Academics

The education that VMI offers produces citizen-soldiers who are prepared for civilian or military leadership, as well as advanced degree work, depending on their professional paths and academic goals.

Founded in 1839, VMI is steeped in tradition. Those seeking a unique, challenging and rewarding college experience like no other should look no further.

Each program at the Institute, from engineering, to the humanities, to science and business, is designed to challenge cadets academically while creating ingrained values of integrity, devotion to duty, self-discipline, and self-reliance. Every member of the Corps lives and works in unity with fellow cadets, instilling the respect for the rights of others and leading to a strong bond of loyalty. Award-winning professors provide rigorous instruction with many hands-on and outside of the classroom experiences to expand critical thinking skills and problem solving useful in all aspects of life after graduation.

Become part of a legacy. Notable VMI alumni include a Nobel Prize winner, eleven Rhodes Scholars, seven Medal of Honor recipients, a Pulitzer Prize winner, college presidents, generals, flag officers, and more.


What does a VMI education offer?

Students at VMI, a military college in Virginia, doing engineering projects

Small class sizes

With a 10:1 ratio, faculty and cadets are able to interact closely — in and outside of the classroom.

Majors and Minors

Students in science classroom at VMI, a military college in Virginia

14 majors to choose from

Top majors include International Relations and Affairs and Civil Engineering.

VMI department list

Students in classroom at VMI, a military college in Virginia

2024-2025 Academic Catalog

The 2024-2025 VMI academic catalog — learn everything you need to know. 

Catalog access

Student from VMI, a military college in Virginia, participating in the study abroad program

Study abroad

VMI offers study tours, cultural exchanges with foreign military academies and civilian universities, international internships, and study-abroad programs.

Global education

Dean Brigadier General Robert “Bob” Moreschi of VMI, a military college in Virginia

Dean of the Faculty

VMI’s 11th deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty is Brigadier General Robert “Bob” Moreschi. 

Students at VMI, a military college in Virginia

Academic calendar

From Matriculation to Convocation, registration to finals, and awards and graduation season, check out what is happening for the year.

Beyond the Classroom

More than 50 clubs and activities to participate in

From powerlifting to combat shooting to glee club, there's a wide array of different club options for cadets to choose from for a well-rounded college experience.

Clubs and activities

Structure and camaraderie of cadet life

VMI cadets immerse themselves in tradition that includes a balance of academic life, military, and athletic activities to build discipline, structure, and clarity.

Daily cadet life

Research opportunities

The VMI Center for Undergraduate Research (VCUR) promotes and facilitates faculty-mentored undergraduate research and foster the development of a culture of undergraduate research at VMI. 

Program opportunities

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