Minimum Distribution Requirements for Students

Matriculating after August 1, 2007

The distribution requirements for students who have matriculated before August 1, 2007 (if different from the requirements printed below) are listed in the individual program descriptions beginning on page 67.

The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students (see page 22), distribution requirements apply to 10 units of study in specific areas as listed on the following pages:

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematical and Basic Sciences (Notes 1, 2, and 3)4
2. Engineering Science and Design (Includes MQP) (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)6

NOTES:

  1. Must include a minimum of 5/3 units of mathematics including differential and integral calculus, and differential equations.
  2. Must include a minimum of 3/3 units in physics including introductory electricity and magnetism, and intermediate mechanics.
  3. Must include 2/3 units in chemistry including topics in thermodynamics.
  4. Must include 6/3 units in Fluids and Propulsion with topics in Heat Transfer, Incompressible and Compressible Fluid Dynamics, Subsonic and Supersonic Aerodynamics, Airbreathing and Rocket Propulsion.
  5. Must include 4/3 units in Materials and Structures, with topics in Materials Science, Stress Analysis, and Aerospace Structures.
  6. Must include 4/3 units in Dynamics and Control with topics in Orbital Mechanics, Control Theory, Guidance, Navigation, Communications, and Aircraft or Spacecraft Dynamics and Control.
  7. Must include 1/3 units in Aerospace Systems Design that integrates either aeronautical or astronautical engineering topics.
  8. Must include 1/3 Unit of Capstone Design Experience.

ACTUARIAL MATHEMATICS

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematics (including MQP) (Notes 1-6).7
2. Management (Note 7).4/3
3. Additional courses or independent studies (except MS, PE courses, and other degree requirements) from any area (Note 8).5/3

NOTES:

  1. Must include MA 3831 and MA 3832, or their equivalents, at least one of MA 3257, MA 3457, or equivalent, and at least one
    of MA 3631, MA 4632, or equivalent.
  2. Must include two of the following: MA 2073, MA 2271, MA 2273, MA 2431, MA 2631, or their equivalents.
  3. Must include three of the following: MA 3211, MA 3212, MA 4213, MA 4214, or their equivalents.
  4. May not include independent studies directed toward Society of Actuaries exams.
  5. May not include either MA 2201 or MA 2210.
  6. May not include both MA 2631 and MA 2621.
  7. Must include ACC 2101 and FIN 2200 or their equivalents.
  8. Must include 2/3 units of computer science.

BIOCHEMISTRY

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematics and Physics (Note 1).2
2. Chemistry and Biochemistry (Note 2).4
3. Biology (Note 3).1 2/3
4 Chemistry and Biochemistry/Biology Laboratory (Note 4).1
5 Other Natural or Computer Science (Note 5).1/3
6. MQP1

Notes:

  1. The mathematics in MA 1021-MA 1024 or the equivalent is recommended. The physics in PH 1110-PH 1120 or equivalent is recommended.
  2. These four units must include one unit of organic, one unit of biochemistry, and 1/3 unit each of physical (3000 level or higher) and inorganic chemistry (3000 level or higher).
  3. These 1 2/3 units must include 1/3 unit of cell biology, 1/3 unit of genetics, and 2/3 unit of advanced work (3000 level or higher).
  4. This unit must include a minimum of 1/3 unit in Chemistry and Biochemistry, and a minimum of 1/3 unit in Biology.
  5. Any course in the natural sciences (not used to satisfy another requirement) or in computer science may be used to satisfy this requirement.

BIOLOGY/BIOTECHNOLOGY

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematical Science, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering (see Note 1)5/3
2. Chemistry

5/3
3. Biology & Biotechnology (Note 2)10/3
4. Laboratory Experience (see Note 3)4/3
5. Related courses (see Note 4)3/3
6. MQP1

NOTES:

  1. BB 3040 may count toward this requirement.
  2. Biology & Biotechnology coursework must include 2/3 units at the 1000 level, 4/3 units at the 2000 level, and 4/3 units at the 3000/4000 level, of which at least 1/3 unit must be at the 4000 level. BB 1001 and BB 1002 may not count toward the major requirement. At least 2/3 unit of Biology & Biotechnology coursework must be taken from each of three major divisions of biology (below). The 2/3 unit for each division may include courses from any level (1000-4000).
  3. Chosen from BB 2000/3000 Laboratories or CH 4150 and 417X Experimental Biochemistry Laboratories. Must include at least 1/2 unit of course work at the 2000 level.
  4. Chosen from the Related Courses List or additional BB 3000/4000 level courses.

BIOLOGY/BIOTECHNOLOGY WITH A CONCENTRATION

(Note 1)

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematical Science, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering (see Note 2)5/3
2. Chemistry5/3
3. BB 1000/2000-level (see Note 3)4/3
4. BB Laboratory Experience (see Note 4)4/3
5. BB 3000/4000-level (see Note 5)5/3
6. Related Courses (see Note 6)4/3
7. MQP (see Note 7)1

NOTES:

  1. Students pursuing a Concentration must fulfill all requirements for that Concentration. No course may count in more than one category, including university and departmental distribution requirements.
  2. BB 3040 may count toward this requirement.
  3. Only one BB course at the 1000 level (excluding BB 1001 & 1002) may be counted toward this requirement.
  4. Chosen from among BB 2000/3000/4000 Laboratories or from Laboratory Experience List. Appropriate courses are suggested for each Concentration. Must include at least 1/2 unit of course work at the 2000 level.
  5. 2/3 or more units must come from the appropriate approved Concentration List. In certain cases 500-level courses are appropriate for undergraduate credit with explicit permission of the instructor.
  6. Chosen from among courses specified within each concentration's Related Courses List.
  7. Must be approved by the MQP advisor of record as appropriate for the Concentration.

BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematics (See Note 1)2
2. Basic Science (See Note 2)2
3. Supplemental Science (See Note 3)2/3
4. Laboratory experience with living systems (See Note 4)1/3
5. Biomedical Engineering and Engineering (See Note 5)4 1/3
6. MQP (See Note 6)1

NOTES:

  1. Mathematics must include differential and integral calculus, differential equations and statistics.
  2. Two courses from each of the following areas: BB, CH and PH.
  3. Two courses from BB, CH or PH.
  4. Experimental Physiology (e.g., BB 3511 and BB 3514) or equivalent.
  5. Thirteen courses from Biomedical Engineering (BME) or Engineering (CE, CHE, ECE, ES, or ME) as specified in the WPI Catalog "Courses Qualifying for Engineering Department Areas" with the following distribution: (1) seven courses from Biomedical Engineering or Engineering, one of which must be an engineering design course; (2) four courses from Biomedical Engineering or Engineering at the 3000-level or above; (3) two courses in Biomedical Engineering at the 4000-level or above. A minimum of eight of the thirteen courses must be from Biomedical Engineering, not including BME 3110.
  6. Must include 1/3 unit Capstone Design Experience.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematics and Basic Science (Notes 1, 2).4
2. Engineering Science and Design (Notes 3, 4).6
3. Advanced Chemistry (Note 5).2

NOTES:

  1. Must include differential and integral calculus and differential equations.
  2. Must include 2 courses in physics.
  3. Must include 1 unit of MQP, 1/3 unit of capstone design experience (e.g., CHE 4404), and at least 1/3 unit of engineering study outside the major. Courses used to satisfy this requirement must be at the 2000-level or above, with the exception of CHE 1011.
  4. Must include at least 4 units from the following list of core chemical engineering courses: CHE 2011, CHE 2012, CHE 2013, CHE 2014, ES 3004, ES 3003, ES 3002, CHE 3201, CHE 3501, CHE 4401, CHE 4402, CHE 4403, CHE 4404, CHE 4405.
  5. All CH courses qualify except CH 1010, CH 1020, and CH 1030 which are basic science. Up to 1 unit of Advanced Chemistry may be double counted as both Advanced Chemistry and Basic Science. One course of Advanced Natural Science (2000 level and above BB, PH, GE) may be substituted for one Advanced Chemistry course.

CHEMISTRY

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematics and Physics (Note 1).2 1/3
2. Chemistry (Note 2).4
3. Additional Science/Engineering (Note 3).3 2/3

NOTES:

  1. Must include differential and integral calculus and at least 2/3 units of physics.
  2. Must be above the level of general chemistry (2000 level or higher). These 4 units must include courses in experimental chemistry (either 4/3 unit or 3/3 unit), inorganic chemistry (1/3 unit), organic chemistry (3/3 unit), physical chemistry (3/3 unit), and biochemistry (either 1/3 unit or 2/3 unit, depending on the number of experimental chemistry courses taken). At least 2/3 units must be at or higher than the 4000 level.
  3. Distributed among the MQP, the natural and physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, and engineering (and including general chemistry, CH 1010-1040).

CIVIL ENGINEERING

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Mathematics and Basic Science (Notes 1,2).4
2. Engineering Science and Design (including the MQP) (Notes 3,4,5,6).*6

NOTES:

  1. Mathematics must include differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and probability and statistics.
  2. Must include both chemistry and physics with a minimum of one course in physics and two courses in chemistry.
  3. A minimum of 4 units of work must be within the Civil Engineering area. All CE courses including the MQP, ES 2503, and ES 3004 are acceptable within the Civil Engineering area.
  4. The curriculum must include at least one engineering science course outside the major discipline area. Courses acceptable to satisfy the requirement of outside-of-discipline course are those taught in other engineering departments. The course must be a 2000-level or above and cannot include ES 2501, ES 2502, ES 2503, and ES 3004.
  5. All students are required to include an appropriate laboratory experience as part of their overall program. This experience can be met by the completion of two undergraduate CE lab courses, selected from among the following: CE 2020, CE 3024, CE 3026, CE 3054, CE 4046, and CE 4060. Alternately, an appropriate laboratory experience could also be accomplished by a student through careful planning of course and laboratory work and approval by petition through the Department Program Review Committee.
  6. Must include 1/3 unit of Capstone Design Experience.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

RequirementsMinimum Units
1. Computer Science (including the MQP) (Notes 1, 2).6
2. Mathematics (Notes 2, 3, 5).7/3
3. Basic Science and/or Engineering Science (Notes 2, 4).5/3

NOTES:

  1.  
    1. Only CS 1101, CS 1102 and computer science courses at the 2000-level or higher will count towards the computer science requirement. CS 2118 will not count towards the computer science requirement.
    2. Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas: Systems (CS 3013, CS 4513, CS 4514, CS 4515), Theory and Languages (CS 3133, CS 4123, CS 4533), Design (CS 3041, CS 3431, CS 3733, CS 4233), and Social Implications of Computing (CS 3043, STS 2208, GOV/ID 2314). (If STS 2208 or GOV/ID 2314 is used to satisfy this requirement, it does not count as part of the 6 units of CS.)
    3. At least 5/3 units of the Computer Science requirement must consist of 4000-level courses. These units can also be met by WPI graduate CS courses, with the exception of CS 501 and CS 507.
    4. Only one of CS 1101 and CS 1102 may count towards the computer science requirement. Only one of CS 2301 and CS 2303 may count towards the computer science requirement.
    • A cross-listed course may be counted toward only one of areas 1, 2, 3, above.
    • Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas: Probability (MA 2621, MA 2631) and Statistics (MA 2611, MA 2612).
    • Courses satisfying the science requirement must come from the BB, BME, CE, CH, CHE, ECE, ES, GE, ME, PH disciplines. At least three courses must come from BB, CH, GE, PH, where at least two courses are from one of these disciplines.
    • At most four 1000-level Mathematics courses may be counted towards this requirement.

    COMPUTERS WITH APPLICATIONS

    RequirementsMinimum Units
    1. Computer Science (including the MQP) (Notes 1, 2).16/3
    2. Mathematics (Note 2).7/3
    3. Basic Science (Notes 2, 3).2/3
    4. Application Area (Notes 2, 4).5/3

    NOTES:

    1.  
      1. Only CS 1101, CS 1102 and computer science courses at the 2000-level or higher will count towards the computer science requirement. CS 2118 will not count towards the computer science requirement.
      2. Must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the following areas: Systems (CS 3013, CS 4513, CS 4514, CS 4515), Theory and Languages (CS 3133, CS 4123, CS 4533), Design (CS 3041, CS 3431, CS 3733, CS 4233), and Social Implications of Computing (CS 3043, SS 2208). (If SS 2208 is used to satisfy this requirement, it does not count as part of the 16/3 units of CS.)
      3. At least 5/3 units of the Computer Science requirement must consist of 4000-level courses. These units can also be met by WPI graduate CS courses, with the exception of CS 501 and CS 507.
      4. The MQP must involve the application of computer science concepts to the Application Area specified in Requirement 4.
      5. Only one of CS 1101 and CS 1102 may count towards the computer science requirement. Only one of CS 2301 and CS 2303 may count towards the computer science requirement.
    2. A cross-listed course may be counted toward only one of areas 1, 2, 3, 4 above.
    3. The two courses satisfying the science requirement must both come from one of the following disciplines: BB, CH, GE, PH.
    4. This requirement is satisfied by a cohesive set of work from disciplines other than Computer Science. Work used for any other degree requirements cannot be used for the Application Area. At least 3/3 units must be course work at the 3000 level or higher. Independent Study/Project (ISP) work, if any, must be conducted under the supervision of a member of the faculty in that discipline.

    ECONOMIC SCIENCE

      RequirementsMinimum Units
      1. Economics (Note 1).3
      2. Economics and/or Management (Note 2)2/3
      3. Other Social Science1
      4. Modeling Techniques2/3
      5. Mathematics (Note 3)

      2
      6. Basic Science1
      7. Electives2/3
      8. MQP1

      NOTES:

      1. Must include courses in both micro and macro economic theory at the intermediate level and in econometrics and international trade (available through the Consortium or independent study).
      2. Must include financial accounting, ACC1100. May include other relevant management courses as approved by the Departmental Program Review Committee.
      3. Must include differential equations, integral calculus, and statistics.

      ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

      RequirementsMinimum Units
      Mathematics and Basic Science (Notes 1a-1d).4
      Engineering Science and Design (ES/D) (including the MQP) (Notes 2a-2g).6

      NOTES:

      1. Mathematics and Basic Science:
        1. Must include at least 7/3 units of math (prefix MA). Mathematics must include differential and integral calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, and probability and/or statistics.
        2. Must include at least 2/3 units of physics (prefix PH).
        3. Must include at least 1/3 units of chemistry (prefix CH) or 1/3 units biology (prefix BB).
        4. Must include an additional 2/3 units of math or basic science (prefixes MA, PH, CH, BB, or GE)
      2. Engineering Science and Design (including the MQP):
        1. Must include at least 5 units within the Electrical and Computer Engineering area (including the MQP). All courses with prefix ECE (except ECE 3601) are applicable to these 5 units. Also, courses ES 3011, BME 4011, and BME 4201 are applicable to these 5 units.
        2. The 5 units within the Electrical and Computer Engineering area must include at least 1 unit of courses from an approved list of Electrical Engineering courses (see page 116)
        3. The 5 units within the Electrical and Computer Engineering area must include at least 2/3 unit of courses from an approved list of Computer Engineering courses (see page 116)
        4. The 5 units within the Electrical and Computer Engineering area must include 1/3 unit of Capstone Design Experience. (This requirement is typically fulfilled by the MQP.)
        5. Must include at least 1/3 unit of computer science (prefix CS), at the 2000 level or above (other than CS 2011, CS 2022, CS 3043 which cannot be applied to this requirement).
        6. Must include at least 1/3 unit of engineering science (prefix ES) at the 2000 level or above. This requirement may also be satisfied by ME 3601. ES 3011 cannot be applied to this requirement.
        7. Must include an additional 1/3 unit of engineering science and design at the 2000 level or above, selected from courses having the prefix BME, CE, CHE, CS (other than CS 2011, CS 2022, CS 3043), ECE (other than ECE 3601), ES, FP, or ME.

      ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Mathematics and Basic Science (Note 1)

        4
        2. Advanced Science (Note 2)

        1
        3. Engineering Science and Design (Includes MQP) (Note 3)

        6

        NOTES:

        1. Mathematics and Basic Science
          1. Must include 6/3 units of mathematics, including differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and statistics.
          2. Must include 6/3 units of basic science, including 1/3 unit of biology (BB), 3/3 units of chemistry (CH), 1/3 unit of earth science (GE 2341 recommended) and 1/3 unit of PH (calculus based).
        2. Advanced Science: Must include 3/3 units of science at the 2000-level or higher. Minimum of 1/3 unit in biology (BB) and 1/3 unit in chemistry (CH). Courses may not be double counted toward the basic science requirement.
        3. Engineering Science and Design
          1. Must include 2/3 units in thermofluids, including 1/3 unit in fluid mechanics (ES 3004 recommended) and 1/3 unit in thermodynamics (ES 3001, CH 3501 or CHE 2013).
          2. Must include 2/3 units in mechanics and materials (CE 2000 or ES 2501, CE 2001 or ES 2502, ES 2001, ES 2503).
          3. Must include 3/3 units of Core Environmental Engineering (CHE 2011, CE 3059, CE 3062, CHE 3201).
          4. Must include 6/3 units in Environmental Engineering Electives, arranged as follows: 3/3 units in water quality and resources, 2/3 units in air and land environmental systems, and 1/3 unit in environmental management.
          5. Must include exposure to public health issues (CE 370X or other appropriate experience through IQP, independent study, or appropriate consortium courses).
          6. Must include 2/3 units with laboratory experimentation. Must include either CE 4060 or CHE 4401. The remaining 1/3 unit may be CE 4060 , CHE 4401, laboratory courses in CH (CH 2640 or CH 2650, which would satisfy Advanced Science course requirements), CE 3026, or CE 2020.
          7. Must include 1/3 unit major design experience through the MQP, or other approved design experience in a course such as CHE 4403 or ME 4429.

        ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT

        (Note 1)
        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. SS & PS (Note 2).12/3
        2. Mathematics (Note 3).5/3
        3. Basic Science (Note 4).2/3
        4. Technical Concentration (Note 5).2
        5. Department Electives (Note 6).2/3
        6. MQP.1

        NOTES:

        1. 1/3 unit = 1 course. 15 units are required for graduation.
        2. Students must complete 5/3 units (5 courses) in one of three social science areas: (a) economics, (b) psychology/sociology, (c) political science (includes SS & PS courses in law and policy analysis) and 2/3 unit (2 courses) in each of the other two social science areas. The particular courses chosen must include six out of the following nine courses: A Psychological Perspective on Environmental Problem Solving, American Public Policy, Development Economics, Environmental Economics, International Environmental Policy, Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling, Environmental Policy and Law, Technical Expertise in Governmental Decision Making, and the Society-Technology Debate. Students must also complete three other social science courses (1 unit) of their choosing.
        3. Must include both calculus and statistics.
        4. Basic science courses must be selected from the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, or Biology.
        5. The technical concentration must include at least six thematically related courses in science, engineering or management that have been approved by the Department's Program Review Committee.
        6. Departmental electives must be selected from the areas of mathematics, basic science, social science, or the technical concentration.

        HUMANITIES AND ARTS

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Humanities and Arts (including MQP) (Note 1).6
        2. Electives (Note 2).4

        NOTES:

        1. Humanities and Arts majors may choose to complete 2 units of work and an MQP in one of the following areas of Concentration: History, Literature, Music, Philosophy, Religion, Drama/Theatre, Writing and Rhetoric, Art History/Architecture, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, American Studies, Environmental Studies, or Humanities Studies of Science and Technology.
        2. May be from any area except Aerospace Studies, Military Science, or Physical Education. Courses used to satisfy other degree requirements (i.e. the IQP and the Sufficiency) may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

        DOUBLE MAJOR IN HUMANITIES AND ARTS

        Students may pursue a double major in Humanities and Arts and in an area of science, engineering, or management. To pursue the double major, a student must satisfy all of the degree requirements of the technical discipline including an MQP and Distribution Requirements. In addition, the double major in Humanities and Arts requires 6 units of studies in the Humanities and Arts, including the MQP. Students pursuing a double major in Humanities and Arts are not required to complete a Sufficiency Program in Humanities and Arts, nor are they required to complete a second IQP. Students interested in pursing this option should contact Prof. B. Addison, 39 Dean St., Room 260, for additional information.

        INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING (Management Department)

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Mathematics and Basic Science (Notes 1, 2)4
        2. Industrial Engineering Topics (including the MQP) (Notes 3, 4)6

        NOTES:

        1. Mathematics must include differential and integral calculus, ordinary differential equations, and 2/3 units in probability and statistics.
        2. Basic Science must include both chemistry and physics, with a minimum of two courses in either.
        3. Must include 1/3 unit of Capstone Design Experience.
        4. Industrial Engineering Topics must include courses in the following three topic areas.
          1. 3 units of industrial engineering core courses, including 1/ 3 unit in each of the following 9 areas: engineering basics outside industrial engineering, deterministic operations research methods, process design, production planning and control, simulation, stochastic methods in operations research, information systems design, financial modeling and organizational science.
          2. 1 unit in Industrial Engineering electives. 3000/4000 level OIE courses, MIS 3720, MIS 4720, and Operations Research courses in Mathematics qualify. Courses in financial modeling and organizational science do not qualify.
          3. 1 unit in technical electives. Industrial Engineering electives and any other Engineering Science/Design courses qualify.

        INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAME DEVELOPMENT

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Core IMGD (Note 1)2/3
        2. Math1/3
        3. Science1/3
        4. Computer Science1/3
        5. Social and Philosophical Issues (Note 2)1/3
        6. Studio Art (Note 11)1/3
        7. Computer Music (Note 12)1/3
        8. English (Note 3)1/3
        9. Advanced IMGD (Note 4)2/3
        10. Major Qualifying Project (Note 5)3/3

        In addition to the requirements listed above, students must satisfy one of the two area requirements, Technical (Computer Science) or Artistic (Humanities and Arts):

        AreaMinimum Units
        11a. Computer Science (Note 6)10/3
        11b. Humanities and Arts (Notes 7, 8)10/3

        Students have electives that can be tailored to meet specific degree requirements and interests:

        ElectivesMinimum Units
        12. Total Electives (Notes 9, 10)6/3

        NOTES:

        1. Choose from: Critical Studies of Interactive Media and Games (IMGD 1000), The Game Development Process (IMGD 1001), Storytelling in Interactive Media and Games (IMGD 1002).
        2. Choose from Social Issues in Interactive Media Games (IMGD 2000) or Philosophy and Ethics of Computer Games (IMGD 2001).
        3. Courses with the prefix EN or WR.
        4. Taken from 2 technical offerings (IMGD 3000 and IMGD 4000) or 2 artistic offerings (IMGD 3500 and IMGD 4500).
        5. Students who double-major in IMGD with the Technical area requirement and a second major in Humanities and Arts or International Studies will be deemed to have satisfied the Sufficiency requirement. Students who double major in IMGD with the Artistic area requirement and a second major in a science, engineering, or mathematics discipline will be deemed to have satisfied the Sufficiency requirement. In these cases, the IMGD MQP advisor must certify that the content of the IMGD MQP matches the student's Artistic or Technical IMGD area requirement.
        6. At least 4/3 from: Human-Computer Interaction (CS 3041), Software Engineering (CS 3733, CS 4233), Computer Architecture (CS 4732), Computer Networks (CS 4514), Graphics (CS 4731), Animation (CS 4732), or Artificial Intelligence (CS 4341).
        7. At least 1/3 from each of the following areas: Art, Music and English.
        8. At least 5/3 units at the 2000-level or higher.
        9. Electives must be chosen from the following areas: Computer Science, Humanities and Arts, Interactive Media and Game Development, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Management, or Engineering.
        10. At least 3/3 units must be in a single one of the areas listed in Note 9.
        11. Choose from: Essentials of Art (AR 1100) or Digital Imaging and Computer Art (AR 1101).
        12. Choose from: Computer Techniques in Music (MU 3611), Computers and Synthesizers in Music (MU 3612), or Digital Sound Design (MU 3613).

        INTERDISCIPLINARY

        By individual arrangement; see page 134.

        INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. International Core (Note 1)1
        2. International Fields (Note 2)4
        3. International Experience (Note 3)0
        4. Electives (Note 4)4
        5. MQP1

        NOTES:

        1. International Core: One course must be selected from each of these categories:
          1. An introductory course in international history, such as HI 1341 or HI 1313, HI 1321, HI 1322, HI 1323.
          2. A course in understanding cross-cultural differences, such as one of the following: HU 3411 Pro-Seminar in Global Perspectives, or SS 2406 Cross-Cultural Psychology; or SS 1203 Social Problems and Policy Issues; or PY 2716 Philosophy of Difference.
          3. HU 4411 Senior Seminar in International Studies.
        2. International Fields: Majors complete at least one unit of work in each of the following areas. They must also complete at least one additional unit of work in one of these areas, which will be considered their primary field.
          1. Historical Analysis. These include any courses in European history, world history, or American foreign policy.
          2. Language, Literature, and Culture. These include any course in foreign languages, civilization, and literature offered at WPI or in the Consortium with the prior approval of the Program Review Committee; also courses approved by the Program Review Committee in Art History (e.g. AR 1111, AR 2111), English Literature (e.g. EN 2243, EN 3222), Music History (e.g. MU 2615), or Philosophy and Religion (e.g. RE 2721, RE 2724). Majors who designate Language, Literature, and Culture (LLC) as their primary field may not take courses in a second foreign language unless they have achieved 3000-level proficiency in the first. LLC designees should take most of their courses in a single discipline or in a coherent program approved by the Program Review Committee.
          3. Social Sciences. These include international courses in the social sciences (e.g. GOV 1320, ECON 2125, GOV 2312, PSY 2406). Students may count courses taken for the twocourse requirement in Social Sciences.
        3. International Studies majors are required to have a study-abroad experience. (In very unusual cases, exceptions may be made to this requirement, but only with prior approval of the Director and Program Review Committee). This abroad experience may take the form of a project, exchange, or internship approved by the Program Review Committee. The study-abroad experience should be educational in nature and equivalent in length to at least one WPI term.
        4. Electives may be from any area except Aerospace Studies, Military Science or Physical Education. Double-majors may count as electives courses taken for their other major. Majors who are not completing a double-major are required to complete a two-unit technical sufficiency in an area of science, engineering, or mathematics apart from these electives.

        LIBERAL ARTS AND ENGINEERING

        RequirementsMinimum Units

        1. Mathematics and Basic Sciences (Notes 1, 2)

        3

        2. Engineering Science and Design (Notes 3, 4, 5)

        3

        3. Humanities and Arts, Social Science, and Management Topics (Notes 6, 7)

        3

        4. MQP (Note 8)

        1

        NOTES:

        1. Mathematics must include differential and integral calculus and either probability or statistics.
        2. All courses with prefixes BB, CH, PH, or GE count toward this requirement. Must include at least 1/3 Unit each of BB, CH, and PH.
        3. Courses with prefixes BME, CE, CHE, CS, ECE, ES, and ME are eligible to count toward this requirement. These courses should be thematically related; students must gain approval of their program of study in this area from the Liberal Arts and Engineering Program Committee.
        4. Must include either CS 1101 or CS 1102.
        5. Must include at least one course in engineering design (such as ECE 2799 or ME 2300), plus at least two other courses with a significant laboratory component (a list of such courses will be maintained by the Liberal Arts and Engineering Program Committee).
        6. Must include 2 Units of Humanities and Arts and Social Science. Courses with prefixes AR, HI, PY, RH, WR, IMGD, ECON, GOV, PSY, STS, and SD may be eligible to count toward this requirement. Courses must be selected from areas that strongly complement the practice of engineering, such as the history of technology, ethics, writing and visual rhetoric, economics, society-technology studies, and environmental studies. A list of such courses will be maintained by the Liberal Arts and Engineering Program Committee.
        7. May include up to 1 Unit of Management. All courses with prefixes ACC, BUS, ETR, FIN, MKT, MIS, OIE, and OBC are eligible to count toward this requirement.
        8. The MQP provides a capstone experience that builds on both the technical (Engineering Science and Design) and nontechnical (Humanities and Arts, Social Science, and Management Topics) components of the student's particular program. At least one advisor to the MQP must be a member of the Liberal Arts and Engineering Associated Faculty.

        MANAGEMENT

        (Note 1)
        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Management Foundation (Note 2)11/3
        2. Mathematics (Note 3)4/3
        3. Basic Science2/3
        4. Management Major (Note 4)6/3
        5. Breadth Electives (Note 5)3/3
        6. Computer Science (Note 6)1/3
        7. MQP3/3

        NOTES:

        1. Courses may not be counted more than once in meeting these distribution requirements. The total number of units taken in the Department of Management may not exceed 50% of the total number of units earned for the degree.
        2. The Management Foundation must cover the foundation knowledge in the management functional areas, including at least 1/3 unit of financial accounting, managerial accounting, financial management, organizational science, deterministic management science, operations management, marketing management, information systems management, and business law and ethics. Microeconomics and Macroeconomics are required and also fulfill the WPI Social Science requirement.
        3. Mathematics must include 2/3 units of calculus and 2/3 units of statistics.
        4. Students selecting the Management Major must complete six courses from at most three (3) course clusters as specified in the WPI Undergraduate Catalog "For the MG Major" or work with their academic advisor to create a custom MG Program that includes courses in the specified clusters and/or other areas of Humanities & Arts and Social Sciences & Policy Studies. Such custom programs must be approved by the advisor and the Department of Management's Undergraduate Policy & Curriculum Committee.
        5. Breadth Electives must include at least 1/3 unit from among the 3000- and 4000-level courses in the Department. The remaining 2/3 units specified in the requirement may be satisfied with courses from Mathematics, Basic Science, Computer Science, Social Science, or courses with any of the following prefixes: ACC, BUS, ETR, FIN, MIS, MKT, OBC, or OIE, but excluding courses FIN 1250 and OIE 2850.
        6. A minimum of 1/3 unit of Computer Science (except CS 2022 and CS 3043). Either CS 1101 or CS 1102 is recommended.

        MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING (Note 1)

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Management Foundation (Note 2)11/3
        2. Mathematics (Note 3)4/3
        3. Basic Science2/3
        4. Management Engineering Major (Note 4)6/3
        5. Breadth Electives (Note 5)3/3
        6. Computer Science (Note 6)1/3
        7. MIS MQP3/3

        NOTES:

        1. Courses may not be counted more than once in meeting these distribution requirements. The total number of units taken in the Department of Management may not exceed 50% of the total number of units earned for the degree.
        2. The Management Foundation must cover the foundation knowledge in the management functional areas, including at least 1/3 unit of financial accounting, managerial accounting, financial management, organizational science, deterministic management science, operations management, marketing management, information systems management, and business law and ethics. Microeconomics and Macroeconomics are required and also fulfill the WPI Social Science requirement.
        3. Mathematics must include 2/3 units of calculus and 2/3 units of statistics.
        4. The Management Engineering Major must complete six courses from one of the concentrations as specified in the WPI Undergraduate Catalog "For the MGE Major" or work with their academic advisor to create a custom MGE Program. Such custom programs must be approved by the advisor and the Department of Management's Undergraduate Policy & Curriculum Committee.
        5. Breadth Electives must include at least 1/3 unit from among the 3000- and 4000-level courses in the Department. The remaining 2/3 units specified in the requirement may be satisfied with courses from Mathematics, Basic Science, Computer Science, Social Science, or courses with any of the following prefixes: ACC, BUS, ETR, FIN, MIS, MKT, OBC, or OIE, but excluding courses FIN 1250 and OIE 2850.
        6. A minimum of 1/3 unit of Computer Science (except CS 2022 and CS 3043). Either CS 1101 or CS 1102 is recommended.

        MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (Note 1)

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Management Foundation (Note 2)11/3
        2. Mathematics (Note 3)4/3
        3. Basic Science2/3
        4. Management Information Systems Major (Note 4)6/3
        5. Breadth Electives (Note 5)3/3
        6. Computer Science (Note 6)1/3
        7. MIS MQP3/3

        NOTES:

        1. Courses may not be counted more than once in meeting these distribution requirements. The total number of units taken in the Department of Management may not exceed 50% of the total number of units earned for the degree.
        2. The Management Foundation must cover the foundation knowledge in the management functional areas, including at least 1/3 unit of financial accounting, managerial accounting, financial management, organizational science, deterministic management science, operations management, marketing management, information systems management, and business law and ethics. Microeconomics and Macroeconomics are required and also fulfill the WPI Social Science requirement.
        3. Mathematics must include 2/3 units of calculus and 2/3 units of statistics.
        4. The Management Information Systems Major must complete six courses from those specified in the WPI Undergraduate Catalog "For the MIS Major" or work with their academic advisor to create a custom MIS Program. Such custom programs must be approved by the advisor and the Department of Management's Undergraduate Policy & Curriculum Committee.
        5. Breadth Electives must include at least 1/3 unit from among the 3000- and 4000-level courses in the Department. The remaining 2/3 units specified in the requirement may be satisfied with courses from Mathematics, Basic Science, Computer Science, Social Science, or courses with any of the following prefixes: ACC, BUS, ETR, FIN, MIS, MKT, OBC, or OIE, but excluding courses FIN 1250 and OIE 2850.
        6. A minimum of 1/3 unit of Computer Science (except CS 2022 and CS 3043). Either CS 1101 or CS 1102 is recommended.

        MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Mathematics and Basic Science (Notes 1,2).4
        2. Engineering Science and Design (including the MQP) (Note 3,4).6

        NOTES:

        1. Mathematics must include differential and integral calculus and differential equations.
        2. Science must include both chemistry and physics with a minimum of two courses in either.
        3. At least one unit from each of the following areas is required:
          1. Materials and Processes
          2. Product Engineering and Tool Design
          3. Computer Control and Manufacturing Systems
          4. Production Systems Engineering
        4. Must include 1/3 unit of Capstone Design Experience.

        MATHEMATICAL SCIENCE

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Mathematics including MQP (See notes 1-4).7
        2. Courses from other departments that are related to the student's mathematical program. At least 2/3 unit in computer science must be included; the remaining courses are to be selected from science, engineering, computer science or management (except FIN 1250) (see Note 5).2
        3. Additional courses or independent studies (except MS, PE courses, and other degree requirements) from any area.1

        NOTES:

        1. Must include MA 3831-3832, or their equivalents, at least one of MA 3257, MA 3457, or equivalent, and at least one of MA 3823, MA 3825, or equivalent.
        2. Must include at least three of the following: MA 2073, MA 2271, MA 2273, MA 2431, MA 2631, or their equivalents.
        3. At least 7/3 units must consist of MA courses at the 3000 level or above.
        4. May not include both MA 2631 and MA 2621.
        5. May not include both CS 3043 and CS 2022.

        MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Mathematics and Basic Science (Notes 1, 2, 3).4
        2. Engineering Science and Design (includes MQP) (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).6

        NOTES:

        1. Must include a minimum of 5/3 units of mathematics, including differential and integral calculus and differential equations.
        2. Must include a minimum of 1/3 unit in chemistry and 2/3 unit in physics, or 1/3 unit in physics and 2/3 unit in chemistry.
        3. Must include an activity that involves basic matrix algebra and the solution of systems of linear equations, and an activity that involves data analysis and applied statistical methods.
        4. Must include 1/3 unit in each of the following: electrical engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering experimentation.
        5. Must include at least one unit of ME courses at the 4000-level or higher.
        6. May include 1000 level courses only if designated ES or ME.
        7. Must include two stems of coherent course and/or project offerings as noted below in a and b.
          1. A minimum of one unit of work in thermofluid systems that includes the topics of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer, plus an activity that integrates thermofluid design.
          2. A minimum of one unit of work in mechanical systems that includes the topics of statics, dynamics, and stress analysis, plus an activity that integrates mechanical design.
        8. Must include an activity which realizes (constructs) a device or system.
        9. Must include 1/3 unit of Capstone Design Experience. Items 3, 5, 7a integration, 7b integration, 8, 9 may all be "multiple-counted."

        PHYSICS

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Mathematics (Note 1).3
        2. Physics (including the MQP) (Notes 2, 3).5
        3. Other subjects to be selected from mathematics, science, engineering, computer science, and management (Note 3).2

        NOTES:

        1. Mathematics must include at least 2/3 unit of mathematics at the level of MA 3000 or higher.
        2. ES 3001 and CH 3510 count as physics courses.
        3. Either item 2 or 3 must include at least 1/3 unit from each of the five principal areas of physics: mechanics, experimental physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal and statistical physics. This core distribution requirement is satisfied by successfully completing at least one course from each of the following five sets of courses: PH 2201 or 2202 (mechanics); PH 2651 or 2601 (experimental physics); PH 2301 or 3301 (electromagnetism); PH 3401 or 3402 (quantum mechanics); ES 3001, CH 3510, or PH 4206 (thermal and statistical physics); or other courses approved by the department Program Review Committee following petition by the student.

        ENGINEERING PHYSICS

        Same requirements as PHYSICS, with the addition that the 10 units must include 2 units of coordinated engineering and other technical/scientific activities. The 2-unit program must be formulated prior to final year of study by the student in consultation with the academic advisor, and must be certified prior to the final year by the departmental Program Review Committee.

        These distribution requirements in physics apply to all students matriculating at WPI after May, 2005. Students who matriculated prior to May, 2005, have the option of satisfying the degree requirements in the catalog current at the time of their matriculation.

        PROFESSIONAL WRITING

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Scientific and/or technical concentration (Note 1)6
        2. Writing and Rhetoric concentration (Note 2)3
        3. MQP1

        NOTES:

        1. The student’s scientific and/or technical concentration must be a plan of study, approved by the student’s program review committee, with a clear underlying rationale in mathematics, basic science, computer science, engineering, and/or management.
        2. The Writing and Rhetoric concentration consists of 1 unit in each of the 3 following categories of courses. Courses taken to fulfill these distribution requirements will not include courses that fulfill other degree requirements, such as the Humanities and Arts Sufficiency and the Social Sciences requirement. Exceptions to this restriction, not to exceed 1 unit, must be approved by the student’s program review committee, and will be granted only under unusual circumstances.
          1. Written communication(1 unit)
            Recommended courses:
            EN/WR 2211 Elements of Writing
            EN/WR 3011 Peer Tutoring in Writing
            EN/WR 3214 Writing About Disease and Public Health
            EN/WR 3216 Writing in the Professions
            or equivalent writing courses or ISPs
          2. Rhetoric and communication studies (1 unit)
            Recommended courses:
            RH 3111 The Study of Writing
            RH 3112 Rhetorical Theory
            RH 3211 Rhetoric of Visual Design
            or ISP or any of the courses listed in Category A not used to fulfill that requirement.
          3. Electives (1 unit)
            The 1 unit of electives must be coherently defined and approved by the student’s program review committee. Students may draw on:
            Courses in science, technology, and culture studies (such as AR/ID 3150, CS 3041, CS 3043, EN 2252, EN 3235, HI 2331, HI 2332, HI 2333, HI 2334, HI 3331, STS 2208, or GOV 2302); Philosophy and ethics courses (such as PY 2711, PY 2713, PY 2714, PY 2716, PY 2717, PY/RE 2731, PY/RE 3731); Foreign language courses; Management courses.

        PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Psychological Science (Note 1)3
        2. Psychological Science and/or Related Courses (Note 2)1
        3. Other Social Science (Note 3)1
        4. Basic Science, Computer Science, and/or Engineering (Note 4)5/3
        5. Mathematics (Note 5)4/3
        6. Electives (Note 6)1
        7. MQP1

        NOTES:

        1. Must include introductory psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, and research methods.
        2. Related courses must be chosen from a list of psychologyrelated courses from other departments maintained by the Psychology Program Review Committee.
        3. May include no more than two courses at the 1000-level.
        4. Must include 1/3 unit of biology. Must include 1/3 unit of computer science (except CS 2022 and CS 3043).
        5. Must include 2/3 units of calculus and 2/3 unit of statistics.
        6. The 1 unit of electives must be coherently defined and approved by the Psychology Program Review Committee.

        ROBOTICS ENGINEERING

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Mathematics (Note 1)

        7/3

        2. Basic Science (Note 2)

        4/3

        3. Entrepreneurship

        1/3

        4. Engineering Science and Design, including the MQP (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

        6 *

        NOTES:

        1. Must include Differential and Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, Discrete Mathematics, and Probability or Statistics.
        2. Must include at least 2/3 units in Physics.
        3. Must include at least 5/3 units in Robotics Engineering.
        4. Must include at least 1 unit in Computer Science, including Algorithms and Software Engineering.
        5. Must include at least 2/3 units in Electrical and Computer Engineering, including Embedded Systems.
        6. Must include at least 1/3 unit in Statics and 1/3 unit in Controls.
        7. Must include at least 1/3 unit of Social Implications of Technology (CS 3043, GOV 2302, GOV/ID 2314, IMGD 2000, STS 2208).
        8. Must include at least 1 unit from a list of Robotics Electives, of which at least 1/3 unit must be in Advanced Systems (CS 4341, ECE 3308, ME 3310).
        9. The MQP must be a Capstone Design Experience in Robotics Engineering.
        * 6 units if GOV 2302, GOV/ID 2314, or STS 2208 are doublecounted as meeting the Social Science Requirement and Engineering Science and Design Requirement.

        SOCIETY, TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. Social Science (Notes 1, 2).4
        2. Minimum Basic Science background.2/3
        3. Minimum Mathematics background (Note 3).1
        4. Technical concentration (Note 4).5/3
        5. Electives (Note 5).5/3
        6. MQP1

        NOTES:

        1. Students must obtain approval of their proposed program from the Departmental Program Review Committee. Course distribution will focus on a disciplinary specialty and either policy analysis or a society-technology specialization such as Social Impact Analysis or Technology Assessment.
        2. Relevant Humanities and Arts or Management courses approved by the Departmental Review Committee may be counted for a maximum of 2/3 of a unit in fulfilling the 4-unit requirement.
        3. One course in calculus-based statistics is required.
        4. A series of courses in one field of science, engineering, or management or a combination of courses approved by the Departmental Review Committee which focus on issues to be developed in the MQP.
        5. These courses are to be approved by the Departmental Review Committee and are meant to broaden the technical concentration and tie it to social concerns.

        SYSTEM DYNAMICS

        RequirementsMinimum Units
        1. System Dynamics (Note 1)5/3
        2. Other Social Science (Note 2)5/3
        3. Management (Note 3)2/3
        4. Mathematics/basic sciences/engineering (Note 4)8/3
        5. Computer Science (Note 5)2/3
        6. Application Area (Note 6)5/3
        7. MQP

        1

        NOTES:

        1. Only social science courses with a "5" in the second digit of the course number count toward the system dynamics requirement.
        2. Must include microeconomics or macroeconomics, cognitive or social psychology, and public policy.
        3. Must include organizational science.
        4. Must include differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and numerical analysis or statistical analysis.
        5. Courses on computer programming and programming languages are recommended.
        6. This requirement is satisfied by a cohesive set of work from the fields of social science, management, science, mathematics, computer science, or engineering as specified in the curriculum the guidelines for system dynamics major.
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