Colleges Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester Polytechnic Institute www.wpi.edu

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private institution that was founded in 1865. It is situated on a 95-acre campus in Worcester, Massachusetts. WPI is one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. Today, WPI is a midsize, independent university that also possesses strong academic programs in the arts and humanities, the social sciences, and business, as well as STEM. Freshmen do not have to live in campus residence facilities, which include standard dormitories and four houses with student-selected themes. A university seal is imprinted on the ground in the center of campus, but make sure not to step on it; school lore warns that any student who does won’t graduate on time. Off campus, students can use Woo Cards to get discounts on food and activities around Worcester. Boston is 45 miles away, or about an hour’s trip by train.

Academics

More than 70 PhD, master’s, bachelor’s, and certificate programs are offered both on campus and online, providing flexible options and opportunities for students to advance their careers and succeed in today’s and tomorrow’s world. WPI’s undergrad schedule is unusual compared to most universities. Instead of a normal 14-week semester, WPI has 7-week terms, labeled A through D, with optional two-session E Terms in the summer. Students typically take three courses during each term, which allows students to complete a year’s worth of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, etc. in only one semester. The student-faculty ratio at WPI is 13:1, and the school has 65% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. Popular majors include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Bioengineering.

Special Highlights

Robotics Engineering. WPI is at the forefront of integrated robotics research and education with the Robotics Engineering Department. It’s a first-of-its-kind in the nation and the most comprehensive in the world, and with the largest student population seeking BS, MS, and PhD degrees. Our pioneering approach to research and education is built on the foundation of advancing science and engineering to build better robots and robotic systems of the future. Our research philosophy is unique since we not only conduct scientific discovery but also provide engineering solutions to tackle the problems of today to have an impact tomorrow. This also percolates into our educational regime: we provide extensive hands-on experience in all our courses with state-of-the-art lab facilities. We prioritize space for experimentation, and we foster competitive student teams that routinely win international robotics awards.

The Anderson Center for Environmental Studies. WPI’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center supports the culture of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and action at WPI through skill-based workshops, mentorship, innovation challenges, networking opportunities, hands-on projects, funding and more. Whether it’s a student IQP, MQP, ISP, graduate research, a hobby project, a venture, or nonprofit idea, we’re here to help support the development of your idea and turn it into reality for the greater good of our local and global communities. All the greatest innovations, companies, and nonprofits in the world started with an idea, a conversation between tinkerers and idealists, or even a “what if…” question to solve real-world problems. Programs include Experts in Residence, Tinkerbox, WinterSession, Makerspace, Chat to Connect, Community Leadership Experience, and MakerBucks: The “Go and Try” Prototyping Program.

School Mission & Unique Qualities

WPI transforms lives, turns knowledge into action to confront global challenges, and revolutionizes STEM through distinctive and inclusive education, projects, and research. WPI’s award-winning, pioneering project-based and globally engaged curriculum engages students in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education—on campus and at more than 50 project centers in the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. In both academics and research, undergraduate and graduate students pursue interdisciplinary collaboration with each other, with faculty across WPI’s four schools, and with public and private partners to develop broad-scope solutions to socially relevant problems.

Student Reviews…

“WPI as a school was fantastic. There was always a huge amount of support from professors and faculty. The STEM classes were great and always offered extra help. The campus dorms were friendly and safe. Clubs were another great part of campus life. There was a club for every hobby, activity, or passion a student could have. Overall, WPI was a great school to attend.”