New York Times Highlights WPI’s Success in Retaining STEM Students

Media Contact
November 08, 2011

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Studies show that, nationwide, about 40 percent of students who plan to major in engineering and science end up switching to another major or fail to get a degree. Even students who excel in STEM courses in high school often wash out after experiencing the “math-science death march” in college. So how come 74 percent of WPI undergraduates earn bachelor’s degrees in four years, and 80 percent in six years?  

New York Times reporter Christopher Drew became familiar with WPI’s groundbreaking project-based approach to STEM education over the last few months. His story, “Why Science Majors Change Their Minds (It’s Just So Darn Hard),” looks at how WPI keeps students engaged and motivated. You can read the story here.