Engineering Science and Mechanics
An In-depth Study of Fundamental Engineering Principles
Engineering science and mechanics at Virginia Tech offers a unique route to students’ academic and career objectives. The program’s small class size, close interaction with faculty, hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, and in-depth study of fundamental engineering principles provide an ideal environment for career preparation in fields such as modern machinery, automotive and aerospace engineering, and biomedical equipment design.
Graduates with a minor in engineering science and mechanics are prepared to assume and successfully carry out any engineering assignment. Additionally, this strong background in the fundamentals is excellent preparation for graduate work.
The flexible curriculum can also be used to give tailored, focused instruction in mechanics of materials, vibrations and controls, kinematics and dynamics, thermal sciences, the dynamics of fluids and gases, biomedical engineering, computer applications, and business.
A minor in engineering science and mechanics provides a strong foundation for any number of other engineering disciplines. This curriculum track nicely complements mechanical engineering as well as aerospace and ocean engineering in particular. The Virginia Tech Undergraduate Catalog provides a nice overview and descriptions of the courses.
ESM Minor Checksheets
Undergraduate/graduate option
Counting Credit Hours Toward Graduate Degrees
An undergraduate/graduate option allows ESM undergraduate students to use courses taken during the senior year to count towards both the bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in engineering mechanics.
Upon completion of 90 credit hours, and with at least one more semester to complete all requirements for the bachelor's degree, undergraduate students who have an overall grade point average of at least 3.3 can apply for the ESM undergraduate/graduate program.
This program allows undergraduate students at Virginia Tech to use up to four three-hour courses (12 credit hours) taken during the senior year to count towards both the B.S. and graduate degrees.
These credit hours must be taken before the completion of the undergraduate degree and after admission into the undergraduate/graduate program.
Two three-hour courses (six credit hours) at the 4xxx level can be counted towards the graduate degree. Successful completion of all courses with no less than a B average is required for these courses to count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Upon admission into the ESM UG/G program, a committee consisting of the ESM undergraduate program chair, the engineering mechanics graduate program chair, and one ESM faculty member (optional) will function as an advisory committee. The role of this committee ends after the plan of study for the graduate degree is approved by the graduate school.
Once admitted into the ESM program, make an appointment with the ESM undergraduate program chair to discuss courses that can be counted towards both degrees.
Complete a graduate application by one of the following dates:
- January 1 for spring semester admission
- May 1 for summer semester admission
- August 1 for fall semester admission
Explore the Graduate School's Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Program page for more information.