Project-based learning is the cornerstone of the WPI experience. Whether you translate a literary text for new audiences, develop tools for interpretation and analysis of historically meaningful large data sets, or animate a complex scientific concept for use in a science class, by completing projects that combine the humanities with technology you’ll explore and demonstrate the power of the humanities and arts to make the world a better place.
WPI’s degree in Humanities & Arts (HUA) combines the humanities and arts with science to provide a unique balance in studies, helping students understand that science and technology are means to a greater end.
With the support of a talented and dedicated faculty, as well as access to several world-class local cultural institutions for project work, seminars, and performances, HUA students will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of human behavior and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in their careers and in life.
While many students choose WPI because of the chance to explore their interests through the 2-unit HUA requirement, students may also major or minor in the humanities and arts or pursue a double major in combination with a science, engineering, or management program.
Curriculum for Degree in Humanities and Arts
WPI’s Humanities & Arts degree gives you the best of both worlds. In this immersive program, you’ll study human cultural achievements to develop broad, universal skills in research, analysis, writing, or performance. While complementing the technological side of your WPI education, these skills and experiences will also enrich your life and enhance your career. When you first arrive, a faculty advisor will work with you to design your own personalized course of study.
As an humanities major, you’ll also be able to choose one of 12 concentrations, giving you the option to dig deeper into one of your other passions, or explore a new interest.
Available Concentrations
American Studies
Art & Art History
Drama & Theatre
Environmental Studies
History
Literature
Modern Languages
Music
Philosophy & Religion
Science & Technology
Writing & Rhetoric
More Value
Whether it’s real-world work experience through a co-op or internship, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four or five years through the BS/MS program, or integrating your coursework with your extracurricular interests through Major and a Mission, there are many ways you can make the most out of your time at WPI.
Get a Glimpse of Your Future with a Humanities Major
Are you interested in seeing what life after graduation may look like with a degree in humanities and arts? Check out our career outlook for the degree in humanities and arts—you'll get information about companies who have hired our graduates, sample job titles, and graduate schools where students have gone to continue their education.
Explore a Degree in Liberal Arts & Engineering
Do you have an interest in engineering and liberal arts? Consider our flexible degree in liberal arts and engineering. You’ll not only graduate with a solid knowledge of engineering and a broader business perspective, but gain the skills necessary to thrive in our multidisciplinary world. It’s also customizable—you’ll have the opportunity to select courses relevant to your interests while upholding two cornerstones of engineering: science and design.
Write Your Own Story with a Degree in Professional Writing
No matter the industry, communication is key, and nothing prepares you to translate technological knowledge and discoveries into accessible, meaningful information for the public better than a degree in professional writing from WPI. Take advantage of the degree’s flexible nature to focus on writing alone, or double major to better tailor a path toward your own career aspirations and goals.
Go Further with a Degree in International and Global Studies
Combine the humanities, social sciences, business, science, and engineering to perfect your international and technical expertise with a degree in international and global studies at WPI. Pursue it as a minor, major, or double major and construct your own courseload that best caters to your specific interests and goals.