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Virginia Tech offers numerous opportunities to learn about and engage with data science! The university is committed to expanding and creating new opportunities in both research and industry within the field of data science.
Education Programs
Education Programs
Computational Modeling & Data Analytics (CMDA) Major
The CMDA program is aimed at students who seek to better understand the world through data and computation. The CMDA requirements give students the flexibility to dive deeply into a particular area through electives, a disciplinary track, or a minor or double major. Possibilities include a CMDA-Physics track and a CMDA-Economics track.
Website: https://data.science.vt.edu/programs/cmda/future-students.html
Statistics Major with Options
The Statistics major at Virginia Tech offers two pathways: the Statistical Data Science option, focusing on practical methodologies and computational skills for real-world applications, and the Statistical Methods and Theory option, emphasizing the mathematical foundations to innovate and adapt statistical techniques. Both prepare students for success in industry and research. For more details about the degrees, click here!
Website: https://www.stat.vt.edu/academics/undergraduate.html
Data and Decisions Minor
This minor is intended to teach all students, regardless of quantitative skills, interests, and major, and provide the opportunity to learn data literacy and apply fundamental concepts related to data and decisions.
Website: https://vt.edu/academics/minors/data-and-decisions.html
Graduate Certificate in Data Analytics
The certificate in Data Analytics teaches students to develop new analytical methods and tools by integrating the computational, statistical, and engineering techniques that form the heart of big data analytics.
Master of Science in Data Science
The Virginia Tech Academy of Data Science coordinated this degree program, and it will launch in the Fall of 2025. Contact Tom Woteki or Lizette Zietsman.
Data Science 4 All/Empowerment program
A free data science training program taught by instructors from universities such as Harvard and MIT is an immersive 13-week training program in practical data skills. Entry is merit-based, competitive, and open only to traditionally underrepresented students and working professionals.
Website: https://c1-web.correlation-one.com/ds4a-empowerment
Data Science Summer Camp for rising 11th through 12th graders
July 6-12, 2025 (rising 11th-12th grade) – This weeklong camp introduces students to data science through hands-on projects and teamwork. Campers will build a small computer cluster, collect and analyze public health or education data, and present their findings at a final showcase. No prior programming or statistics experience is needed, but Algebra I and one additional math class are required. The cost is $1,400, covering instruction, materials, housing, and meals. Scholarships are available, and families are responsible for transportation to and from Virginia Tech.
Website: https://www.science.vt.edu/get-involved/camps/explore-data-science.html
CUBE: Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience
Date: CUBE 2025 Program dates: Monday, June 9, 2025 to Friday, August 1, 2025
The Collaborative Undergraduate Biostatistics Experience (CUBE) is an 8-week summer program at Virginia Tech for STEM undergraduates interested in collaborative data science. Participants receive training in biostatistics, R programming, professional development, and conduct a research project with mentorship from data scientists and clinical experts. The program includes seminars, social events, and a final research symposium. Students receive a $4,800 stipend, housing, and social outings, but are responsible for meals and travel.
Website: https://biostat.centers.vt.edu/CUBE.html
More Education Programs
Research Labs & Opportunities
Research Labs & Opportunities
DataBridge at Virginia Tech University Libraries
DataBridge pairs students interested in honing data skills with researchers and projects that mesh well with the student's interests and goals while supporting the group's consultation services. Some of the skills and techniques students use are data visualization, analysis, programming standard tools, data management, and project review. Students have the option to participate in DataBridge for course credit.
Website: https://www.databridge.dev/
Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics
The Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics at Virginia Tech is a leader in "big data" research and education, offering technical undergraduate and graduate programs in analytics. The center conducts cutting-edge research in machine learning, AI, and data analytics, focusing on solving critical national security, sustainability, and public health challenges. It also explores AI's ethical and social impacts and the collaboration between humans and AI.
Website: https://sanghani.cs.vt.edu/
Hume Scholars Program
The Hume Center leads the Virginia Tech National Security Institute's education programs focused on the challenges of cybersecurity, autonomy, and resilience for the national security community. Educational programs provide mentorship, internship, and scholarship and seek to address key challenges in qualified US citizens entering federal and industry service. Current research initiatives housed in the Virginia Tech National Security Institute include machine learning and artificial intelligence, assured and secure communications, space and undersea missions, and 5G security.
Website: https://hume.vt.edu/
Data Science for the Public Good (DSPG) Program
"The program provides students with experiential learning that includes exposure to data analytic tools, so they, in turn, can make a meaningful impact on our agriculture and rural communities. The students’ experiences go beyond data analytics. A strong component of the program is learning how to interpret, apply, and present policy-specific solutions to the relevant governmental and state agencies. This allows them to see the real-life implications of their work." - DSPG Director
Website: https://aaec.vt.edu/academics/undergraduate/dspg.html
Undergraduate Research Excellence Program (UREP)
UREP understands that every undergraduate student’s research journey is unique, so there are multiple avenues for students to become involved throughout their academic careers. To complete the program, students will earn points from each of the categories below, in any combination, for an overall total of at least 50 points. Each category has a pre-defined minimum and maximum number of points that may be earned within it.
For Fall 2024 graduates, the deadline to submit all information is December 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
For Spring 2025 graduates, the deadline to submit all information is March 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Website: https://www.research.undergraduate.vt.edu/recognition/undergraduate-research-excellence-program.html
Fralin Life Sciences Institute Undergraduate Research (SURF, FURF, FREU and CDEB)
The Fralin Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program is a 10-week training program designed to give motivated Virginia Tech undergraduates the opportunity to engage in full-time (~40 hrs/week) research and related professional development activities that mirror graduate training. The goal is to offer students experiences that will help them determine if they want to pursue a career in life sciences research while they develop skills for graduate school. The program includes weekly research and professional development seminars, periodic social events, and a final symposium during which students will present their research. Click here for more information.
The Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship (FURF) program is a competitive award program that is open to all Virginia Tech undergraduates with the goal of increasing diversity in research. Fifteen (15) fellowships of $1,350 will be awarded annually to individual students demonstrating academic capability and a strong interest in undergraduate research to enable them to conduct research with a Virginia Tech faculty mentor over one academic year. Click here for more information.
The First-Year Fralin Undergraduate Research Fellowship (First-Year FURF) Program provides first-year students—who are new to research—with authentic research experiences in their chosen discipline under the direct mentorship of a faculty member. This program aims to provide early access to undergraduate research, particularly to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity, such as those who identify as first-generation or low-income. The program is open to all students and areas of research. Click here for more information.
MATH 2984: Broadening Engagement and Participation in Undergraduate Research (BEPUR)
MATH 2984 is a new course (2021) geared towards students during or in the semester following their first proofwriting class. The aim is to help students learn about math research opportunities and prepare to engage in more independent math research. This is done through a mix of math research skills lessons, collaborative work on three introductory research projects, and interaction with (remote) speakers giving math research talks. The math department will provide all students with electronic drawing tablets to improve virtual collaboration.
Virginia Tech Office of Undergraduate Research
Promotes, enhances, and expands undergraduate research opportunities at Virginia Tech.
ICAT Student Research Grants (up to $2000)
The Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) invites proposals that foster collaboration among scientists, engineers, artists, and designers to tackle complex global challenges. ICAT supports interdisciplinary teams of faculty and students to address a range of societal and industry-specific problems. It focuses on processes such as education, arts and design integration, and translating research into practical solutions. ICAT welcomes proposals for creative projects, pilot studies, or preliminary research, with the aim of advancing innovative solutions through collaboration and advanced technology.
Website: https://icat.vt.edu/content/icat_vt_edu/en/funding.html
Clubs/Other Organizations
Clubs/Other Organizations
Computational Modeling & Data Analytics (CMDA) Club
CMDA Club aims to be an interdisciplinary academic club serving not only CMDA students, but any students in relevant studies, or with interest in the field. Involvement will include discussion of modern techniques and applying them in competitions. CMDA club hosts ASA Datafest competition annually in the spring semester in addition to assisted mini data competitions throughout the school year.
Statistical Application and Innovation Group (SAIG)
Our mission is to support Virginia Tech researchers with statistical advice, analysis, and education through individual meetings, walk-in consulting, short courses, and interdisciplinary research support. Our trained collaborators—faculty and students in the Department of Statistics—assist with experimental design, data analysis, software use, and result interpretation. Statistical assistance is free for Virginia Tech faculty, staff, and students, with funding from multiple university offices and colleges. Faculty may collaborate on a case-by-case basis; external consultation is available for a fee.
Website: https://saig.stat.vt.edu/
Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
The Association for Women in Computing is a student-run, non-profit organization at Virginia Tech. For over 20 years, they have worked to promote the recruitment and retention of women in technology- and computer-oriented professions. This organization is not exclusive! Anyone and everyone who is passionate about computing and gender equality in the field of computing is welcome! Most members are in CS, CPE, EE, BIT, Math, CMDA, and Statistics, but anyone passionate about their mission can join AWC in networking, social, educational, outreach, and technical events! They also host the annual women empowerment hackathon, HackViolet, at Virginia Tech
Website: https://cameo.vt.edu/AWC.html or https://vtawc.github.io/
Rewriting the Code (RTC)
Rewriting the Code supports and empowers college, graduate and early career women in tech, through intersectional communities, mentorship, industry experience and educational resources, to become the next generation of engineers and tech leaders. They create programs that support college women: community, career. broader exposure, mentorship, opportunity, and skill development.
Website: https://rewritingthecode.org/
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