Why Our Program
Virgina Tech's Mining and Minerals Engineering department is one of the largest, best recognized mining engineering programs in the nation, known throughout the industry for producing smart, highly trained, experienced engineers who have the depth of experience, breadth of knowledge, and overarching committment to principles of sustainability, professional ethics and best practices.
Great Financial Support
With generous support from industry and alumni, the department is able to provide many undergraduate scholarships and fellowships. In addition, more than 25 companies support our students through various financial awards.
Demand
Salaries for mining engineers rank among the highest of all the engineering disciplines. Average starting salaries for the class of 2018 were well over $65,000.
Diversity
While the mining industry is seen as a male-dominated field, Hokie Mining Engineers are changing that perception. Currently women make up 28% of the department's undergraduates: a rate that is higher than the college's.
“A mining engineering degree from Virginia Tech opens up many pathways not only due to the high number of companies which recruit at the school, but you learn a lot of problem solving skills—and that’s really what the industry is looking for.”
Garrett Ripa, 2013, Rio Tinto Borates, Southern California
Opportunities
Our program boasts an active job placement and recruiting program, with industry reps hiring our students throughout the year for summer internships, co-ops, and permanent positions. Learn more about the program and a career in mining engineering from our alumni in their own words.
Like Family
A low student-faculty ratio of 7 to 1 gives our undergraduates individual mentorship and top-notch academic and career advising. Our faculty are a diverse community of professionals dedicated to support students through teaching excellence and research innovation.
A Broad Field
Our graduates pursue varied careers targeting unique energy, mineral and material resources including aggregates (the stone, sand and gravel for building our infrastructure), precious metals, and critical agricultural minerals.
Student Organizations and Activities
Whether you're a hands-on type, like brainier problems, or love opportunities to lead and be a part of a team, Virginia Tech's department of mining and minerals engineering is home to numerous student organizations! Find out why Hokie Mining Engineers are some of the most active students on campus!