Worcester Polytechnic Institute

• BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.

• Biochemistry.

• Biology/Biological Sciences, General.

• Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other.

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• BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.

• Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.

• Business/Commerce, General.

• Management Information Systems, General.

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• COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.

• Technical and Scientific Communication.

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• COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

• Computer Science.

• Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.

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• ENGINEERING.

• Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

• Architectural Engineering.

• Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.

• Chemical Engineering.

• Civil Engineering, General.

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• Engineering Physics/Applied Physics.

• Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.

• Industrial Engineering.

• Mechanical Engineering.

• Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering.

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• LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.

• Humanities/Humanistic Studies.

• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.

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• MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.

• Mathematics and Statistics, Other.

• Mathematics, General.

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• MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.

• Mathematics and Computer Science.

• Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.

• Science, Technology and Society.

• Sustainability Studies.

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• PHYSICAL SCIENCES.

• Chemistry, General.

• Physics, General.

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• PSYCHOLOGY.

• Psychology, General.

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• SOCIAL SCIENCES.

• Economics, General.

• International Relations and Affairs.

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• VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.

• Game and Interactive Media Design.

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Sometimes it can be challenging to understand how to apply your college coursework to your future career. But for the 4,600 undergraduates at Massachusetts’ Worcester Polytechnic Institute, there’s no doubt that their global, project-based STEM education gives them “a lot of necessary tools” to succeed. From the very first day of class, many students say the “unique quarter system” and “projects that are related to the real world” are foundational to their success. This program, known as the WPI Plan, is split into seven-week terms, each of which has three classes. A two-term Great Problems Seminar serves to ease students into university level research, and subsequent classes continue to emphasize the "learn by doing" method. Once settled into the WPI academic structure, many students take advantage of the “excellent resources for academics and future aspirations” by actively pursuing “personal engineering projects” and “opportunities for study abroad, co-ops, [and] internships.” Of course, as an interdisciplinary and global institution with over fifty project centers around the world, most students rave about the “research opportunities. . . available for students who wish to have a larger role in the subject they enjoy.” At the end of their academic career with WPI, not only do all students end up completing the equivalent of a minor in Humanities & Arts, but they know that their “hands-on learning, group work, and cool projects where you actually get to make something” are exactly what “employers love best about [them].”

Project-based learning is central to the academic experience at WPI, which involves an “incredibly supportive and collaborative” environment between students and faculty. A project often incorporates real world problems and “allows [students] to actually utilize the theoretical knowledge [they] are learning” via “lots of hands-on learning [where] students steer most projects themselves.” There are “a plethora of projects…that reflect what can actually happen in the workplace.” These ventures range from managing an “independent software startup” to completing a software engineering class that is “run like an internship.” Many students say that for both their larger capstone projects and regular coursework, “professors are always available for office hours and meetings” to help. Instructors also “work hard to engage students in course material,” so expect them to support all types of learners with lectures “reinforced with some kind of lab, project, practice, or interactive activity.” Working closely with such “interested and engaged” educators has had a long-term impact on some undergrads. As one student notes, “My chemistry professor has inspired me to pursue a masters or PhD in renewable energy after I graduate from WPI.”

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Due to WPI’s emphasis on real-world experience and applied science and technology, it’s not surprising that the students are a career-focused bunch. All students participate in three projects, some with external sponsors, before graduation. The Career Development Center is generally well regarded, offering career fairs and company presentations, services like résumé building and interview prep, and advice for students on how to use networking and social media to their advantage. A WPI education is “about preparing students for successful careers in their respective fields upon graduation through practical applications of the knowledge and skills that are taught,” and “a large percentage of the student body will leave WPI with a fairly good job when they graduate.” Evidence seems to bear out that observation, as WPI has been frequently cited for graduating their students into high-paying careers. Beyond the finances, 53 percent WPI alumni visiting PayScale.com report feeling as though their job has a high level of meaning.

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WPI undergrads are “well-rounded students” who “are very involved on campus and live the campus life to the fullest.” Many enrollees note that people are “extremely interested in their respective STEM fields but also have incredibly diverse extracurricular interests,” which contributes to the “specific vibe” at WPI. That is, when you get on the WPI wavelength, “you feel as if you finally belong somewhere.” Everyone “is so warm and inviting to anyone new” and “the sense of community is extremely strong, and students are very supportive and welcoming.” And if you find yourself struggling, fellow students “are super willing to help you if you have a tough class.” One student captures the spirit of the institution, saying, “The student body at WPI feels like a community of like-minded peers. It is exciting to see what other people achieve, both inside and outside the classroom. Even if you don't know someone, it feels like they're your friend because you know how much hard work they put in to reach their achievements.”

Academics are time-consuming, and everyone runs on a “very intense schedule,” but students enjoy taking breaks with “school-sponsored events such as karaoke, Just Dance, and trivia” and there’s “always time for socializing on the quad when it is nice out. Schedules “are filled to the brim with club involvements [and] sports.” Activities range from “a lot of. . . intramural sports” to “theater and performance groups,” and even an active “Greek life [that] is run very well and makes a large impact on the community.” As one undergrad puts it, “We live by our Outlook calendars, and they fill up quickly with club meetings and sports.” And if students are looking to get off campus, the hopping town of Worcester is just down the hill, filled with “so many good places to eat.” Even with all the exciting activities on and off campus, “students manage their time extremely well and remain positive about their school life.”

Worcester Polytechnic Institute plays a prominent role in the sustainability leadership on campus and in the local and global communities. The university has established the WPI Task Force on Sustainability and has developed a new Campus Sustainability Plan. Sustainability is woven throughout the university’s project-based curriculum. First year students engage in university-level research and project work focusing on themes of global importance, including food sustainability, the world’s water, and powering the world. One of WPI’s most distinctive offerings is its interactive qualifying project, undertaken during the junior year. The majority of these projects are immersed in creating sustainable solutions to social issues through science or technology in one of more than 40 project centers around the globe. Outside of the classroom, students actively engage in activities ranging from hosting fuel efficient vehicle shows and e-waste drives to leading Engineers without Borders projects. The students have formed a “Green Team” and Eco-Reps educate their peers about waste minimization and energy savings. Student Ambassadors engage middle-school aged students in the excitement of STEM fields.Among WPI's most important environmental decisions was its decree that all new construction meet LEED certification standards. Thus far, WPI has four buildings that meet these standards There are ongoing energy efficiency programs which include LED lighting, motion sensors for climate control and lighting, and solar panels heating the Recreation Center’s swimming pool. The campus offers Zip Car memberships, a ride-sharing website, shuttles to areas around campus and beyond, and a WPI student bicycling club. Chartwells, the university’s dining service, promotes sustainable practices, and features locally produced foods, cage-free eggs, grass-fed beef, hormone- and antibiotic-free meat, and sustainability seafood.