Engineering Mechanics

The Foundation of Mechanical Sciences

BEAM graduate students and researchers work on a pipe and valve assembly in their lab

One Program, Many Applications

Strongly rooted in physics and mathematics, engineering mechanics is the basis of all the mechanical sciences, including:

Mechanical engineering
Aerospace engineering
Bioengineering
Civil engineering
Materials science and engineering

BEAM's engineering mechanics program provides unique, interdisciplinary opportunities for research on design projects with far-reaching impact. Our students and faculty apply complex scientific and mathematical principles to address existing and emerging engineering and societal issues. See our Program Overview video here.

Our alumni are working in every branch of engineering — as faculty members at top schools, technical staff at government labs, and senior engineers and managers in industry.

Degrees Offered

Research

The department supports extensive and robust research programs in a number of distinct areas, including biomechanics, dynamics and control, fluid mechanics, and solid mechanics. Research opportunities and mentorship are a hallmark of the BEAM graduate student experience. Engineering Mechanics graduate students can be advised by any member of the BEAM Teaching and Research Faculty or any member of the many Engineering Mechanics Affiliate Faculty.

Graduate Course Listing

The Virginia Tech Graduate Catalog provides a program overview and includes information about courses offered.

Admissions

Applications to the Engineering Mechanics Graduate Program may be submitted online through the Virginia Tech Graduate School application system. Applications are being accepted until January 15. Offers of financial aid are being made on a rolling basis, so some priority is given to applications received before the deadline.

Financial Support

For information about the funding opportunities available outside the department, visit Graduate School Funding Opportunities.

Engineering Mechanics Graduate Manual (PDF)

For more details on admissions and degree requirements as well as information on required courses, examinations, and grades, see the Engineering Mechanics Graduate Manual (PDF). This guide is intended to supplement, not to replace, the Graduate School Catalog and the Graduate Manual published by the Virginia Tech Graduate School.