About Us
Social Science, Policy Studies and System Dynamics at WPI
People interested in finding solutions to social problems need access to a variety of perspectives. The problem might be an economic recession, under-performing schools, terrorism, release of toxic chemicals, urban sprawl, out-sourced jobs or international conflict. To understand social problems like these, and find solutions to them, students need social science. In the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies (SSPS), WPI offers undergraduate students a range of majors, minors and course options in Economics, System Dynamics, Psychology, Political Science and Public Policy, Sociology and Law. We offer graduate students a certificate program and masters degrees in System Dynamics and an Interdisciplinary Ph.D.
The Department of Social Science and Policy Studies is distinctive for several reasons. First, as an interdisciplinary social science department, the faculty work together to bring the range of social science perspectives to teaching, learning and social problem-solving.
One tool in use at WPI is the problem modeling and computer simulation discipline of system dynamics. SSPS offers the only undergraduate major in system dynamics available anywhere. While system dynamics has been available to graduate students at WPI and elsewhere for some time, WPI was the first university to make systems thinking and system modeling available to undergraduate students. Our graduates attest to the value of this distinctive education.
Social science is also distinctive at WPI because WPI offers students a broad range of study in science, engineering and technology. WPI is committed to educating students about the relationships between society and technology, whether their primary interest is in social science or natural science, management or engineering. The impact of science and technology is felt in our lives every day. As a result, science and technology are promoted, constrained and managed by social, economic and political forces.
Our graduates find that this unique program provides an excellent undergraduate preparation for graduate school and/or careers in business, government and non-profits. Our graduates are in business consultants, patent litigators, regional planners and Peace Corps Volunteers. Graduates of SSPS have gone on to Masters programs in public policy, science and technology policy and public health. Graduates of our pre-law program have gone on to attend law schools all over the country - from California to Washington, D.C. to Maine. Many specialize in Intellectual Property and Environmental Law.
Interdisciplinary problem-solving approach, unique system dynamics program, focus on the relationships between society and technology - these are the distinctive features offered to students in the Department of Social Science and Policy Studies at WPI. Read on to learn more about our programs, students and faculty!
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: October 12, 2006 11:12:57