Sustainable Biomaterials Major
Explore the Sustainable Biomaterials Degree
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Sustainable Biomaterials majors work to create solutions to key issues in global ecology, from pollution to climate change. We research sustainable, renewable biomaterials and biopolymers to reduce adverse environmental impacts across industries.
Every segment of the economy sees a significant presence of biomaterials, and the percentage continues to grow as the economic and financial benefits of practicing sustainability continue to be proven.
Majors in SBIO select one of two specialization options that will be reflected on their transcript and degree: Sustainable Residential Structures, or Sustainable Biomaterials Science.
Each option allows students to identify their own areas of interest and craft a course load to enhance their knowledge of those areas.
Many courses are hands-on, with meeting in labs and research areas, to create and test products in real-world environments. Additionally, all students have opportunities to apply for internships with major companies.
Because of the diverse opportunities to engage with industry decision-makers, more than 90% of SBIO majors have received job offers prior to graduation.
Sustainable Biomaterials Specialization Options
Our Program
Learning
Small Class Sizes = Personal Connection
Our small class sizes provide the opportunity for our students to build more personal connections with our faculty. In addition, our unique mentoring program assigns a faculty member to every student to provide industry connections and career guidance throughout their time at Virginia Tech.
Student talking to employer
Career Ready
Industrial Connections
Our close collaboration with industry allows our students to find internships, co-ops, and employment after graduation. Our extensive industry network includes major international companies.
Students getting hands on experience
Experiential Learning
Hands-On Experience
The best way to translate the knowledge obtained in class to real life is to use it to solve real-life issues. All of our sustainable biomaterials students have the chance to be involved in hands-on projects even during their first-year, including working in our research centers, undergraduate research projects in our labs, internal summer internships, and industry sponsored senior design projects.