Partnership with German university offers students the opportunity to earn two MS-Thesis degrees at once
Virginia Tech has created a unique twoyear , dual-thesis master of science degree program with Technische Universität Darmstadt , one of Germany ’ s leading technical universities . Upon completion , graduates would have extensive international experience in addition to foreign language experience .
The effort is motivated by Virginia Tech ’ s strategic plan and is particularly linked to the advancing of regional , national , and global impact as indicated in the first strategic priority . Continuing to build on Virginia Tech ’ s presence as a global landgrant university , this initiative will create bridges for students to build international experience while simultaneously earning their degree .
Students enrolled in the dual-MSME program simultaneously earn two Thesis Master of Science degrees , one from each institution . The Virginia Tech program yields a thesis Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering ( thesis-MSME ), while the TUD degree is a Master of Science ( M . Sc .) in the field of Mechanical and Process Engineering .
A typical version of the program would require two years , one at Virginia Tech and the other at Technische Universität Darmstadt . In most cases , students would begin at their home campus and move to the second campus in the second year . Depending on the amount of research in which a student was involved , this could extend beyond the two-year estimate .
Students must be independently admitted to both the Virginia Tech Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program and to the TU- Darmstadt Master of Science degree program , following the policies and requirements of each school . Consideration for the dual degree program occurs once the student is admitted into both these programs . Virginia Tech students enrolled in the Accelerated Undergraduate / Graduate Degree ( UG / G ) program in Mechanical Engineering would not be eligible .
Though this degree program is symmetric , it is not an exchange program . A student is simultaneously enrolled in both degree programs after paying tuition and fees to the university of residence . A combined plan of study must be completed by enrollees .
IMAGES COURTESY TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT DARMSTADT
12 EDUCATION • VIRGINIA TECH MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ANNUAL REPORT • 2019-2020