Welcome to the Interdisciplinary Projects (IDPro) program at Virginia Tech, where classroom learning meets real-world application through multi-semester, client-based projects. Whether you’re passionate about industry, research, entrepreneurship, or service learning, IDPro offers a unique platform for students from all majors to collaborate and innovate on projects that make a tangible impact.
Customizable Commitment and Flexible Engagement
Students can register for 1-3 credits, tailoring their commitment based on their capacity. Project teams convene on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 5:30-7:20pm, allowing for flexible scheduling that fits your busy life. This flexibility ensures you can balance your academic workload while fully engaging in meaningful project work.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
At IDPro, we believe that the best solutions arise from diverse perspectives. Students will work in interdisciplinary teams, addressing problems or needs from various public and private sector clients. This collaborative environment mimics real-world workplace situations, helping you develop the ability to work across disciplinary and organizational boundaries.
Hands-On, Real-World Experience
IDPro provides an undergraduate design bridge experience for experiential learning. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to client-based projects that span multiple semesters, gaining valuable professional skills and experiences. Engage in hands-on work that includes design, development, and implementation, all while making a difference in your community and beyond.
What Does Class Look Like?
IDPro classes meet once a week, with lectures typically lasting 20-30 minutes, followed by team project work. Lecture topics and examples are tailored to meet the specific needs of the teams. Weekly assignments are directly derived from lecture slides, ensuring practical relevance. Throughout the semester, teams will prepare written reports, papers, posters, and presentations, receiving feedback from the teaching team to polish their work before showcasing it.
Support and Resources
To ensure your success, the program offers project funding, designated workspace, and mentorship from academic and industry professionals. Brief training sessions, structured support, and feedback from public-sector or industry liaisons will help guide you through the design process and enhance your learning experience.
Evaluation and Deliverables
Students are graded as a team through performance evaluations conducted three times per semester. These evaluations include updates on team progress, individual contributions, and checks to ensure sufficient support for the team. When applying, you can select your preferred credit load (1, 2, or 3 credits), grading option (A-F or Pass/Fail), and enrollment level (2964 or 4964). By default, new IDPro students will be automatically be enrolled in ENGE 2964 for 3 credits in the A-F grading modality; please note in the application if you would prefer different enrollment options. Expect to spend approximately 2 hours per week outside of class per credit hour on your project. Key deliverables include weekly progress reports, a planning report, a design review presentation, two performance evaluations, a final report, and a final showcase.
Join IDPro
This is your chance to contribute to groundbreaking research and shape tomorrow’s technology. With the IDPro program, your adventure in interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on learning, and real-world problem-solving awaits. For more information about specific projects, visit our Projects page. Apply now and become part of a community dedicated to innovation and excellence!