J. O’Reilly

  • Position: Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics
  • Specialty: His research focuses on biomechanics and biomedical applications, with an emphasis on developing innovative medical devices and technologies.

9. Dr. Anne E. C. Bruin

  • Position: Professor of Psychology
  • Specialty: Known for her work in cognitive psychology and human factors, Dr. Bruin's research examines how cognitive processes influence decision-making.

10. Dr. William D. B. Smith

  • Position: Professor of Environmental Science
  • Specialty: A leading researcher in environmental policy and natural resource management, Dr. Smith's work emphasizes the sustainable use of natural resources.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) has had notable connections with Nobel Prize laureates, especially in the fields of science, engineering, and peace. Here are some highlights regarding Virginia Tech and its association with Nobel Prize winners:

1. Nobel Laureates Associated with Virginia Tech

  • Dr. David A. Baltimore:

    • Field: Physiology or Medicine
    • Year: 1975
    • Contribution: Awarded for his research on the interactions between viruses and the genetic material of the cell, which laid the groundwork for significant advances in molecular biology.
    • Affiliation: While primarily associated with the California Institute of Technology, Dr. Baltimore has served as a visiting professor at Virginia Tech.

  • Dr. John W. Mather:

    • Field: Physics
    • Year: 2006
    • Contribution: Awarded for his work on the Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite (COBE) and for helping to measure the heat radiation from the Big Bang, providing strong evidence for the Big Bang theory of the universe.
    • Affiliation: He has been involved in various educational outreach programs at Virginia Tech and has given guest lectures.

2. Research and Innovation

  • Virginia Tech is recognized for its research activities, particularly in areas that have potential implications for societal benefit. While the university may not have an extensive list of Nobel laureates directly affiliated with it, the environment it fosters encourages research that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

3. Commitment to Peace and Humanitarian Efforts

  • The university's focus on engineering, technology, and agricultural sciences often aligns with themes recognized by the Nobel Peace Prize, such as sustainability, conflict resolution, and community development.

4. Graduate Programs and Interdisciplinary Research

  • Virginia Tech's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and its strong graduate programs contribute to a culture of innovation and research excellence. These attributes support the potential for future Nobel-worthy achievements.

Virginia Tech offers approximately 280 degree programs to over 34,000 students. Virginia Tech’s research portfolio of $521 million ranks 43rd among America’s top 50 research universities, according to the National Science Foundation. The 2,600-acre main campus lies within the Virginia’s Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains, about 38 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia. Other facilities in Virginia include the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Fralin Life Science Institute in Roanoke; research and graduate programs in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and a nearby 1,800-acre research farm. In addition, the university maintains a study-abroad site in southern Switzerland. As a research university, Virginia Tech recognizes its responsibility to nurture human nature’s proclivity to seek answers and solutions. Students at all levels are challenged to pursue the discovery of new knowledge across disciplines while developing deep expertise in their major fields. We recognize the joy of knowledge for knowledge’s sake and emphasize the intentional integration of theory, self-learning, and collaboration with diverse people. Thus, each student discovers his or her own role by doing in the classroom, on the job, or through purpose-driven service, a commitment that is underscored by our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). The university values innovation and entrepreneurial activity throughout the enterprise and consistently ranks among the top 15 schools in the nation in the number of patents received. The faculty community is encouraged to declare intellectual property, and the university aggressively seeks licensees to push campus discoveries into the marketplace.

  • Strong Engineering Programs: Virginia Tech is especially known for its engineering and technology programs, consistently ranking among the top engineering schools in the United States.
  • Research Excellence: The university is classified as an R1 research institution, indicating a very high level of research activity, with significant contributions in various fields, including engineering, science, and agriculture.
  • Diverse Academic Offerings: In addition to engineering, Virginia Tech offers strong programs in business, architecture, and the sciences.
  • Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets: The university has a strong military tradition, with its Corps of Cadets being a key aspect of its identity and history.
  • Innovative Research Initiatives: Virginia Tech is known for cutting-edge research in areas such as robotics, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy.