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/Space 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.

• 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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The reputation of Worcester Polytechnic Institute around the country is impeccable, and rightfully so: this highly hands-on research university in central Massachusetts has a “rigorous academic environment” and is focused on “creative collaboration in a non-competitive environment with a common goal of innovation.” The campus “has a real excitement regarding knowledge,” and while the majority of students choose to do engineering and math here, “there are opportunities to take humanities and business courses as well.”

One of the more unique aspects of the WPI curriculum is the project activity, which includes the Major Qualifying Project (MQP) and the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) for juniors and seniors, both of which are done with an advisor and often involve off-campus sponsorship. This, along with the grading system (students are awarded a grade of A, B, C, or No Record) “encourages cooperation among students rather than cut-throat competition.” Classes run in a quarter system (three classes for each of the four seven-week terms), which means faculty is “forced to only teach us the most important material, without material that may be considered ‘filler material.’”

The majority of professors are “very engaging” and “present material in better ways then just showing PowerPoint slides one after the other.” As you get into higher level classes the subjects are more focused, and “almost all classes have a lab component.” Students are “always helping one another, [and] everyone (including the professors) wants the students to succeed.” The project-based learning and reputation of WPI gives students “the ability to work on real...projects around the world.” As one sophomore in engineering puts it: “WPI won’t teach you everything you need to know to be a good engineer, but they’ll teach you where to find all the information you need to face any obstacle.”

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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 careerfocused 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 highpaying careers. Beyond the finances, 48 percent WPI alumni visiting PayScale.com report feeling as though their job has a high level of meaning.

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“It’s nice to know that no matter what you like, you’re going to find a kindred spirit at WPI,” says a student of the “rather smart,” “open and friendly” crowd. Fraternities, sororities, and sports are popular, and all students have a “nerdy side” that “brings us together.” Still, don’t get it wrong: WPI “is not a school full of Poindexters who never leave their rooms.” “We have athletes, Greek life, theatre, and anything else you can find at any other school. However, we all have a common bond because of our love of math, science, and all things logical,” says a student.

WPI “does a great job of making sure we all fit in and have an awesome friend group,” says a student. While some students claim that Worcester “isn't the greatest city,” others comment that “WPI is in a nice area.” There is a great social life on campus as well as off campus, and “there is plenty to do for those eighteen and up as well as twenty-one and up.” “It would literally take hours to describe all the amazing things that take place on campus,” says a junior.

Students are academically engaged during the week “because it’s practically a requirement at WPI,” but know how to let go on weekends and occasional weeknights. With more than 225 organizations and “a very active Social Committee” there is always something happening on campus, such as “free movies on weekends (post-theater but pre-DVD release),” “dances, fundraisers, activities, socials, concerts,” LARPing, and robot competitions. “We definitely are a geeky campus,” says a student. Now, “a geeky tech school is not the place someone would expect to find a flourishing Greek community,” says a student. “But in fact the Panhellenic community on campus is excellent.”

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.