The Major Qualifying Project

The qualifying project in the major field of study should demonstrate application of the skills, methods, and knowledge of the discipline to the solution of a problem that would be representative of the type to be encountered in one's career. The project's content area should be carefully selected to complement the student's total educational program. In defining the project area within which a specific topic is to be selected, the student and academic advisor should pay particular attention to the interrelationships that will exist between the bodies of knowledge represented by courses, independent studies, and Preliminary Qualifying Projects; and by the Interactive Qualifying Projects.

MQP activities encompass research, development, and application, involve analysis or synthesis, are experimental or theoretical, emphasize a particular subarea of the major, or combine aspects of several subareas. In many cases, especially in engineering, MQP's involve capstone design activity. Long before final selection of a project topic, serious thought should be given as to which of these types of activities are to be included. Beyond these considerations, the MQP can also be viewed as an opportunity to publish, to gain experience in the business or public sectors, or to utilize special facilities like the Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Laboratories.

Getting Started on an MQP

Project topics are originated by students, faculty, or practicing professionals participating in WPI's off-campus project programs. A faculty member in each academic department acts as Project Coordinator for all majors within the department. The Project Coordinator has assembled MQP topic descriptions being proposed and has identified the faculty who will serve as project advisors for each topic. This information can also be reviewed in the reference section of Gordon Library and the Projects Office. Students can also seek the guidance of the Department Project Coordinator or the listed project advisor directly. All project opportunities -- MQP, IQP, PQP, on-campus originated and off-campus originated -- are made available to the student body through a planned information-sharing program of activities during C and D terms of the academic year prior to the start of the project.

Students should also consult the current pamphlet on "WPI Faculty Research and Teaching Interests" to determine areas of research interest where students may find opportunities for MQPs. Faculty research thus may lead indirectly to sponsorship of MQPs.

Project Proposals

Students are strongly encouraged to begin their MQPs with a project proposal. A detailed guide to preparing project proposals is available in department offices or at the Project Center.