Virginia Tech’s Engineering Graduate Programs Shine in 2024 Rankings

Virginia Tech has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence in engineering education. The recent release of the U.S. News & World Report’s annual graduate school rankings reveals that eight of the College of Engineering’s programs are now recognized among the top 20 in the nation.

Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering leads in national rankings.

In total, Virginia Tech’s engineering graduate school is tied for 31st overall, reflecting the university’s ambition to elevate its profile both nationally and globally. This push is part of Virginia Tech Global Distinction’s objective to attract the best faculty, students, and partnerships from around the world. The engineering graduate schools received notable accolades across several specific disciplines, marking a significant improvement and continuing the proud legacy of this leading institution.

Top Achievements in Rankings

Among the standout programs, Virginia Tech’s Environmental Engineering is tied for an impressive 5th place, maintaining its position from last year. Similarly, Industrial and Systems Engineering has climbed to 5th, up from 6th, showcasing the department’s effective strategies in enhancing its curriculum. Civil Engineering is also on the ascent, ranked 9th overall, while Biological/Agricultural Engineering now shares the 10th spot, up from 12th last year.

Conversely, additional programs that made it into the top 20 include Aerospace Engineering (tied for 11th, up from 14th), Computer Engineering (15th, up from 23rd), Mechanical Engineering (17th), and Electrical Engineering (20th). Furthermore, programs like Materials Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering achieved commendable rankings within the top 50.

“It is our mission to advance the boundaries of engineering knowledge and practice through transdisciplinary research,” said Julie Ross, Dean of the College of Engineering. “The caliber of our world-class education is truly reflected in our students, faculty, and alumni, who are sought globally for their excellence.”

Honoring a Broader Academic Spectrum

Virginia Tech’s strong ranking performance extends beyond engineering. In early April, U.S. News & World Report highlighted other programs, including the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program tied at 19th nationally, and the highly regarded part-time Evening MBA program from the Pamplin College of Business, ranked 35th nationally and first in Virginia. This MBA program is particularly accommodating, holding classes in the evenings while offering an array of online elective classes during summer.

Virginia Tech’s Evening MBA program continues to lead in Virginia.

Starting in 2025, the graduate programs in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, alongside the Evening MBA program, will find a new home at the Innovation Campus in Alexandria, further augmenting the university’s reach and resources available to students.

Snapshot of Other Noteworthy Rankings

Virginia Tech also achieved accolades in various other areas. Programs in Public Affairs, Education, and Public Health have all received top 100 recognitions, with Public Affairs tied for 57th, Education tied for 79th, and Public Health ranked 88th. These disciplines reflect the university’s emphasis on societal impact, showing that even within the Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, programs such as Sociology, Psychology, and English are recognized nationally with rankings tied at 64th, 68th, and 82nd respectively.

Moreover, academic disciplines from the College of Science, spanning Earth Sciences to Chemistry, similarly earned commendable recognition, with notable rankings marking their commitment to excellence in education and research.

Virginia Tech continues to enhance its academic prestige across various disciplines.

Looking Ahead

The anticipation grows as Virginia Tech prepares for the release of additional rankings pertaining to medical graduate programs slated for late July. As rankings provide a snapshot of academic prowess and reputation, they also fuel ambition within educational institutions.

The full extent of Virginia Tech’s graduate rankings across various disciplines can be explored online, showcasing the university’s depth and breadth in educational excellence.

In conclusion, Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering not only affirms its status as a leader in engineering education but also underscores a broader commitment to academic excellence across multiple disciplines. The rankings serve as a testament to the university’s strategic investments in research, teaching, and community engagement that continually shape the future of education and research.