Virginia Tech

Overview

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech (VT), is a public research university with a main campus located in Blacksburg, Virginia. Founded in 1872, it positions itself as the most comprehensive university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a leading research institution. Guided by the university motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), VT’s mission is to create and apply knowledge, develop solutions to complex problems, and provide service to the community by sharing knowledge.

Students who enroll at VT can choose from over 150 majors and more than 170 master’s and doctoral majors. The top 10 most popular majors among incoming freshmen students are engineering, university studies, business, biological sciences, technology, human nutrition, animal and poultry sciences, architecture, psychology, and business information technology. VT also offers over 400 customizable professional education programs that foster excellence in various professional fields.

VT opened its doors in 1872 as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. In the 1890s, bachelor of science degrees and graduate studies were added to its educational programs. From the 1960s to 1970s, VT established a research division that paved the way for it to become a research university. It was granted university status in 1970 and officially became known as the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Adding to VT’s prestige is its slew of accomplished alumni, which include Jim Buckmaster, CEO of Craiglist; Gerry Beckley, founding member of folk-rock band America; and broadcast journalist and The Today Show co-anchor Hoda Kotb.

VT has achieved top 70 and top 100 placements in national rankings in the U.S. Globally, it has figured in the top 200 to 300 ranges, with its engineering programs gaining the most top 100 placements for subject area rankings.

The university’s strategic plans are focused on prioritizing four key areas. First, it aims to boost its regional, national, and global impact. Second, it envisions building communities of discovery where diversity is celebrated. Third, VT is bent on attracting top talent who are ready to serve the local and global community. Fourth, the university aims to establish institutional excellence that will help it maximize its resources.

Infrastructure-wise, VT is working on building an Innovation Campus in Alexandria, which is expected to enhance the regional and national technology ecosystem. Once finished, this billion-dollar project will welcome over 750 students for its masteral, doctoral, and postdoctoral fellowship programs. An autonomous vehicle company is also set to put up a facility in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.