Worcester Poly­tech­nic Institute

Academic Programs

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, Master’s Degrees and Doctorates in over 40 fields of study. Presently, only certain graduate programs are available online. WPI is atypical in its structure, the school emphasizes different learning environments and metric measurement. WPI doesn’t have traditional ‘schools’ or ‘colleges,’ there are Academic Departments – Project Departments: Arts & Sciences, Engineering, School of Business, Corporate and Professional Education; and Technical Departments: Biomanufacturing, Emotional Intelligence, Geometric Dimentioning and Tolerancing and Project Management. Per the Mission Statement, “WPI educates talented men and women in engineering, science, management, and humanities in preparation for careers of professional practice, civic contribution, and leadership, facilitated by active lifelong learning. This educational process is true to the founders’ directive to create, to discover, and to convey knowledge at the frontiers of academic inquiry for the betterment of society. Knowledge is created and discovered in the scholarly activities of faculty and students ranging across educational methodology, professional practice, and basic research. Knowledge is conveyed through scholarly publication and instruction.”

Student Life

There are over 4,200 undergraduate students enrolled in Worcester Polytechnic Institute; many of whom live on campus in the wide variety of housing types available. There are also over 200 clubs and student organizations on campus including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the crimson and gray Engineers, led by Gompei the Goat, field teams in 11 sports and participate in NCAA Division III competition. Among the calendar traditions on campus are Gaming Weekend (3 days of all sorts of games), Penny Wars (charitable fund-raising done entirely in pennies) and Quadfest (a massive end-of-year party). During their college career, students learn the values of the school: As passionate educators and scholars, we are: Distinctive – perform groundbreaking research and innovation, value rigor and data-driven analysis; Inclusive – value diversity of thought, culture, and perspective; Steadfast – lasting commitments. As bold innovators, we are: Courageous – take on challenges and ask tough questions; Strategic – approach challenges with curiosity and courage; Dynamic – understand/adapt to opportunities; embrace disruptive technologies. As dedicated leaders, we are: Driven – focus on the highest value; Catalysts – tangible outcomes and measureable success; and Impactful – positive difference in the world.