Bachelor's/Master's (BS/MS) Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The review process on average takes from two to four weeks. Expect delays during summer and winter breaks when review committees don’t meet as often.

Understand your four-year plan: 

• Most majors at WPI require 15 terms or 45/3 units of course work to complete a four-year degree
• Most students have an open term built into their four-year plans
• Students who complete their PE requirement in fifteen terms gain an additional 1/3 unit of space in their four-year plan
• Students who can count two AP/Transfer/Retroactive courses toward their four-year degree can create a second open term
• WPI offers two summer terms each year: E1 & E2 

Your undergraduate academic advisor in the Office of Academic Advising (OAA) can assist you with planning or direct you to the assigned graduate coordinator for a specific department.   

You can apply to the BS/MS program just like any other graduate program at WPI—through the grad application portal. 

Most departments suggest that students apply for the BS/MS program in the Spring of their third year, but requirements can vary by department or individual circumstances. Some programs require students to apply during the start of their fourth year. Students should check with the department program contact or their advisor for specific application timeline requirements.  

WPI alumni are eligible to apply to the BS/MS program within five years of graduation.  

No, the grad application fee is waived.

No, current WPI undergraduates or WPI alumni do not need a GRE to apply to the BS/MS program. 

Students interested in applying to the BS/MS program should visit the graduate admissions page and can learn about steps to apply to the graduate program. Students can also find additional application information on the application requirements page.  

Students should contact their undergraduate academic advisor or BS/MS program graduate coordinator with additional questions. 

Students can find information about application requirements for their intended program (select from drop down menu) here. Some academic programs also have FAQs listed towards the bottom of this page. The Graduate Catalog also includes various academic program requirements and background information.

Students should contact their undergraduate academic advisor or BS/MS program graduate coordinator with additional questions.  

Yes, it is possible but requires a substantial amount of planning well in advance of your admission to the BS/MS program, in addition to having a considerable amount of AP credit and potential overloading. Please consult your academic advisor for assistance. 

No, most students who complete their BS/MS in four years also complete some portion of their BS degree in their fourth year to maintain undergraduate financial aid status, usually 3/3 MQP. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office for more information. 

Complete your MS degree in six classes instead of the usual ten and potentially earn your MS in as little as nine months after earning your bachelor’s. Some programs require a longer time commitment of 1-3 years beyond earning your BS. 

You will have 5 years from the date of matriculation into your MS to complete that portion, starting from when you are accepted into the BS/MS program. 

Students can begin to take graduate courses during their undergraduate years but should consult their advisor(s) about BS/MS degree requirements. 

Students can walk at the graduate commencement ceremony if they are no more than 6 credits short. Students who are completing an MS thesis are not eligible to walk if they have not submitted their electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) by the end of the semester deadline. 

You can customize your academic path with 40+ options in engineering, computer science, business, and more. Students can earn various types of master’s degrees, including Master of Science (MS), Master of Engineering (MEng), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA), with many flexible program options. 

Eligible BS courses must have a letter grade of B or higher. From the Graduate Catalog, you can use the BS/MS section for your program as a guide to double counting courses. Please work with your academic advisor to ensure that you have an approved plan of study.  

Students receiving both degrees at the same time should submit the Bachelor’s and Master’s Course Designation Form after their junior year for any completed courses. A new form with any courses from their senior year should be submitted with their graduate degree completion form at the beginning of their final semester. 

If you have already graduated from your BS, please populate the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form and work with your department for submission. 

These courses will be reflected the semester after you complete your bachelor's and you have submitted the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form.  

Students receiving both degrees at the same time should submit the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form after their junior year for any completed courses. A new form with any courses from their senior year should be submitted with their graduate degree completion form at the beginning of their final semester.  

Students should be aware that any graduate course taken as an undergraduate student will remain on the BS record. Courses can only be copied to the MS degree record once they have been completed and graded.  

Yes, if your program of study has an online offering. 

No, you can enroll as a part-time graduate student. 

In most cases, your department will assign you a graduate-specific advisor, who is usually different from your undergraduate advisor. 

Yes, it is possible to pursue and successfully complete an MS Thesis as part of the BS/MS program. 

Yes, if you are an undergraduate student. Graduate students are unable to NR a course. 

Yes, with careful planning an interdisciplinary BS/MS is possible, but you must consult with each department and their specific requirements. 

The Graduate Catalog includes various background program information. Students should also reach out to their academic advisor or program graduate coordinator with program-specific questions.   

Students can find information about application requirements for their intended program (select from drop down menu) here. 

Although course workloads and delivery vary across programs, all MS courses require grades of C or higher for degree credit and there is no option to NR a course. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to confer your MS degree. 

Many academic programs and departments do not permit undergraduate students from enrolling in online graduate courses if an on-campus version is available.

For BS courses that can double count for your master’s program, please populate the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form and work with your department for submission.  

Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the form when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. 

You will use the Bachelor’s and Master’s Course Designation Form and fill out the bottom section for master’s only courses. These do not require approval, but registrar staff will need to confirm that the course(s) are not needed for your bachelor’s degree before applying the course(s) to your master’s degree. 

Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form  when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Courses that are not being used for BS degree requirements do not need approval.  

Courses that are 3 credit graduate level are converted to 4.5 on the BS record and then converted back to 3 credits when articulated to the MS degree record.  

Courses that are 2 credit graduate level are converted to 3 on the BS record and then converted back to 2 credits when articulated to the MS degree record.  

Please note that graduate independent studies (ISG), thesis credit, and directed research do not fall under the credit conversion policy and these credits will not be converted. 

Reach out to your academic advisor to connect you with a current BS/MS student in your intended program. 

Students can visit the Graduate Student Resources page for a variety of information to assist in navigating graduate school at WPI. This page includes a link to Gompei’s Guide for graduate students and information for new and returning students on registering for classes, funding opportunities, thesis and dissertation resources, graduate student government, and Commencement.  

New BS/MS students should also read the accepted students checklist for important information. 

You will have a maximum of five years from the date you graduate with your BS degree. 

Yes, WPI alumni who graduated within the last 5 years can double count BS degree credits toward their MS degree.  

Students receiving their MS after their BS should submit the Bachelor’s and Master’s Course Designation Form after receiving their BS. 

Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the form when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. 

If you have already graduated from your BS, please populate the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Course Designation Form and work with your department for submission.  

Students should check with their department graduate coordinator regarding how many credits and what courses they are allowed to double count. Courses that are double counted must have the department approval signature on the middle of the form when it is submitted to the Registrar’s Office. 

Alumni who already earned their BS degree at WPI, at any point in time, can save 20% on tuition for their MS or PhD degree through the Alumni Tuition Incentive, helping maximize their investment in a graduate degree. 

BS alumni who graduated within the last five years can save time and money by taking advantage of the double-counting course option. Students should contact their academic advisor to see which BS courses can count towards their graduate degree.

Only if you complete your BS/MS in 16 terms or four years. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office for more information. 

Graduate students typically pay the discounted price out-of-pocket but there are other sources of financial aid possible: employee assistance, loans, etc. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office for more information or the Bursar’s Office for questions about tuition discounts. 

Undergraduate financial aid, including scholarships, is available for up to 16 terms or until you complete your undergraduate degree requirements, whichever comes first. Once those requirements are met, you will transition to graduate-level financial aid. For details on how this may affect your scholarship, please contact the Financial Aid Office. 

Learn about tuition and fees and graduate funding opportunities at these links or get more information with the Financial Aid Office. Students can save time and money by double-counting certain courses (a BS course also counting towards the MS degree).  

Alumni who already earned their BS degree at WPI, at any point in time, can save 20% on tuition for their MS or PhD degree through the Alumni Tuition Incentive, helping maximize their investment in a graduate degree. Students can contact the Bursar’s Office with questions about tuition discounts. 

Alumni who already earned their BS degree at WPI, at any point in time, can save 20% on tuition for their MS or PhD degree through the Alumni Tuition Incentive, helping maximize their investment in a graduate degree. 

Yes, if you are a WPI transfer student and you have at least two years of your WPI degree to complete, you are eligible for BS/MS.

As soon as you transfer to WPI, connect with your academic advisor, the BS/MS coordinator in the program you would like to pursue, Graduate and Professional Studies, or Academic Advising to work out your BS/MS academic pathway that best meets your needs.

Yes, you can work full-time and continue pursuing the master's portion of your BS/MS program.

Students can visit the Graduate Student Resources page for a variety of information to assist in navigating graduate school at WPI. This page includes a link to Gompei’s Guide for graduate students and information for new and returning students on registering for classes, funding opportunities, thesis and dissertation resources, graduate student government, and Commencement.  

New BS/MS students should also read the accepted students checklist for important information. 

The M.S. degree requires the completion of 30 graduate credit hours.   

The distribution of credits is as follows:  

• 20 graduate credits in Aerospace Engineering   
• A minimum of 2 graduate credits in each of the five AE Curricular Areas: Fluid Dynamics; Propulsion and Energy; Flight Dynamics and Controls; Materials and Structures ; General Aerospace Engineering Topics  
• A maximum of 8 graduate credits in AE Research, of which up to 3 may be in Graduate Internship Experience (AE 5900) and the remaining in Directed Research (AE 5098)   
• 0 graduate credits for four terms in Aerospace Engineering Seminar (AE 5032)  
• 10 graduate credits in electives  
• 8 graduate credits in free electives inside or outside AE  
• 2 graduate credits in applied mathematics (MA 501, MA 511, or any other course with the prior approval of AE Graduate Committee)  
• For students admitted in the B.S./M.S. program, a maximum of 8 graduate credits may be double counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. Double counted graduate credits must be in courses, including graduate-level independent study and special topics. A maximum of four 4 out of the 8 credits can be double-counted in 4000-level courses from Engineering, Basic Science or Mathematics. A grade of B or better is required for any course to be double counted toward both degrees.   

Acceptance into the B.S./M.S. program signifies approval of the graduate courses listed for credit toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

• Master of Science (MS): Thesis OR Project, 30 credits total
  • Thesis program: 
    • Independent original research
    • Typically, hypothesis driven
    • Can lead to publications, presentations, and patents
    • Full-time work on thesis research
    • Scope not time based
    • Good choice for students planning to enter the workforce or planning to pursue a PhD
  • Project program: 
    • Short-term independent project
    • Can be a continuation of your MQP
    • Can be combined with co-op or internship
    • Can be completed while working full-time
    • Good choice for students already working in the field
• Master of Engineering (ME): 33 credits total
  • Completely course-based
  • Opportunities for directed research
  • Can work full time while completing degree
  • More of a technical or professional degree  

• Probably not. 
  • BME has a policy of not admitting students to the master's programs who do not come from an engineering undergraduate program. 
  • This is because they generally lack the technical depth in core engineering areas that are a necessary foundation for advanced engineering coursework 
• Non-engineering students with extensive technical undergraduate coursework in engineering may be considered (for example, a minor in an engineering discipline, or a degree in applied physics combined with some biology courses). 

First/Second year:  

• Attend BME Department BS/MS info session
• Get to know your academic advisor
• Make sure you’ve gotten credit for your APs
• Look into internship and summer programs in Biomedical Engineering (REU, EREE, etc) 

Second/Third year: 

• Familiarize yourself with the BME MS program requirements
• Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA especially in 4000 level BME courses if you want to double count them
• Map out a plan of study with your academic advisor
• Start early thinking about who you would like to work with and what you want to do for your MQP and advocate for yourself!
• More internships/summer programs 

Fourth year: 

• Apply to the BS/MS Program in the fall
• Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA especially in 4000 level BME courses if you want to double count them
• Start taking grad courses (can do this before you are accepted into the program) 

• Although we use the blanket term “BS/MS” to describe the dual degree program, you are not technically planning to complete an MS because a coursework only graduate degree is called an ME (“Masters of Engineering”) degree.  
• It does not require a thesis or a project
• Although you may include up to 6 credit-hours of Directed Research (BME 598) as part of your degree completion.  These would count towards your electives (up to 3 credits) and towards your BME courses (up to 3 credits). 

• Students doing the BS/MS’s MS thesis or project track could take up to 6 years total to complete their combined BS/MS degrees depending to the nature of thesis research/project work.  
  • Generally, thesis work takes ~2 years beyond BS Degree and a project will take ~1 year beyond BS Degree depending on course load and scope of your research.  
  • This also depends on when you start your research work.
• Students doing the ME track could complete their BS/MS degree in five years, with careful planning. 

• This is totally doable and happens frequently for a variety of reasons
• Have a meeting with your advisor to make sure this is the right change
• Fill out a "Graduate Degree Change Form” and send it to BMEGradProgram@wpi.edu to be signed by the BME Graduate Coordinator or Department Head and submitted to the Registrar 

MS (Master of Science) Requirements: 

• Total of 30 credits:
  • 12 credits in BME
  • 12 credits in electives
  • 6 credits for the BME 599 (MS Thesis) or BME 597 (MS Project)
  • 2 semesters of BME 591: Graduate Seminar course (0 credits)
• 15 credits of technical depth (included in the 30 credits- details can be found in the "BME Grad Handbook)
• BME core competencies (5 courses- included in the 30 required credits): 
  • Mathematics
  • Life science
  • Clinical needs analysis
  • Regulation controls, 
  • Value creation, innovation, technology, commercialization 

ME (Master of Engineering) Requirements:  

• Total of 33 credits:
  • 12 credits in BME
  • 3 credits in life sciences
  • 3 credits in advanced math
  • 3 credits in life sciences or advanced math
  • 12 credits of electives
  • 2 semesters of BME 591: Graduate Seminar course (0 credits) 

*1 graduate credit = 1/6-unit of undergrad credit; 2 graduate credits = 1/3-unit undergrad credit 

• Work more independently
• Original research is primary focus for thesis-based program
• GPA of at least 3.0 to graduate
• No more than two C grades
• Academic integrity 

• Please review the general WPI policies on double counting
• Up to 9 credits can be double counted
  • Up to 6 credits at 4000-level (~ 3 courses) 
  • AND one 500-level course (~ 3 credits) 
• BME 4000 level lab courses and BME 4300 do NOT count towards graduate degree requirements.  
• The Bachelor’s and Master’s Course Designation Form should be filled out and signed by your advisor and then sent to BMEGradProgram@wpi.edu to be signed by the BME Graduate Coordinator or Department Head and submitted to the Registrar
• Additional graduate level courses (500 level) not needed for BS degree count directly for graduate degree
• Some graduate courses do not count for undergraduate engineering distribution such as BME 560, 562, 564
• Only courses earning at least a “B” or higher can double count for graduate credit
• Courses cannot be triple counted (i.e., cannot use courses already counted for 2 majors, major + minor, certificate, etc.) 

• Most BME graduate courses have a limited number of seats available for undergrads – if class is full during registration, check the waitlist a few days before class to see if seats open up that were reserved for graduate students
• Undergraduate students on track to fulfill BS requirements can register for graduate courses 
• Discuss with your academic advisor
• Note that some graduate courses do not count toward your BS degree requirements 

• You should look at all the courses that you are planning to count towards your degree, including those that you can “double count” as many students complete their senior year with more than 12 credits of MS work. 
  • For example, each 4000-level undergraduate course is 2 credits, and each graduate course is 3 credits.  
  • You may double count up to 9 credits total, including three 4000-level classes, towards both your BS and MS degrees.  
  • You may pursue a co-op outside of the official graduate co-op designation

• Students looking to earn a BS/MS in BME should apply during the Fall of their fourth/senior year at WPI.
• Applications reviewed in the Spring for admission the following Fall.
• No new applications will be accepted after May 1
• The BME Department does not admit students for Spring (Fall admissions only)
• Other WPI departments may have slightly different deadlines and policies 

• To apply, you must submit your transcript, personal statement, résumé, and three letters of recommendation. 
• Students also have the option to submit their employment experience and publications/presentations. 
• GRE scores are not required 

• There is no application fee for WPI students and alumni  

  Personal statement requirements:  

• Why are you applying to graduate school? 
• Do you have any independent research or project experience?  Tell us about it. 
• Is there a specific faculty member you plan to work with for your MS thesis or project plan? 
• What are your career goals/plans beyond graduate school?  

• Include information about “why WPI”? 

  Letters of recommendation: 

• WPI faculty, MQP advisor, or internship supervisors are strongly encouraged
  • People who can tell the department about your aptitude for independent research and advanced study who know you well
  • Ask faculty who have written letters for you before
• Waive your right to access the review to encourage the review to be more helpful and honest
• Ask for recommendation letters no less than two weeks prior to the due date, provide application deadline
  • Letter writer may want to meet with you or request a résumé, other information 

Students who are admitted to the program have several of the following: 

• Strong recommendation letters
• Strong performance on MQP (grades, recommendation letters)
• Overall GPA of 3.2 or more
• Earned at least a “B” grade in advanced BME courses- only courses with “B” grade can double count
• Done at least one BME internship or research experience (internal or external)
• Solid personal statement 

To increase your chances of acceptance into the program:

• Participate in work/internship experience
• Take graduate courses as a non-matriculated student
  • Shows you can succeed in graduate courses
  • You can take up the three graduate courses (9 credits) without being enrolled in a graduate program
  • Courses count toward graduate degree if/when admitted
  • Must get a “B” or higher grade to transfer
• Have the Career Development Center review your résumé
• Build a relationship with your advisor and the BME Department in general early in your academic career at WPI
  • Attend office hours and talk about your plans outside of academic advising day 

Check out the BME Grad Student Handbook or send an email to BMEGradProgram@wpi.edu. You can also reach out to your academic advisor. 

WPI's BS/MS combined degree in Biotechnology is a 5-year program that offers a strong base in both conceptual and technical knowledge. The flexibility of the program enables WPI students currently enrolled in Biology or a related life sciences major the ability to select skills-based courses and lab training to prepare for professional careers in the biotech industry, or alternatively to enhance their preparedness for medical school and PhD programs. 

Students interested in pursuing a combined BS/MS degree are expected to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and should apply to the Department of Biology and Biotechnology as early as their third year and no later than the fall of their 4th year. Students who have recently graduated from WPI can also take advantage of the double counting credit option as described above however, pending course availability, may not be able to complete the degree in a single extra year. Students interested in returning for this degree are encouraged to discuss the feasibility and timeline with the graduate coordinator. 

Recommendation letters do not need to be submitted with the application. Instead, the applicant’s personal statement should include the names of three WPI professors from whom the graduate committee may request such letters. Letter-writers should be WPI (or WPI-affiliated) professors who can speak positively toward the applicant's scholarship, work ethic, and ability to handle the rigors of a combined BS/MS degree. 

Students enrolled in the BS/MS program must satisfy all the program requirements for their BS degree, which could be in Biology and Biotechnology or another major, in addition to the requirements of the M.S. in Biotechnology. As part of the application process, and in consultation with the student’s major Academic Advisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator, the student will prepare a proposed Plan of Study outlining the selections made to satisfy the BS/MS degree requirements, including the courses that will be double-counted. This Plan of Study must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator before acceptance to the program. All courses must be at the 500 or 4000 level and no more than 9 credits may be at the 4000 level (MQP credits cannot be used toward the MS). 

30 Credit requirements: 

• 24 credits within the Biology and Biotechnology Department, or related department per approval of the graduate committee. These credits must include a minimum of 9 credits of skills-based courses, as indicated in the graduate catalog. 
• 6 credits of BB-related or elective courses 

 Up to 9 graduate equivalent credits at the 4000-level courses can be used toward the 30 credit requirements, provided a grade of B or higher is earned. 

A maximum of 6 credits of directed research (BB598) can count toward the skills-based course requirement. A student may not register for directed research credit (BB598) until after they have completed 1 full unit of MQP. 

WPI expects graduate students to put in 56 hours of effort per one graduate-credit-hour earned. Thus, if a student is registering for BB598 during a seven-week term, the department will expect students to put in eight hours of research effort per week per credit-hour earned in BB598. (See page 14 of the 2021–22 graduate catalog). 

The Biology and Biotechnology Department offers courses that are run on three different schedules: 7-week terms (A, B, C, and D term), 14-week semesters (fall corresponds with A+B terms, spring corresponds with C+D terms), and 10-week trimesters (which are primarily online delivery). BS/MS students are encouraged to explore courses in all these formats when planning their schedule and to reach out to their academic advisor or the graduate coordinator with questions. 

BS/MS students are able to double-count up to 9 of the 30 graduate credits required for the MS degree in Biotechnology towards both the BS and the MS in Biotechnology degree. The remaining 21 credits required for the MS in Biotechnology degree must be distinct from the credits required for the undergraduate degree. 

For undergraduate students, the university registrar counts both 4xxx-level courses and 5xx-level courses at 1.5x the credit hours that would be earned if being counted toward a graduate degree. For example, a 3-credit (4000 level) undergraduate course is valued at 2 credits toward a graduate degree while a 3-credit (500-level) graduate course is valued at 4.5 credits toward an undergraduate degree. Since students in a combined BS/MS program have not yet earned an undergraduate degree, courses will remain listed on transcripts at the undergraduate level of effort even though courses applied toward the MS degree will be considered at the graduate equivalent value. 

13 credits BB/BB-related courses 

8 credits 4000-level courses, double counted 

9 credits skills based 500-level courses (or 6 credits of BB598 + 3 credits skills-based 500-level course) 

Total = 30 credits 

No, the MBA program is not part of the BS/MS option. 

No, the MS in Financial Technology (FinTech) program is not part of the BS/MS option. You can begin the FinTech program when your BS is complete.

Yes, you can get a MS if you are a STEM major.  The Business School MS accepts only graduate credits to double count between the BS and MS. No undergraduate credit may be counted toward a graduate business degree.

Students should apply for The Business School MS during their sophomore year. The earliest a student's application will be reviewed is after they have completed C-term of their sophomore year. 

Students can take graduate business courses once they have been accepted into the graduate program. 

Students interested in pursuing a combined B.S./M.S. degree should apply to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in their third year for Trajectory 1, or either their third or fourth year for Trajectory 2 as defined above.  Rememer that only actively matriculating or recently graduate WPI students are elligable to receive the 40% double-counting credit.  For students looking to complete a combined B.S./M.S. degree in a total of four years, only applicants with a departmental (i.e. CH #### classes) GPA of 3.7 or higher will be considered in Trajectory 1.  However, in exceptional circumstances candidates with a lower departmental GPA may petition the graduate committee by contacting Prof. Grimm prior to submitting an application.  Students looking to complete the combined B.S./M.S. degree in 4 1/2 or five years will enjoy a significantly looser G.P.A. requirement as in Trajectory 2.  For student looking to complete the combined degree program in four years, the department will only consider applicants to the combined B.S./M.S. program that are pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry.   

For a combined four-year B.S./M.S. degree, students should ideally apply in the spring of their third year of matriculation.  The department does not have a strict cut-off date, however applications received prior to these start of D-term will receive the strongest consideration and preference. 

Applicants need not solicit recommendation letters concurrently with the submission of an application, but rather should include in their personal statement the names of three WPI professors from whom the graduate committee may request such letters.  Letter writers should be WPI (or WPI-affiliated) professors who can speak positively towards the applicant's scholarship, work ethic, and ability to handle the rigors of a combined B.S./M.S. degree. 

First step: 

Students wishing to initiate an application should apply here and make sure that you select "B.S./M.S. application" in that process.  Remember that this whould ideally happen in the spring (C or D terms) of the third year of matriculation. 

Second step: 

Once the application is received and entered into the university's graduate application system, the student must develop a schedule of courses for their graduate study that successfully navigates the B.S./M.S. dual-degree requirements.  A representative from the departmental graduate committee will supply each student with a spreadsheet that is designed to help the students navigate their previously taken and anticipated courses.  Each applicant will have to fill this spreadsheet out and indicate which 4000-level courses are meant for double counting, and what remaining courses will count towards the M.S. degree requirements. 

Students must fill out an actual schedule based on upcoming university course schedules for the following school year, and this must be submitted to a departmental representative, or Prof. Grimm.  Upcoming-year schedules are usually posted during the C-term of a preceeding year.  Courses may be listed under both "Worcester" for fall/spring semester and A–D term schedules, as well as "Online" and "Blended" for courses that may run on the 10-week WPI online terms (see below).  Students will not be accepted into the program until a viable course schedule exists. 

A note on course schedules: WPI actively maintains three unique course schedules that students may have to consider when designing and building their schedules.  Most undergraduates are familiar with the four seven-week terms, A–D, that comprise the majority of undergraduate courses.  However, some graduate courses run within a system of two fourteen-week semester terms in which the "fall" semester largely aligns with A+B terms, and the "spring" semester largely aligns with the C+D terms.  Additionally, there is a third schedule based on a system of three ten-week terms (and roughly aligns with a quarter system or a trimester system when summers are excluded) that is implemented by many of the department's online course offerings.  Since CBC has graduate classes that run in each of these systems, it may take time to build a viable and balanced schedule.  If you are confused about any of this, don't hesitate to contact Prof. Grimm. 

As mentioned above, while 9-credits of Ch 598 (directed graduate research) may be taken for this coursework-based M.S. degree, the department strongly discourages concurrent registration of Ch 598 and MQP work. 

Third step: 

Once admitted to the program, students must fill out a "Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degree Program Course Designation Form" document from the registrar's office.  This must be signed by the instructors of all 4000-level classes that are being double counted for the combined B.S./M.S. degree.  While this form is supposed to be filled out prior to registration for each courses, many students often choose to double count courses that they have already completed or are currently taking.  To accommodate this issue, have instructors sign the form for any upcoming double-counted classes, but have instructors sign off on all previous/current courses that apply as well. 

A minimum of 30 credit hours of acceptable courses. 

• 18 of the 30 credit hours must be graduate-level (5xx-level or 6xx-level) courses or thesis (Ch 598 directed research). 
  • 15 of the 18 credits must be in the major field of the student . 
• The remainder 12 of the 30 credit hours may include advanced undergraduate courses at the 4xxx level. 
• Up to 40% of the credit hours required for a master's degree may be double counted as part of the undergraduate degree requirements.  The conversion between undergraduate "units" and graduate "credits" is 1/6 of an undergraduate unit = 1 credit hour of graduate study, so a typical 1/3 unit undergraduate course may count for 2 graduate credit hours. 
• For a coursework-based masters, a maximum of 9 credit hours of Ch 598 directed research may be counted towards a coursework-based master's degree requirements. 

Depending on a student’s present matriculation or graduation status, the program can be completed in about four to five years total.  

Students with a GPA of 3.7 of higher can be considered for completing the BS/MS degree in four years. Students who want more time to complete the program have more relaxed GPA requirements.  

Students may take graduate courses in any number of departments to tailor a degree to best suit the candidate's needs in consultation with a student's undergraduate advisor and the departmental graduate committee.  However, the department only allows a maximum of 10 credits of elective (non-CBC) coursework (e.g. eng, neuro, math, manag., etc.) to count towards the Masters degree in a combined BS/MS program.  (Remember from above that university policies dictate that 15 credit hours in the "major field" of the student, but these need not necessarily come from the CBC department depending on a student's desired pathway through their master's degree.)  Overrides to this policy must be considered by the departmental graduate committee, but the committee is very accommodating of many graduate-level engineering or natural-science courses that compliment chemistry and biochemistry studies. 

Students may count only one of CH 4130 (Nucleic Acids and Bioinformation) or CH 555 196H (Advanced Topics: DNA Trans in Protein Synth) for a combined BS/MS degree. 

Additional course questions should be directed to the student’s academic advisor.  

Because the undergraduate degree requires a research component (i.e. the Major Qualifying Project), students are not allowed to register for concurrent undergraduate MQP work and graduate research, Ch 598, in the same research group.  This of course only applies to students on Trajectories 1 and 2 above.  Two work-around possibilities include performing Ch 598 research in a different research group from one's MQP work, or by scheduling Ch 598 and MQP research in different terms. 

The department follows university guidelines for a maximum of of 9 credits of Ch 598 being allowed towards the completion of this coursework-based master's degree. 

If Ch 598 is to comprise some part of a student's degree, that student must reach out to a research advisor and secure an agreement to participate in graduate-level research concurrently with applying for the BS/MS program, and discuss with the graduate committee how that research will be separate from any MQP work. 

WPI expects graduate students to put in 56 hours of effort per one graduate-credit-hour earned.  Thus, if a student is registering for Ch598 during a seven-week term, the department will expect students to put in eight hours of research effort per week per credit-hour earned in Ch598. (See page 13 of the 2019-2020 graduate catalog, or page 15 of the 2018-2019 graduate catalog). 

The graduate committee expects a "product" of graduate research irrespective of the number of hours of Ch 598 that is completed.  This may include a write-up of the research completed, or preparation of a manuscript to be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. 

When matriculating as an undergraduate student, the university registrar counts both 4xxx-level courses and 5xx-level courses at 1.5x the credit hours that would be earned if being counted towards a graduate degree.  For example, a student having completed the biochemistry sequence, CH 4110, 4120, 4130, and 4140 would see each of those courses appear as three credit-hours of effort on their undergraduate transcript.  However, when being counted for graduate credit towards a Master's degree, those courses would only count as two credit-hours of effort each.  Similarly, a graduate-level class such as CH 516 would show up as 4.5 credit-hours of effort for an undergraduate, but will only be counted as three credit hours of effort towards a graduate degree.  Since students in a combined BS/MS program have not yet earned an undergraduate degree, courses will remain listed on transcripts at the undergraduate level of effort and not directly reflect credit-hours earned towards a graduate degree. 

With that conversion in mind and the 40% allowed double-counting of credits, the simplest trajectory through the requirements are the completion of six 4xxx-level, 1/3 unit courses, and six 5xx-level 3-credit-hour courses. 

• Six free elective courses worth of space 
• Six graduate courses at 3 credits each = 18 credits 
• Six double-counted, 1/3-ungraduate-unit courses at the 4000 level at 2 credits each = 12 credits. 
• Total = 30 credits 
• The actual distribution may change as courses may not run in the term originally devised, and may only run every-other year.  

• Six free elective courses worth of space 
• Six graduate courses at 3 credits each = 18 credits 
• Six double-counted, 1/3-ungraduate-unit courses at the 4000 level at 2 credits each = 12 credits. 
• Total = 30 credits 
• The actual distribution may change as courses may not run in the term originally devised, and may only run every-other year. 

Given the relative paucity of chemistry courses at the 4000-level, substitutions throughout other departments may be allowed.  Similarly, 5xx-level graduate classes may serve as the double-counted classes.  Given the 1.5x credit multiplier for undergraduates completing graduate classes, a 3-credit-hour 5xx-level graduate class would be counted as 4.5 credit hours or 3/4 of a unit for the purposes of the undergraduate degree requirements. 

Up to 40% of the MS portion of the degree can be used to satisfy both degrees. This is 40% of 30  [AD1] credits, which equals 12 graduate credits.

Many 4000 level courses can double-count for grad credit and grad classes can be counted towards 4000-level requirements. 

Students should expect to complete the MS portion of their program in one additional school year, totaling five years for the entire program. Some students do complete their BS/MS in four years.  

Prospective students should apply after taking what they deem is enough CS courses that demonstrate a track record of success in the field. 

Students must earn 30 graduate credits, with at least 24 of those credits in computer science. A student may pursue coursework or the thesis option and must take classes across four areas: theory, algorithms, systems OR networks, and choose from design, compilers/languages, graphics/imaging, AI, databases, cybersecurity, applications of computer science, or systems/networks.

• Apply through the graduate portal
• Submit your personal statement and the contact information for one (faculty) letter of reference. The application will not be complete until that reference letter is received.

Many students who apply for the BS/MS program have already established a record of success. There is a degree of student self-selection for considering an application. As a result, historically, most students who apply are accepted for the program. Students accepted into the computer science BS/MS program have:

• Strong grades in computer science classes (especially at the 4000 level)
• Positive faculty references
• A clear personal statement detailing why you want the MS, your career goals, particular area of interest, and who you will work with (if interested in research)

• Graduate classes automatically count as ½ unit at the 4000 level 
• Most undergraduate 4000 level courses can be counted with instructor approval for two graduate credits 
• Review the graduate catalog for list of courses that can be double counted 
• Double counting a course may include extra work or course letter grade requirements 
• Students can do 1/6 unit independent study offered by faculty to count for three credits – involves extra work such as a project or presentation 
• Some graduate and undergraduate courses cannot be taken for double credit due to course similarity 

• Students should use the graduate coordination system at https://grads.cs.wpi.edu/
  • The system includes a Plan of Study module for planning courses and ensuring they meet requirements
  • The Guides and Help tab includes videos about the different MS degree requirements
  • Watch the video on the BS/MS CS program here (please note, the video is only accessible to those with a WI email address through the echo360 system)
• Designating courses – BS/MS courses count with grades of either A or B but a form is still required
• Students should check with their academic advisor for any course planning needs or questions

This BS/MS Program in Learning Sciences & Technologies allows students to pursue a five-year bachelor’s/master’s program in which the bachelor’s degree is awarded in any major offered at WPI and the master’s degree is awarded in Learning Sciences & Technologies. 

Students can earn a BS degree in any major offered at WPI, but we strongly recommend candidates speak with an LS&T faculty member (from CS, DS, Stats, Psychology) to plan their BS/MS coursework and to determine which undergraduate courses will double count.  

Students are expected to apply for admission to the BS/MS program during their junior year so that they have sufficient time to plan their course selection with their major Academic Advisor and the Learning Sciences & Technologies Program Director.

Prospective students should do the following:

• Update their course trackers
• Arrange a meeting with one of the core LS&T faculty members: Profs. Neil Heffernan (CS), Erin Ottmar (Psychology), Adam Sales (Math), Stacy Shaw (Psychology), or Jacob Whitehill (CS).
• During your meeting with LS&T core faculty, you can expect to discuss your suitability for the program, to determine which courses you may double-count toward your degree, and to draft a plan of study (form TBD). 

Students should submit: 

• Two letters of recommendation, one      from a core learning sciences & technologies faculty member
• A statement of purpose, specifying whether you will pursue a thesis or coursework track for your masters, your goals for your master's degree, and your main topics of interest.
• Transcript
• Optional: a resume, GRE scores, supplemental writing samples

WPI allows BS/MS students to double-count courses toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees whose credit hours total no more than 40 percent of the 33 graduate credit hours required for the MS degree in Learning Sciences & Technologies (i.e., up to 13 graduate credits or equivalently 2 undergraduate units), and that meet all other requirements for each degree. These courses can include graduate courses as well as certain undergraduate 4000-level courses (listed below) that are acceptable for satisfying Learning Sciences & Technologies MS requirements.

In consultation with the student’s major Academic Advisor and the Learning Sciences & Technologies Program Director, the student prepares a Plan of Study outlining the selections made to satisfy the BS/MS degree requirements, including the courses that will be double-counted. This Plan of Study must then be approved by the Learning Sciences & Technologies Faculty Steering Committee.

4000-level Courses and Projects That Can Be Double-counted

For the 4000-level courses listed below, two graduate credits will be earned toward the BS/MS degree if the student achieves a grade of B or higher

Computer Science courses:

CS 4341. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

CS 4342. Machine Learning

CS 4432. Database Systems II

CS 4445. Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery in Databases

CS 4518. Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing

 

Data Science courses:

DS 4635/MA 4635. Data Analytics and Statistical Learning

DS 4433 Big Data Management and Analytics

 

Mathematics courses:

MA 4631. Probability and Mathematical Statistics I

MA 4632. Probability and Mathematical Statistics II

MA 4635/DS 4635. Data Analytics and Statistical Learning

 

Psychological Science courses:

PSY 4800. Special Topics in Psychological Science

PSY 4900. Advanced Research in Psychological Science

 

Business courses:

MIS 4741 User Experience and Design (Business)

Other Business Courses      may be double counted      where the project work has a substantial overlap with Learning Science issues (like a final project that relates to student learning issues). Students who are interested in being able to double count a class are encouraged to petition the LS&T director explaining how their project work relates. Some such classes that might qualify:

MIS 4720. Systems Analysis and Design

MIS 4084. Business Intelligence

 

Neuroscience Courses:

Currently Neuroscience does not have a 4000 class listed but we imagine that over time such classes could be approved, so we list Neuroscience as one of the departments whose classes could count toward this.

 

Major Qualifying Project (MQP):

Up to 3 graduate credits (equal to 1/2 undergraduate unit) can be earned toward fulfillment of the Learning Sciences & Technologies thesis requirement by double counting a Major Qualifying Project, provided that:

the MQP involves substantial use of Learning Sciences & Technologies at an advanced level;

• the thesis research is a continuation or extension of the MQP work;the student satisfies the thesis requirement by completing at least 6 additional credits of PSY 599 Thesis Research;        and
• the MS thesis advisor and the Learning Sciences & Technologies Faculty Steering Committee approve the double-counting.

MQP work may not be      double counted toward the non-thesis option.

Other 4000-level courses and independent studies not on this list but that could be used to satisfy Learning Sciences & Technologies MS requirements may be petitioned to double-count. Such petitions need to be approved by the Learning Sciences & Technologies Faculty Program director.

Graduate courses that can be double counted

A student in the BS/MS Program in Learning Sciences & Technologies can double-count any of the graduate courses listed in the Learning Sciences & Technologies WPI Graduate Catalog. Special topics courses or independent study classes need to be approved by the LST Program director before they can be used for double counting.

Restricted Undergraduate and Graduate Course Pairs 

Some undergraduate and graduate courses have significant overlap in their content. The following table lists these courses. A student can receive credit toward their MS degree for one of the two courses in any row of this table. 

The Graduate Catalog includes various academic program requirements and background information. Students should also reach out to their academic advisor or program graduate coordinator with program-specific questions.   

Students can find information about application requirements for their intended program (select from drop down menu) here.