Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Overview
Worchester Polytechnic Institute Is A Small Technical College in a Historical New England Setting
Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), located in the lively city of Worcester, Massachusetts, is a small, private college with a unique, focus on science and technology education. Worcester Polytechnic Institute's traditional New England campus spans more than 80 acres of a private, quiet hilltop area of the city of Worcester. With just over 5,000 undergraduates and graduates comprising the student population, the campus functions as a close-knit community more so than a traditional technological university.
WPI Is A Top-Ranking School, One of America's Best Colleges
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has consistently received high rankings as one of America's Best Colleges, according to "U.S. News & World Report." The university has also earned praise and attention for its project-based curriculum, small class sizes, and study-abroad opportunities.
Of special note is the school's M.B.A program, which was ranked number 1 in the country by Business Week for Best Part-Time M.B.A. Program.
Undergraduate Programs Are Offered in a Variety of Disciplines
Undergraduate programs at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are designed to prepare students for both academic challenges and global problem solving. Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers degrees in engineering and computer science, liberal arts and humanities, sciences, business, and pre-professional studies.
Students may also choose an individually designed (ID) major, administered by the Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division (IGSD). The IGSD primarily oversees the university's main multidisciplinary programs: the ID Major, the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), and the Global Perspectives Program.
The Individually Designed (ID) Major Is Ideal for Students with a Specific Career Focus in Mind
Individually designed (ID) majors combine technical and nontechnical areas of study already offered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute to construct a unique major with a specific career focus in mind. Students interested in pursuing ID majors work with their advisers and with the dean of the IGSD to design a feasible program that can be carried out with the resources available at the university.
The Global Perspectives Program Moves Students Beyond the Campus
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Global Perspectives Program encourages students to move beyond campus to witness social and technological problems in different areas around the world. Students travel to one of the institution's 30 project centers, located within the United States and at international sites such as Bangkok, Thailand, and Cape Town, South Africa, to observe regional problems and develop technological solutions.
The Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) Tackles Real-World Problems
One of Worcester Polytechnic Institute's most unique features is its Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), an academic requirement that challenges students to tackle real-world problems involving science and technology as well as social issues. More than half of all Worcester Polytechnic Institute students complete the IQP outside the country through the Global Perspectives Program.
IQPs typically span 7 weeks (one term) and are not always related to a student's major field of study, but are intended to help students understand their personal roles in society as they prepare to enter technological careers.
As juniors, students team up to analyze a technological issue and its impact on society. Past projects have included the creation of an ambulance dispatch system for the city of Venice and improvements on earthquake mitigation and recovery efforts in Taipei.
Students work with universities and other institutions at their overseas destination to observe the current state of the problem and its impact on citizens. Students then propose and test possible solutions with the help of overseas organizations. Upon returning to Worcester, students complete a final report for the registrar. All students pursuing a B.S. or a B.A. at WPI must complete an IQP.
The Liberal Arts and Engineering (LA and E) Program Broadens Engineering Degrees
Students interested in both liberal arts and engineering may choose to enter the unique Liberal Arts and Engineering (LA and E) program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The program is for students with possible interests in the performing arts, law, business, or a related field, but wanting degree strong technological background rooted in engineering concepts. The program includes a traditional engineering-based focus on physics, chemistry, and math while simultaneously incorporating a humanities-based examination of social issues, environmental studies, ethics, economics, communications, and other topics.
The program also creates an easy transition to an engineering B.S. program for students who decide to switch focus.
The Major Qualifying Project (MQP)
All undergraduate students must complete a major qualifying project (MQP), in which students go beyond the classroom and tackle open-ended problems they might encounter on the job. For instance, a computer science major might complete an MQP on "network congestion control," while a mathematical sciences major might complete an MQP on "insurance product development."
In their senior year students first work with an adviser to settle on a topic of study that represents the student's total educational program. Students must then conduct research and demonstrate development and application of the skills, methods, and knowledge of the discipline. The goal of this project is to provide students nearing graduation the opportunity to gain real-world design or research experience within their major field -- and for them to develop skills along the way that employers and graduate schools require.
Student Organizations at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Undergraduate students attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute belong to many different academic, professional, social, and athletic organizations. Honorary societies and professional clubs allow students with specialized academic interests to meet, socialize, and collaborate on related activities.
Twenty varsity sports, 31 club sports and numerous intramural opportunities are sponsored by WPI, supporting a wide range of athletic interests and abilities.
Over 30% of WPI student are involved in the performing arts, including music and theatre. There are numerous opportunities for students with 12 music ensembles and 5 theatre groups on campus.
Scientific and technological clubs such as the Game Development Club and the Wireless Association provide forums for technological development in a social atmosphere. Members of Engineers Without Borders work to develop environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects on local and global levels.