Major Qualifying Project

The Major Qualifying Project (MQP) at WPI is a high-level research project in a student’s major field that gives them the opportunity to build their resume while also making a major contribution to society. Students experience the real-world problem solving skills that will be expected of them in their professional careers.

The MQP addresses challenging research issues and involves problems typical of those found in the student's professional discipline. These qualifying projects are far from trivial; each requires a substantial part of an academic year.

Learn more about some of the MQPs our International Studies students have completed.

Integrating China into Teaching about the Food Industry and its Security

Yi Sun uses her MQP to explain why the food security landscape in China should be studied in WPI’s Great Problems Seminar, “Food Sustainability,” and how doing so provides an alternate lens to the Western experience. Read more on Sun's MQP (PDF).

Re-entry Programming: Purposes, Practices, and Recommendations for Supporting WPI Students Following Travel Abroad

Emilee Kaufman’s MQP evaluates WPI’s current re-entry practices for students after they return from studying abroad, and offers findings and recommendations of practices that would most benefit WPI and its returning students. Read more on Kaufman's MQP (PDF).