Science & Math Degrees for Curious Minds Seeking Answers

Discover the fundamental laws of nature. Model complex systems. Address real-world problems through hands-on research from your first day at WPI.

$80,000 Median Starting Salary1
Top 50 for Long-Term Career Success2
#11 for Internships & Co-ops3
#18 Best Return on Investment4

1 WPI Class of 2025, All Bachelor’s Degrees | 2 LinkedIn Top Colleges, 2025 | 3 U.S. News & World Report, 2025 | 4 U.S. News & World Report, 2025

Explore Freely Before Committing

You’re allowed to not know your major yet. Our flexible curriculum lets you explore biology, chemistry, physics, and math through hands-on projects. You’re free to test, pivot, or completely change direction as you go. Immersive research experiences help you discover your passion, without the pressure of choosing a field before you’ve stepped into a lab.

Knowing Starts with Doing

Real, hands-on research starts your first term. Instead of waiting years for lab access, you get a live preview of what a breakthrough in your area of interest could actually look like.

Investigate protein structures and cellular processes

Use NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to characterize biomolecules. Work alongside faculty on publishable research studying neurodegenerative diseases, developing sustainable agriculture solutions, or engineering new pharmaceutical compounds.

Model complex systems and predict real-world outcomes

Apply mathematical modeling to financial markets, climate systems, or population dynamics. Partner with insurance companies, tech firms, and government agencies to address problems using statistical analysis and computational methods.

Explore quantum mechanics and materials science

Design experiments for advanced physics research, develop quantum computing applications, and create new materials using cutting-edge techniques. Your research contributes to next-generation technologies.

Address environmental challenges through chemistry

Analyze water quality, develop sustainable materials, and design green chemistry solutions. Work with environmental agencies and companies to create real impact on climate and sustainability issues.

The Unusual Way You Learn Here

Curiosity is your only prerequisite. This is a place to build your research portfolio, of course, but also your problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and confidence. WPI’s unconventional model gives you room to focus, discover, and experiment risk-free, so you can chase the question that actually pulls at you.

7-Week Terms

Dive deep into complex topics with intensive focus. Master quantum mechanics or organic synthesis without juggling five other courses.

Research From Day One

Join faculty research labs as a first-year student. Contribute to real scientific discoveries, not just repeat known experiments.

Collaborative Discovery

Work in research teams, not competitive silos. Share discoveries, address problems together, succeed as a scientific community.

No Failing Grades

A, B, C, or NR system encourages intellectual risk-taking. Explore challenging topics without fear of GPA damage.

13:1 Ratio

Work directly with professors who know your research interests and career goals. Personal mentorship makes the difference.

WPI’s Formula

Go to class. Do the work. Ask for help. Simple advice that leads to scientific success.

11 STEM-Designated Science & Math Programs

Each preparing you for high-demand careers in research, industry, and innovation.

Actuarial Mathematics

$53,387 avg start
  • Build statistical models to assess insurance and financial risks
  • Analyze data patterns to predict future outcomes for businesses
Top Employers:
The Hanover Insurance Group • Travelers Insurance • Fidelity Investments • John Hancock • CC - Sun Life Financial
Explore this program →

Applied Mathematics (MS)

Strong career prospects
  • Develop mathematical models for engineering and scientific problems
  • Create computational algorithms for data analysis and optimization
Top Employers:
Raytheon • MIT Lincoln Laboratory • Fidelity Investments • Boeing • Google
Explore this program →

Applied Physics (BS/MS)

Growing demand
  • Design optical systems for telescopes and advanced microscopy
  • Build quantum devices and semiconductor technologies for computing
Top Employers:
Enamel Pure LLC • Zscaler Inc. • Saint-Gobain Research North America
Explore this program →

Artificial Intelligence

Leading AI innovation
  • Design ethical AI for real-world problems, from healthcare diagnostics to climate solutions
  • Specialize in a field you care about: life sciences, sustainable production, natural environment, and more
Top Employers:
New program, employer data coming soon
Explore this program →

Biochemistry

$50,675 avg start
  • Study chemical processes in living organisms to develop new medicines
  • Research artificial photosynthesis systems for renewable energy creation
Top Employers:
Bristol Myers Squibb • Charles River Laboratories • Pfizer • Moderna • AbbVie
Explore this program →

Biology & Biotechnology

$55,084 avg start
  • Engineer biological systems to solve global health and food problems
  • Develop biotechnology solutions for clean energy and environmental protection
Top Employers:
AbbVie • Thermo Fisher Scientific • Bristol Myers Squibb • Charles River Laboratories • Pfizer
Explore this program →

Biomedical Engineering

$74,130 avg start
  • Engineer medical devices from hypodermic systems to advanced diagnostics
  • Design tissue engineering solutions for cardiovascular health applications
Top Employers:
AbbVie • Bristol Myers Squibb • Thermo Fisher Scientific • Medtronic • Abbott
Explore this program →

Chemistry

Strong R&D demand
  • Design new materials and chemical processes for sustainable technology
  • Develop pharmaceutical compounds and advanced materials for industry
Top Employers:
Moderna • AbbVie • Pfizer • Regeneron • Green Analytics, LLC
Explore this program →

Mathematical Sciences

$98,271 avg start
  • Build statistical models for data analysis and predictive modeling
  • Create mathematical algorithms for engineering and scientific computing
Top Employers:
Microsoft • MITRE • Citizens • Boston Scientific • Liberty Mutual Insurance
Explore this program →

Neuroscience (MS)

Growing field
  • Research brain plasticity and neurological disorders using advanced imaging
  • Develop brain-computer interfaces and neural prosthetics technology
Top Employers:
Mass General Brigham • Boston Children's Hospital • Neuralink • Synchron • Paradromics
Explore this program →

Physics

$79,250 avg start
  • Explore quantum mechanics and advanced materials for next-gen computing
  • Research renewable energy systems and sustainable technology solutions
Top Employers:
SpaceX • RTX • MITRE • Charles River Laboratories • Fidelity Investments
Explore this program →

Find Your Scientific Strength

Take 30 seconds to discover the scientist you’re destined to become.

Which scientist are you destined to become? ⚡

First, choose your science & math strength ⚡

Professor Heilman is awesome and super nice! He is the sole reason I switched my major from Biotechnology to Biochemistry because his chem lectures are just amazing and inspiring! He makes chemistry extraordinary and I’ve always been engaged in every single one of his lectures!

Jackson Nguyen ’26, BS in Biochemistry

Our Science & Math graduates work at:

SpaceX, Pfizer, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Broad Institute, Moderna, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boston Children’s Hospital, Charles River Laboratories, Fidelity Investments, Microsoft, and many, many more.

Global Projects Program: Conduct research worldwide. From developing sustainable agriculture models to analyzing educational outcomes, you’ll apply scientific knowledge to global challenges while gaining international perspective.

Transform Theory Into Discovery

Join a community of curious minds addressing real-world problems through science and mathematics.

Application deadlines

  1. Early Decision / Early Action I November 1
  2. Early Decision / Early Action II January 5
  3. Regular Decision February 1