The Planning Process
At WPI, students, with the aid of their advisors, structure their own academic programs within the guidelines of the program distribution requirements. Thus, examples of specific programs presented in this catalog do not have to be followed literally. There can be as many different individual programs as there are students, provided the distribution requirements designated for that program are followed.
An undergraduate program should avoid premature over-specialization. Students must obtain a firm, rigorous understanding of the fundamental concepts of their disciplines. An acquaintance with an aspect of state-of-the-art technology is often best achieved through the MQP. Concentrating too soon on changing technological specialities will deprive students of the broad background necessary to educate themselves in new areas as they emerge. Students in engineering, for example, must obtain a firm grounding in mathematics and science, as well as the engineering sciences. Some study in at least one other area of engineering outside the major field is highly valuable for professional practice.
The IQP should be integrated carefully with your overall program, especially the social science requirements. Establish your plans early to take advantage of exciting opportunities WPI offers, at home or abroad. (IQP and exchange opportunities are discussed annually in the fall.)
Information on programs can come from many sources: advisors, other faculty, other students, professionals in the field. As soon as possible in the first year, students will discuss their academic goals with their advisor and plan a general academic program for their entire residence at WPI. If changes in details or even major goals occur, students can integrate them into a cohesive educational pattern which can maximize WPI's unique program. As students mature, their confidence about making decisions for their own education will grow, too. Indeed, accepting responsibility for program planning is a major and exciting educational effort. Students consult with their advisors, but the final responsibility for program construction remains with each student.
Through courses and independent studies in the first two years, students should sample, explore, and learn the basic concepts of the disciplines necessary to their academic goals. This exploration and sampling will provide, first, a base of knowledge to build upon for further learning; and second, an insight into their basic interests for educational development.
In the latter portion of the academic program, students have the opportunity as they mature to explore, in some depth, specific areas within their disciplinary interests. These experiences should develop ability in self-learning and should involve a significant scholarly effort. Students should strive to learn how to educate themselves from a base of fundamental concepts so that they can develop in new intellectual areas throughout their lifetime.
PROFESSIONALLY ACCREDITED PROGRAMS
WPI is accredited as an institution by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition, a number of major areas are accredited within their specific disciplines. Seven majors at WPI are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. These majors are biomedical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering. Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Please note that some departments bearing those particular names may also grant designated majors through their programs that are not ABET accredited (e.g., Sanitary Engineering). The titles of majors are carried on the students' transcripts and have a bearing on engineering licensing and other professional activities.
Programs other than biomedical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing engineering are not ABET accredited.
The program distribution requirements reflect the ABET guidelines for these programs; see pages 29-37 for a review of these guidelines.
Projects and courses carry the same credit weight in establishing all distribution levels. Establishing some engineering breadth and technical literacy outside one's own field is an important element in establishing a versatile background for an unknown future.
The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and its program at WPI are approved by the American Chemical Society for a major in chemistry. Those chemistry majors who complete a program satisfying the guidelines established by the American Chemical Society are certified to that organization as having received an undergraduate professional education in chemistry.
The undergraduate and graduate business offerings in the Department of Management are accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB International is a not-forprofit organization consisting of more than 900 educational organizations and corporations. Its mission is excellence in management education in colleges and universities. Headquartered in St. Louis, AACSB International is the premier accrediting agency and service organization for business schools.
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