Frequently Asked Questions by Currently Enrolled Students
computer requirements
Q: What are the computer requirements for Architecture and Design students?
A: Please see the University Computer Requirements page for more information on computer requirements for Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture students.
Pathways General Education Curriculum
Q: What is the Pathways to General Education?
A: The Pathways to General Education curriculum includes core and integrative concepts and student learning outcomes to meet the needs of all students. The Pathways curriculum also offers opportunities for students to complete minors or experiential learning activities, providing a coherent and meaningful general education for undergraduates.
Q: What about the Pathways Area 4 Reasoning in the Natural Sciences Lab Requirement?
A: While undergraduate students must complete 6 credits of Reasoning in the Natural Sciences lecture courses, the additional 2-credit science lab requirement was waived by the university in 2004 for certain majors. Students entering the School of Architecture and School of Design in 2005 or later are not required to take the lab; the 2 credit hours will be made up through free elective credit. Please refer to the Pathways online guide for further information.
Curriculum for Liberal Education (CLE)
All students who entered Virginia Tech prior to Fall 2018 (and all transfer students who entered prior to Fall 2020) follow Curriculum for Liberal Education (CLE) requirements.
Q: Does the Curriculum for Liberal Education (CLE) Area 4 Scientific Reasoning and Discovery Lab requirement still apply?
A: While undergraduate students must complete 6 credits of Scientific Reasoning and Discovery lecture courses, the additional 2-credit science lab requirement was waived by the university in 2004. Undergraduate students who entered the School of Architecture and School of Design in 2004 or earlier still need to complete the lab requirement. Students who have entered the School of Architecture and School of Design in 2005 or later are not required to take the lab; the 2 credit hours will be made up through free elective credit. Please refer to the CLE Guide online for further information https://www.pathways.prov.vt.edu/cle.html.
Q: I have taken a course that satisfies CLE Area 7 and another area of the CLE simultaneously. Do I still need to take an additional (3) hour course?
A: Yes. You will need to take an additional (3) hour elective course. A course may satisfy two areas of the CLE, but you will still need to satisfy the total credit hour requirement for your undergraduate degree program. For additional information regarding the Curriculum for Liberal Education, please visit the CLE website.
tuition and fees
Q: Where can I locate information regarding tuition and fees, as well as information regarding the Architecture and Design Fee?
A: Please visit the Bursar’s office website.
course withdrawal
Q: What is a Course Withdrawal?
A: During a student’s academic career at Virginia Tech, a total three (3) courses may be dropped beyond the normal drop deadline date. A Course Withdrawal Form must be submitted to your academic dean’s office after the last day to drop courses but no later than the last day of regular classes of the term enrolled for the course. The course will appear on your transcript with a “W” grade but will not count in your GPA hours nor in any GPA calculations.
withdraw/resign
Q: I need to withdraw or resign from the current semester. What is the difference between the two options?
A: Students wishing to drop all classes may WITHDRAW through the first day of classes. A dean’s signature is not required. Students wishing to drop all classes after the first day of classes must RESIGN. A dean’s signature is required. Please visit the Registrar’s website for additional information.
changing majors
Q: I am currently pursuing a major in the School of Architecture and School of Design. What is the process to request a major change within the School?
A: If you are currently an undergraduate student majoring in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design or Landscape Architecture and would like to change your major within the School, please see the information on the internal transfer process.
graduation
Q: When should I apply for my degree/graduation?
A: Undergraduate students should visit the Registrar’s website for information regarding graduation.
official transcript request
Q: How do I request an official transcript from Virginia Tech?
A: You may request an official transcript from the Office of the University Registrar at Virginia Tech. Please visit the Registrar’s website for further information: https://www.registrar.vt.edu/academic-records/Transcript-Requests.html.
enrollment verification
Q: How do I request verification of my enrollment at Virginia Tech?
A: Please visit the Registrar’s website for further information: https://www.registrar.vt.edu/academic-records/certifications-eligibility/enrollment-certifications.html.
graduate admissions
Q: How do I apply to a Graduate Program in the School of Architecture + Design?
A: Please see the Graduate Admissions page. For more information on our graduate degree programs, please visit our Graduate Degrees page.