Mining and Minerals Engineering

Mining and Minerals Engineering at Virginia Tech offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers involved in the exploration, extraction, processing, and management of mineral resources. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in engineering principles, geology, mineral processing, and environmental sustainability. Students gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art laboratories, research projects, and fieldwork, enabling them to develop practical skills and technological expertise essential for the minerals industry. The curriculum covers key areas such as mine design, safe mining practices, mineral economics, automation, and sustainable resource development, equipping graduates with a well-rounded understanding of both technical and managerial aspects of mining operations. Virginia Tech's close ties with industry partners provide valuable internship opportunities and networking, fostering real-world engagement and career readiness. The program objectives include fostering innovation, promoting responsible resource management, and advancing sustainable mining practices to meet the global demand for critical minerals and metals. Graduates of the Mining and Minerals Engineering program are prepared to work in various sectors, including exploration, mining operations, mineral processing, environmental protection, and policy development, making significant contributions to the energy, manufacturing, and technological sectors worldwide. With a curriculum that emphasizes research, innovation, and ethical practices, the program aims to produce leaders capable of addressing the complex challenges facing the mining industry today and into the future.

• 2504: INTRODUCTION TO MINING ENGINEERING
• 2514: MINING SURVEYING
• 2524: ELEMENTS OF MINE DESIGN
• 2534: MINE SURVEYING AND MAPPING
• 2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
• 2984: SPECIAL STUDY
• 2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
• 3504: ROCK MECHANICS AND GROUND CONTROL
• 3514: ROCK MECHANICS LABORATORY
• 3524: EXCAVATION ENGINEERING
• 3534: MINERAL PROCESSING
• 3544: MINERAL PROCESSING LABORATORY
• 3554: RESOURCE RECOVERY
• 3564: UNDERGROUND MINE DESIGN
• 3574: SURFACE MINE AND QUARRY DESIGN
• 3584: VENTILATION ENGINEERING
• 4504: MATERIALS HANDLING AND POWER SYSTEMS
• 4514: HEALTH, SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
• 4524: PROJECT ENGINEERING AND MINE MANAGEMENT
• 4535-4536: SENIOR DESIGN PROJECT
• 4544: MINE RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
• 4554: MINING ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
• 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
• 4984: SPECIAL STUDY
• 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

1. Application Fee: A non-refundable fee of $70 for all international students applying for admission must be submitted. The check must be written on a U.S. bank, a foreign bank with a U.S. correspondent, or a U.S. money order. Your application will not be processed without this fee. Students who apply online are required to pay the application fee electronically with either a debit or credit card (MasterCard or VISA), or an electronic check.
2. SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Scores (Optional for international applicants): Virginia Tech’s CEEB code is 5859; the ACT code is 4420. 
3. InitialView Interview (Optional for international applicants): You may learn more about InitialView at www.initialview.com. Please arrange to have your interview completed as early as possible. The deadline for completing the interview is February 15, 2017. For additional details, see the requirements page.
4. TOEFL/IELTS/PTE: Applicants whose native language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test for English (PTE). Scores should be received on or before March 1. To have your TOEFL score automatically sent to Virginia Tech, please specify Virginia Tech’s CEEB code (5859) on the test form. 
5. Educational Documents: All documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations. Notarized translations alone will not be accepted. Translations supplement, but do not replace original documents. Remember to send both.
   • Diplomas/Certificates: Students who have completed secondary school or high school must submit copies of their diplomas or school leaving certificates. Report of scores on school leaving examinations must also be submitted.
   • Transcript/Statement of Marks: This contains the record of courses studied, marks (grades) awarded, length of class periods, and grading scale with minimum passing mark. These must be submitted for upper secondary or high school years and must be complete for applicants who have graduated from school. For those applicants who are still enrolled in school, the transcript, or statement of marks, must show the most current term of grades to date. The transcript must be an original copy, certified by the sending institution.

The Mining and Minerals Engineering program at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for undergraduate students are structured according to whether the student is an in-state or out-of-state resident. In-state undergraduate tuition is approximately $15,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $36,000 annually. Graduate students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees may have different fee structures, often with reduced or different rates, depending on their status and funding arrangements.

Financial aid opportunities include federal Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and work-study programs for eligible undergraduate students. Graduate students can access assistantships, research grants, and fellowships that provide stipends and tuition waivers. The university also offers merit-based scholarships specifically for students enrolled in engineering programs, including Mining and Minerals Engineering. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and potential contributions to the field.

Virginia Tech encourages students to apply for external funding sources as well, including industry-sponsored scholarships and fellowships from mining and mineral-related companies. Furthermore, many students participate in cooperative education programs, which combine coursework with paid industry placements, allowing students to earn income while gaining practical experience. The university's financial aid office provides counseling and assistance to help students identify suitable funding options, complete applications, and understand repayment obligations.

Additionally, Virginia Tech emphasizes the importance of planning early for financing education and offers financial literacy workshops to help students manage their funds effectively. The university's commitment to affordability and support services aims to ensure that students from diverse backgrounds can pursue a degree in Mining and Minerals Engineering without undue financial hardship. Overall, the program's financing options are designed to be comprehensive, inclusive, and adaptable to individual needs, facilitating access to high-quality education in the field of mining and minerals engineering.

The Mining and Minerals Engineering program at Virginia Tech is designed to prepare students for careers in the extraction and processing of mineral resources, including metals, minerals, and materials required for various industries. This program provides students with a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of mining engineering, mineral processing, geology, and related disciplines. The curriculum includes coursework in rock mechanics, mine safety, mineral processing, mine design, sustainability, environmental management, and automation technologies, ensuring graduates are equipped with both technical expertise and operational skills. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, simulation exercises, and field trips to active mining sites, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges. The program emphasizes sustainable mining practices, environmental responsibility, and innovation in mining technologies. Students are encouraged to collaborate in teams, participate in research projects, and engage with industry partners to stay abreast of current innovations and industry standards. Virginia Tech's strong connections with the mining industry provide students with internship opportunities, professional development, and potential employment after graduation. The program aims to produce graduates who are capable of addressing the complex challenges faced by the mining sector, including resource management, environmental protection, and the integration of new technologies such as automation and digitalization. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and efficiency, the Mining and Minerals Engineering program prepares students to become leaders in the field, capable of contributing to the responsible development of mineral resources across the globe.