Virginia Military Institute Virginia Military Institute is a public military academy with important historical significance and unique educational model. The following is a detailed introduction:

School Profile

Long history: Founded on March 29, 1839, it is located in Lexington, Virginia, USA. It is the first state-run military academy in the United States and the second higher education institution established by the federal government after the University of Virginia.

Campus size: The college consists of 59 buildings and covers an area of ​​200 acres. Many buildings on the campus can be traced back to the 19th century and are recognized as national historic districts in the United States. Among them, the old barracks is one of the national historic landmarks in the United States.

School ranking: Ranked 63rd in the 2024 National Liberal Arts Colleges, and was ranked as the 4th public liberal arts college in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

School motto and colors: The school motto is "In pace decus, in bello praesidium", which means "glory in peacetime, fortress in wartime", and "Consilio et animis", which means "With courage and wisdom"; the school colors are red, yellow and white.

Campus culture: nickname is Keydets, sports belong to NCAA Division I FCS – SoCon, MAAC, America East, and the mascot is Moe the Kangaroo.

Academic situation

Major settings: The college offers a four-year core curriculum and 14 nationally recognized engineering, science and humanities majors, including civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, biology, economics, English, history and other majors. Its civil engineering and environmental engineering, electrical and computer engineering and mechanical engineering are accredited by the American Engineering Technology Accreditation Board; the chemistry major is accredited by the American Chemical Society; the economics and business majors are accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Colleges and Business.

Course system: The core courses mainly cultivate students' basic knowledge and skills in academic and military tasks, including written communication, oral communication, scientific analysis, mathematical reasoning, human performance and health, and the foundation of citizenship and leadership.

Teaching resources: 98% of the college's faculty and staff have doctoral degrees, and the faculty is strong and can provide students with high-quality teaching and guidance. At the same time, the school focuses on academic research and has multiple research laboratories, providing students with opportunities to participate in scientific research projects.

Military education

Military training: With dual military and civilian attributes, students must not only complete technical courses, but also complete military courses and training, including weapon use, tactical training, field exercises, etc. From the time they enter school and wear military uniforms, they must live in unified barracks, eat together, and attend classes in line.

Reserve Officer Training Corps: The Ministry of National Defense has set up a reserve officer training corps in the college, which is divided into military disciplines such as the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Department of Military Science, and the Department of Naval Science according to the military branches. All students must complete the courses of the training corps before they can graduate.

Admission requirements

Age and marital status: Students applying for admission must be at least 16 years old and no more than 22 years old, and must not be married or have children.

Academic performance: A high school transcript must be presented, and at least 16 credits must be obtained upon graduation, which must include at least four English units, two algebra units, and one geometry unit.

Physical fitness test: Pull-ups, sit-ups, 1.5 mile and other physical fitness tests.

Language requirements: Applicants whose native language is not English need to prove their English proficiency. They can choose to take TOEFL, IELTS and other exams or complete specific English courses; applicants who have completed their studies outside the United States need to submit academic records for academic certification.

Other materials: Applicants can also choose to provide the college with academic ability assessment test scores, high school essays, extracurricular achievements, letters of recommendation and other materials to increase their application qualifications.

Famous alumni

Military field: It has cultivated many outstanding military talents, such as George Catrick Marshall, Thomas Jackson, etc., among whom 7 have won the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Other fields: Among the alumni, there is also 1 Nobel Prize winner, 11 Rhodes Scholars, 1 Pulitzer Prize winner, and university presidents, etc., who have made remarkable achievements in different fields.