Computer Science
While technology and algorithms are an important part of computer science, the computing field is centered around helping people and society. In the WPI Computer Science Department, we explore both the theory and practice behind core systems, algorithms, foundations, and design in computing. We apply these capabilities to advance humanity through intelligent tutoring, bioinformatics, human-computer interaction, security and privacy, graphics and animation, and more. Our educational mission helps students learn the core of computing to apply it to help others. Our research mission is to advance humanity's knowledge and create a positive impact in the world.
WPI's Computer Science department is an incubator of interdisciplinary programs, such as in Artificial Intelligence, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Cyber Security, Data Science, Interactive Media and Game Development, Neuroscience, and Learning Sciences and Technology. Our faculty collaborate broadly to integrate computing across disciplinary boundaries.
Our department fully embraces project-based learning both in our classes and as separate endeavors. We help students learn how to identify problems, evaluate potential solutions, and build the structure needed to make those solutions a reality. Our graduates do more than build software tools; they build lasting, positive value.
Computer Science Education, the WPI Way
Prof. Shue, head of CS, describes classes and projects at WPI
WPI Undergraduate Information:
Putting Theory into Practice
Click below to view highlights from our undergraduate Major Qualifying Project Showcase, or listen to our graduate students and faculty as they discuss their cutting-edge research in the fields of Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Learning Sciences & Technology and Cybersecurity.
Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase
A celebration of research, design, and creative theses—a requirement of every graduating senior through the Major Qualifying Project (MQP)—takes place each spring on campus. Student teams representing all academic departments present their work to their faculty advisors, external sponsors, and the community-at-large, and the public is invited.
CS Graduate Student Research
Clustering for Confidentiality
Adam Beauchaine presents his cyber security research: Clustering for Confidentiality, An Exploration of Unsupervised Learning for the Security of Data Assets.
Reinforcement Learning for Education
WPI student Morgan Lee presents their CS research: Expert Features for a Student Support Recommendation Contextual Bandit Algorithm.
Predicting Material Properties using MXenes
WPI student Eric Warnemunde Vertina presents his AI research: Predicting Material Properties via Artificial Intelligence.
Fair Learning-to-Rank
WPI student Oleseun Olulana presents her AI research: Hidden or Inferred, Fair Learning-to-Rank with Unknown Demographics.
Computer Science Graduate Degree Programs:
WPI offers two master’s degrees in computer science to help students find the right academic path to reach their career goals. Find out which degree is right for you.
CS Faculty Research
Faster, Fairer, and More Accurate AI Models with Graph Data
WPI Prof. Fabricio Murai discusses their current research related to FRV AI.
Extracting Knowledge with Natural Language Processing
Prof. Kyumin Lee describes his research on information retrieval and AI.
Better Data for Better AI Results
Prof. Roee Shraga describes his work to improve the data used by AI systems and algorithms.
Understanding Brain Networks using Deep Learning
WPI Prof. Xiangnan Kong discusses their current research related to AI.
Highlights & Accomplishments of our Award Winning Faculty
A summary of department happenings in Computer Science
Computer Science Department
- Amanda Laungani from the Heebner Career Development Center
Careers in Computer Science
The widespread and increasing use of computers and information technology has generated a need for highly trained, innovative workers with extensive practical and theoretical expertise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics continually predicts a faster-than-average growth rate in computer science jobs, thanks to the continued creation and adoption of new technologies.
377,500
Annual job openings through 2032
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best Computer Science MS
Top 12 on campus and top 9 online
Fortune (2024)
$136,620
Median salary for computer and information research scientists
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022)
Meet Our Students
Alumni Success Story
Kajsa Cadwell Brimdyr '92
The video ethnographer shows the significance of skin-to-skin contact for babies.