Social Sciences Degrees for Change Makers and Problem Solvers
Address real-world problems at the intersection of technology and society. Start making an impact from day one.
1WPI Class of 2024, all bachelor's degrees | 2All degree levels, all areas of study | 3U.S. News & World Report, 2025 | 4LinkedIn Top Colleges, 2025
Want to Change the World? Start With Understanding People.
At WPI, you don't have to choose between social impact and career success. Apply now—explore before committing to your path. Our flexible curriculum lets you test drive different majors while combining social sciences with STEM to tackle the challenges that matter most to you.
What You'll Do Starting on Your First Day
Not just theory. Real practice that leads to real community impact.
Create and analyze policies that shape our future
Work with governments, NGOs, and/or the private sector, from local to international. Not only develop policies for technology, but also use technology to develop policies that are driven by data, creating meaningful, immediate impact on communities, regions, and nations.
Research human behavior to improve lives
Work with tech firms to examine the impact of emerging technologies on human behavior, bias in people and algorithms, and the importance of actual intelligence for artificial intelligence.
Transform data into solutions for social challenges
Work with tech companies, governments, and nonprofits to maximize the ethical use of data and technology for social good.
Bridge complex ideas through powerful communication
Learn how to communicate complex technical issues to people without technical backgrounds. This in-demand skill requires combined expertise in science, technology, and society—something you can only get at a polytechnical, STEM-focused university like WPI.
How You'll Actually Learn (Spoiler: It's Different)
Don't worry if you've never done research before. We'll teach you how to make a difference, step by step.
Real projects. Real impact. From day one.
Seven-Week Terms
Dive deep into intensive projects that let you focus completely on addressing real problems—no juggling five different subjects.
Collaborate, Don't Compete
Work in teams where everyone's strengths matter. No cutthroat competition—just collaborative problem-solving.
No Failing Grades
A, B, C, or NR system encourages you to take risks and explore challenging topics without fear.
13:1 Ratio
Small classes mean professors know your name and your goals. Personal attention makes all the difference.
Global Perspective
Work on projects in 50+ locations worldwide, from environmental justice in Albania to sustainable development in Costa Rica.
Real-World Projects
Work on actual projects for real organizations—from NGOs to government agencies—addressing problems that matter to communities worldwide.
Featured Programs for Tomorrow's Change Makers
Each with unique paths to careers that matter
Economics
- Apply computational modeling to address economic challenges
- Work on sustainable development and financial systems projects
Federal Reserve Bank, DICK'S Sporting Goods, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
Environmental & Sustainability Studies
- Tackle climate change in the U.S. or abroad through hands-on research
- Understand its effects on people, the environment, and technological innovation
The United Nations, World Bank Group
International & Global Studies
- Required international experience at one of 50+ locations
- Combine language proficiency with global problem-solving
AmeriCorps, U.S. Senate, MuniCap Inc.
Policy Studies
- Evaluate how emerging technologies shape people and the environment
- Understand the latest policies and tools regarding AI and society
Technology Policy, Environmental Justice, Social Innovation
Psychology
- Research the human mind with a STEM-designated degree
- Examine in a lab the impacts of technology on behavior and cognition
MITRE, Dell Technologies, Mass General Brigham
Global Public Health (Minor)
- Design mobile eye screening vans and citizen science water quality programs
- Use smartphone sensors to monitor indoor heat stress during climate emergencies
Disease Surveillance Specialist, Health Program Evaluator, Population Health Coordinator
Law & Technology (Minor)
- Bridge technology innovation with legal frameworks
- Build analytical skills essential for law school success
Technology Law, Policy Analysis, Regulatory Compliance, Legal Consulting
Find Your Social Sciences Superpower
Not sure which path fits you best? Take 30 seconds to discover your social sciences destiny.
Choose what excites you most ⚡
90% of Our Graduates Are Employed or Continuing Their Studies Within 6 Months
This success rate represents all degree levels and all areas of study
"WPI's project-based curriculum provided me with the experience needed to succeed in the workforce. Each project has given me a new skill that is essential for my success outside of college, and I am forever grateful for that. The experience WPI students gain through project-based learning is unparalleled to that of most other institutions."
Where Social Sciences Graduates Launch Their Careers
Federal Reserve Bank • Massachusetts General Hospital • Epic Systems • MITRE •
U.S. Senate • Massachusetts Audubon Society • Abbott • Dell Technologies •
AmeriCorps • RTX • ISO New England • Mass General Brigham •
World Health Organization • Environmental Defense Fund • Legal Aid Society
...and many, many more
Ready to Solve Problems That Matter?
Join a community where social sciences and technology come together to create real change. Application deadlines are approaching—take the first step toward making your impact.
Apply Now"Go to class. Do the work. Ask for help."
Early Decision/Early Action I: November 1
Early Decision/Early Action II: January 5
Regular Decision: February 1