FAQs for Parents

What will the Residential Structures majors focus on learning?

Students in this option learn about the entire residential construction process – from computer design to construction to building use and deconstruction. Special emphasis is given to green building practices to make construction more efficient, less costly, and long-lasting. All SBIO majors learn how sustainable biomaterials are grown and processed, they learn how the unique structure of wood and similar materials controls and optimizes their application. Students in the Sustainable Residential Structures option gain structural design skills for wood structures, and elements within structures, and learn how to create long-lasting and durable buildings.

What will the Biomaterials Science majors focus on learning?

As in the first option, students studying the Sustainable Biomaterials Science option learn how timber is processed into wood products, and how it's applied. As nearly all wood products require chemical technology and understanding, students in the Sustainable Biomaterials Science option also gain chemical training to work in areas like adhesives, coatings, fire retardants, and renewable chemicals. The Sustainable Biomaterials Science option is also excellent preparation for graduate school, where students pursue deeper studies into the transformation of plants, fungi, kelp, etc. into the sustainable products of the future.

What kind of student thrives in the SBIO programs?

Students with interests in natural resources and sustainability issues will find this major of interest! SBIO majors will end up in careers that work to produce, develop, and sell renewable materials from wood and similar natural products; they'll help satisfy the material needs of society using renewable resources and a systems-analysis approach to optimize sustainability in manufacturing. 

What sorts of natural materials will my student learn about?

Wood products are essential to a sustainable future! We use wood products in many different commercial markets, large, small, and all sizes in between. But SBIO majors don't only learn about wood. Other natural materials include bamboo for flooring and for structural and non-structural building elements. Industrial hemp is also emerging as a building products, using the whole plant or just the bast fiber. Learning about wood is the best way to learn how to develop other new products from natural alternatives like bamboo, industrial hemp, soybeans, walnut shells, mycelium, chitin from crustacean shells, lignin from trees and plants, cellulose, and others. 

How long will it take my child to graduate?

The average time for SBIO majors to graduate is only 3.98 years.

What size are the SBIO classes?

Most classes in the SBIO major average 30-35 students. This small class size allows our faculty to get to know every student under their instruction and have the time to help each student on a personal level.

Will my child need to find an internship or co-op?

While it's not a requirement for graduation, many SBIO students participate in at least one internship or co-op. The employment rate rises when students graduate with an internship or co-op on their record. 

Are laboratories required?

Majority of SBIO classes also include laboratories. Our department's focus on experiential learning and hands-on opportunities are one of the factors that make this major so interesting and captivating for our students. 

Can my child work while taking classes?

Yes. There are even opportunities each semester to work for our department as a technician in one of our state-of-the-art laboratories. Students can gain experience and earn money while also studying.

What sort of reseach opportunities are there for SBIO students?

Many of the SBIO classes include research projects for our undergraduate students to participate in. Students are partnered with faculty members to investigate a real-world problem and solve it within the semester's timeframe.

Are there scholarships available?

Our department has $57,000 in scholarships to award each year. Your child can apply for them directly once they're a SBIO major. They will be assigned an advisor who will be able to keep them informed as to which scholarships they qualify for each year.

What salary can my child expect to make with this degree?

The average starting salary of SBIO graduates is $68,000. 

What is the employment rate for graduates of this major?

Graduates of our program have a 90% employment rate within six months of graduation. This rate increases if the student has participated in a internship or co-op.

What sort of job titles will my child be applying for with a SBIO degree?

There are numerous jobs that SBIO majors qualify for: project manager, manufacturing engineer, technical sales rep, BIM specialist, application chemist, research chemist, , and many others!

What kind of career advising or support does your department offer?

SBIO students receive individualized academic and career advising from faculty and staff who know the packaging industry well. We also host networking events, career fairs, and industry panels each semester.

How does the SBIO major prepare my child for leadership and/or entrepreneurial roles?

Our students graduate with strong technical knowledge, communication skills, and systems thinking — as well as experience in real-world problem-solving and research. They'll be ideally situated for leadership in global industries.

How do employers view a degree from Virginia Tech?

Employers recognize Virginia Tech as one of the leading universities in the country. Our graduates are known for being well-prepared, hands-on problem solvers who can step directly into impactful roles. Majority of our SBIO majors (90%) have high-paying careers within six months of graduation.