2023-2024 Course Catalog
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Welcome to Virginia Tech! We are excited that you are here planning your time as a Hokie.
Miscellaneous abbreviations used only in the course descriptions include:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| C | credits |
| Co | corequisite |
| H | hours in classroom |
| L | hours in laboratory |
| Pre | prerequisite |
| I | Fall semester |
| II | Spring semester |
| III | First summer session |
| IV | Second summer session |
The Roman numeral designations for the terms in which courses are offered are intended only as general guides and do not indicate binding agreement to offer in those terms.
Caution: The course offerings and requirements of Virginia Tech are under examination and revision continually. This catalog presents the offerings and requirements in effect at time of publication, but in no way guarantees that they will not be changed or revoked. The regulations and policies may change to meet new needs or as legislation is approved. Such changes are published in the President's Policy Memoranda. Courses not taught for five years shall be removed from the Undergraduate Catalog.
The policies and regulations that appear in this catalog are not meant to form a contract or to constitute an offer of one. Current information may be obtained from the following:
The first digit in course number designations denotes the year in which the course ordinarily is found in the curricular outlines or "checksheets," which are available from the major department or academic advisor. The second and third digits make the course number unique within a department. The fourth digit is 4 if the course is a one-term terminal course, 5 if the course is the first term in a sequence, and 6 if the second term in a sequence. As a general rule, courses with 0 as the first digit do not carry university credit. Agricultural Technology courses, however, are an exception.
| Year | Number |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | 1000 - 4000 |
| Graduate (GR) | 4000 - 6000 |
| Professional (PR) | 9000 |
| Medical (MD) | 9000 |
Courses that are cross listed between departments may not be counted twice toward meeting graduation requirements. No credit will be allowed for a course taken that duplicates subject matter in a course for which credit already has been received. Cross listed courses are indicated in the title line of course descriptions; for instance, REL 3454 is listed as follows:
The first number is the Religion course number, while the number in parentheses indicates that the course is cross listed with Philosophy.
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
Academy of Teaching Excellence inductee
Wine Award recipient
Sporn Award recipient
Alumni Award for Extension Excellence
Alumni Award for Research Excellence
Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence
Academy of Faculty Service
Commonwealth of Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award
Diggs Teaching Scholar Awards
Alumni Award for International Research
Information regarding graduate courses (5000 and above) may be found in the Graduate Catalog.
Students are permitted to take courses without having the specified prerequisites only upon obtaining the consent of the instructor. Students who enroll in a course for which they have not clearly satisfied the prerequisites or equivalent, or obtained the appropriate permission, may be dropped from the course. Deliberately false statements testifying to the satisfaction of prerequisites constitute a violation of the honor code. Students have the right to appeal a decision about prerequisites to the head of the department offering a course. Students should recognize that 3000 and 4000 level courses assume a certain level of academic maturity and general background regardless of the stated prerequisites. The course instructor can be consulted regarding the implications of this expectation for a specific course. Students must consult with the instructor if they wish to use the Pass/Fail option in a course for which they do not have the prerequisites.
Students should note prerequisite and corequisite requirements as stated in the course descriptions. Courses in a series may be taken independently where the series of course numbers is separated by commas (e.g., 3135, 3136), in the catalog listing. Where the series of course numbers is connected by hyphens (e.g., 4135-4136), the first course is prerequisite for the next one.
The provisions of this catalog do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between any applicant or student and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The university reserves the right to change any of the provisions, schedules, programs, courses, rules, regulations, or fees whenever university authorities deem it expedient to do so.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees, or applicants; or any other basis protected by law. Discrimination or harassment on any of these bases is prohibited by Policy 1025, "Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy." The university is subject to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Equal Pay Act; the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; Federal Executive Order 11246; Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA); Virginia's State Executive Order Number One; and all other applicable rules and regulations.
Information about campus and workplace violence prevention is available online. Individuals with questions or concerns about Policy 1025, any of these regulations, or related issues should contact:
Kathryn Reardon Polidoro - Director Title IX Compliance/Coordinator
Equity and Access (0150)
Email: polidoro@vt.edu
Office for Equity and Accessibility
North End Center, Suite 2300
300 Turner Street NW
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-1824
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex and falls within the statutory prohibitions against sex discrimination. The university is committed to maintaining a working and a study environment free of sexual harassment. Accordingly, in compliance with Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, it is the university's policy not to tolerate any verbal, nonverbal, or physical behavior which constitutes sexual harassment (please see University Policy 1025; the University's policy on harassment, discrimination, and sexual assault). Responsible employees are required to report their knowledge of sexual harassment to the University's Title IX Coordinator. Personnel with supervisory responsibilities are required to take immediate and appropriate action when incidents of alleged sexual harassment are brought to their attention and should do so in consultation with the University's Title IX Coordinator. Violations of the policy prohibiting sexual harassment may lead to disciplinary actions, including reprimand, suspension, or termination of employment or academic status.
Sexual harassment is defined as conduct of any type that is based upon a person's sex (including pregnancy), and unreasonably interferes with the person's work or academic performance or limits participation in university activities, or creates a working or learning environment that a reasonable person would find hostile, threatening or intimidating. Sexual harassment includes sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual jokes, and unwelcome sexual touching, among other things.
Faculty, staff, students, and applicants for employment or admission with complaints of sexual harassment should contact the Office for Equity and Accessibility for resolution options. Individuals may file a complaint of harassment and/or discrimination by returning a complaint form.
Faculty, staff, and students may file complaints outside the university. Students may file complaints with the Office of Civil Rights of the Department of Education. Faculty and staff may file complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Anyone seeking guidance, resources for support, or general information may contact the Office for Equity and Accessibility at equityandaccess@vt.edu. The Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kelly Oaks may be reached at 540-231-2010.
The numbers on the right hand side of tables listed under certain departments denote the number of hours the class meets each week during the term and, in parentheses, the number of credits allowed for the course. A listing such as 3(3) means that the course meets three hours each week and three credits are earned.
Study and application of strategies, skills, attitudes and behaviors leading to effective academic learning in a college setting. Credit not applicable to meeting degree requirements; may not be repeated.
Introductory exploration of academic and social competencies contexts and responsible decision-making within a residential learning community environment. Pre: Consent required.
Introductory experience course for University Studies and Explore Technology majors. Create fundamental knowledge and develop skills that facilitate successful transition to the university and develop decision-making skills, problem solving, inquiry, research majors and careers, critical thinking and integration of knowledge. Examine their personal decision towards their major utilizing psychosocial and identity in support of a successful transition. Evaluate sources of information to make an argument.
May not count towards degree requirements; consult advisor.
First-Year Experience course for transfer students. Establish fundamental knowledge and develop skills that facilitate a successful transition into Virginia Tech. Develop/refine decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and inquiry. Examine personal strengths, values, goals, and integration of knowledge; establish academic, personal, and career goals in support of a successful transition to Virginia Tech. Topics covered will include: principles of community, academic integrity, campus resources, digital and informational literacy, career planning, academic planning, and goal setting.
This course provides theories, basic principles, and skill development that serve as a knowledge base and framework for the peer helping, para-professional Resident Advisor position. This course is open only to students who are serving in their first semester as a Resident Advisor.
Participation in an approved study abroad program without direct supervision of the VA Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in an international university. Course represents 12 billable hours and no academic credit.
Participation in an approved study abroad program without direct supervision of the VA Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in an international university. Course represents three billable hours and no academic credit.
Participation in an approved study abroad program without direct supervision of the VA Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in an international university. Course represents four billable hours and no academic credit.
Participation in an approved study abroad program without direct supervision of the VA Tech faculty but with required enrollment in an approved program of study in an international university. Course represents six billable hours and no academic credit.
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