Like other graduate schools, the program at WPI is designed as a continuation of the education one receives as an undergrad. Specialization within a field or a broader depth of knowledge can be obtained through the proper channels of training and preparation. But unlike programs at other schools, the WPI curriculum encompasses much more, including the combined B.S./M.S. program, off-campus graduate study courses as well as the traditional evening classes.
The combined five year B.S./M.S. program is designed for outstanding WPI undergraduates wishing to continue their education towards a master's degree at WPI as a means of speeding up their progress. Participants in this program remain registered as undergraduate status until all of their requirements towards a bachelor's degree have been fulfilled. Up to 40% of the credits submitted for undergraduate candidacy can be used towards the master's program. These courses must be pre-approved by the registrar's office as acceptable at the advanced undergrad or graduate level. Students who intend to apply to this program may pick up an application form which may be found in the Office of Graduate Admissions. Filed applications will in turn be sent to the academic advisor, the Registrar's office as well as to the head of the department granting the graduate degree. Upon admittance to the program, the student is required to satisfy all prerequisites for the advanced degree and maintain a 2.9 average before obtaining that degree. Departments may require a thesis and/or additional course work for the graduate degree.
Off-campus graduate studies offer the unique opportunity of accommodating the changing needs of technical professionals wishing to further their studies within their field of interest. These courses may be used in fulfilling degree and residence requirements at WPI. They are open to all interested students, although enrollments may sometimes be limited.
More traditionally, the Evening Graduate Program is a part-time program intended for the working individual. It is provided by WPI as a response to the needs of the technical professional working in New England. Students completing two courses per semester are able to achieve the requirements for the M.S. program within just three years, or the M.B.A. program in four. Although an application must be submitted in order to obtain an official degree, individual courses may be taken in areas of interest.
WPI offers master's degrees in applied math, applied statistics, chemistry, physics, computer science, biology and biotechnology, material science and engineering, biomedical, chemical, electrical and computer, manufacturing, and mechanical and fire protection engineering, management, business administration, mathematics, and natural science. Doctorate programs are also offered. Financial aid is also available to those who qualify for assistantships, scholarships, and grants.
Further information about WPI's graduate programs may be found in the Graduate Catalog or by going to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
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