WPI’s Computer Science department is as diverse and varied as the field of computer science itself, offering courses and specializations in areas such as human-robotic interaction, intelligent tutoring and educational data mining, bioinformatics, computer security and privacy, and graphics and animation, among many others. WPI stays at the forefront of this ever-growing industry so that as society's use of computers expands, our students are confident in their knowledge of developing technologies in the real world through their work on large-scale team projects that make a real difference to the community.
Our hands-on education ensures that graduates of the Computer Science program leave WPI as problem-solvers and accomplished researchers who are ready to hit the ground running and make immediate contributions to this exciting and dynamic field.
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A Cybersecurity concentration is available within the Bachelor of Computer Science degree. A Cybersecurity specialization is available within the Master’s or PhD in Computer Science.
A summary of department happenings involving faculty and students.
Danny’s interdisciplinary team focused on reevaluating and improving the climate change resiliency and chemical safety program of their sponsor, the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance and Technology (OTA). Through interviews, surveys, and site visits, the team presented OTA with solutions to increase the effectiveness of their program and create safer workplaces for all.
Justin has taken advantage of all WPI has to offer, and the balanced mix of academics and extracurricular activities melds his interests perfectly.
Thomas and the other members of his team researched the redevelopment options for Boston's four Inner Harbor Designated Port Areas (DPAs). Through interviews with representatives from community groups, site visits, and examinations of solutions that have proven in other local and international areas, Thomas and his teammates presented their sponsor, Boston Harbor Now, with several options on how to utilize the vacant land within the Inner Harbor meant to protect marine-dependent industries.
Future of Robots in the Workplace – Research & Development Program
Robots will steal (some of) our jobs, and this may not necessarily be a bad thing. It is inevitable that robotic interfaces and assistants will play a bigger role in the workplace in the decades ahead of us. Yet, as current robotics research shows, robots perform better at tasks that are considerably difficult for humans and fail in tasks that are easy for humans. As such, the future of work depends on how well we can establish a division of labor between robots and humans, so that robots will perform tasks that are risky and dangerous, and humans will focus on higher-level, more meaningful, and yet easier, value-added activities that are less strenuous.
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.
Our Computer Science 50th Anniversary Celebration was a wonderful event!
Thank you to all that made the trip back to campus to celebrate with us.
See Photos and a Panel Video from the day.
In the article, “WPI Awarded $3M for Graduate Data Program” the Worcester Business Journal reported on WPI using a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a unique graduate curriculum to train the next generation of scientists who can apply chemical sciences along with data analytics, mathematics, and computing power to reduce energy usage, waste, and pollution. Elke Rundensteiner, professor of computer science, founding director of the Data Science program, and principal investigator on the grant, is collaborating with Michael Timko and Aaron Deskins, associate professors of chemical engineering, and Randy Paffenroth, associate professor of mathematical and data sciences, among others.
Spectrum 1 News covered the $300,000 grant received by Haichong Zhang, assistant professor in robotics engineering and biomedical engineering, to build a robotic ultrasound machine to detect disease symptoms in the lungs. This is a significant development that will allow healthcare providers to minimize their exposure to the virus when conducting assessments of COVID-19 patients.
