Programs

Academic Programs

Architecture

Architecture enriches our lives by offering us environments that are sensibly compelling, thought provoking, and capable of lifting our spirits. In addition to being beautiful, architecture is, by ancient definition, functional and durable. Like art, architecture is permeated by dualities. It is stable and transitory, measurable and immeasurable, and capable of both being touched and touching us. Like science, architecture involves systematic study. Its methods are iterative, experimental, and rely on intense observation. By intertwining the poetic and practical, architecture is uniquely poised to address the challenges of contemporary life and build the culture of the 21st century.

Industrial Design

Industrial Design is one of the oldest activities in the world and is becoming one of the most powerful professions in the digital age. There are few corporations that do not rely on expertise from industrial designers to help establish their identity, initiate a new strategy, develop a new product, or create an expanded market.

Interior Design

The Interior Design program at Virginia Tech is dedicated to improving quality of life through design excellence, professionalism, and public service. With a curriculum that equally respects the importance of creative skill, history, building technology, ethics, innovation, and business practice, our graduates have the ability and confidence needed to immediately contribute to the profession.

Landscape Architecture

The Department of Landscape Architecture at Virginia Tech is committed to discovering, developing, and disseminating knowledge related to the discipline and profession of landscape architecture. Our educational approach stresses the importance of mutual responsibility within the learning community and favors students who are devoted to actively pursuing their education. Students and faculty work together to achieve the highest standards of disciplinary and professional preparedness and to develop the capacity for lifelong learning and professional leadership.

Off-Campus Programs

Washington-Alexandria Center

The Washington-Alexandria Center allows students to address the complexities of urban areas, using the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region as a resource laboratory for design and research.

Chicago Studio

Chicago Studio is an alternative to the traditional design studio that integrates education and practice in a direct way for upper level architecture and design students.

Field Study

The Interior Design Field Study is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the design profession while earning credit toward your degree in interior design.

Extern Program

This program offers the opportunity for a 4th-year undergraduate student to receive academic credit while working in an architectural practice. The program specifies that a student works full time in an architecture firm or office related to the architecture profession located in a place other than their hometown for the entire semester.

Study Abroad

Established in 1968 as a summer studio, the Study Abroad programs are now offered in various lengths and types during the entire year. These programs enable students, during any of the University academic sessions, to earn up to 12 credits studying and traveling in Europe.

Research and Outreach Centers

International Archive of Women in Architecture

The mission of the International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA) is to document the history of women's involvement in architecture, interior and industrial design, landscape architecture, urban design and planning, architectural history and criticism, and the records of women's...

Center for High Performance Environments

The Center for High Performance Learning Environments (CHPLE) serves as a resource for designers, engineers, system consultants, teachers, school administrators, facility managers, and others interested in improving the design and operation of K through 16 learning environments.

Henry H. Wiss Center for Theory & History of Art & Architecture

The Henry H. Wiss Center for Theory and History of Art and Architecture gathers and actualizes interests in teaching, study and research of contemporary and historic art and architecture and theory.

Community Design Assistance Center

The Community Design Assistance Center assists communities, neighborhood groups, and non-profit organizations in improving the natural and built environments through design, planning, policy, and research.