Expected Prior Coursework
Prior coursework in calculus, differential equations, physics, chemistry, and computer methods, to the level typically associated with the first two years of science or engineering undergraduate degree programs, is expected of all students. Additional necessary background courses, with Virginia Tech course numbers for reference, are listed below. Similar courses taken at other universities are also acceptable.
With the approval of the Geotechnical Engineering faculty, some of the required coursework may be completed at Virginia Tech after having been admitted to the Graduate Program, and some requirements may be waived on a case-by-case basis depending on background and experience.
| VT Courses | Course Title | Description | Credits |
| Geology 2104 | Elements of Geology | Structure of the earth, properties of minerals and rocks, and geologic processes that act on the surface and in the interior of the earth, and integrated geologic systems of importance in engineering and regional planning. For students in engineering and physical sciences. | 3 |
| ESM 2104 | Statics | Vector mechanics of forces and moments, free-body diagrams, couples, resultants, equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies in two and three dimensions, forces in trusses, frames, and machines, centroids, centers of mass, distributed forces, internal shear forces and bending moments in beams, shear and moment diagrams, friction, belt friction, area moments of inertia, parallel axis theorem. | 3 |
| ESM 2204 | Deformable Bodies | Concepts of stress, strain, and deformation. Factor of safety. Stress-strain relationships and material properties. Stress concentrations. Area moments of inertia. Axially loaded members, torsionally loaded members, bending of beams. Shear and moment diagrams. Stresses due to combined loading. Thin-walled pressure vessels. Transformation of stress including Mohr¡¯s circle. Beam deflections and buckling stability. | 3 |
| CEE 3304 | Fluid Mechanics | Hydrostatics, fluid motion; continuity, momentum, and energy equations; viscous effects; application to pipe networks and hydraulic systems, including open channels. Laboratory experiments and demonstrations | 4 |
| CEE 3404 | Theory of Structures | Fundamental tools and methods of structural analysis; moment-area, slope-deflection, force, and moment-distribution methods. Influence lines. Application to beams, trusses, and simple frames | 3 |
| CEE 3514 | Soil Mechanics | Engineering mechanics and properties of soils; stresses and settlements in soils; earth pressures on structures; stability of slopes and embankments. | 4 |
| CEE 3684 | CEE Materials | Characteristics of constituent materials and the design and behavior of Portland cement and bituminous concrete mixtures with demonstrated laboratory experiments | 3 |