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.
1 WPI Class of 2025, all bachelor's degrees | 2 All degree levels, all areas of study | 3 U.S. News & World Report, 2025 | 4 LinkedIn 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.
7 Featured Programs for Tomorrow's Change Makers
Each with unique paths to careers that matter
Economics
- Build computer models simulating economic systems for policy analysis
- Use data analytics to study market behavior and financial systems
Gilbane Building Company • Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Inc. • System Technology Research • Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
Environmental & Sustainability Studies
- Develop sustainable solutions for climate change and environmental protection
- Create policy frameworks for renewable energy and conservation programs
Stantec • Boston Dynamics • CDM Smith • Applied Materials • ISO New England
International & Global Studies
- Analyze global challenges through interdisciplinary research and policy work
- Develop international cooperation strategies for technology and development
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission • MuniCap Inc. • U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affair
Policy Studies
- Research technology policy and its impact on society and governance
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for government and organizations
Cardinal Health • Massachusetts Gaming Commission • Office of US Senator Jon Ossoff • UPS • UNC Highway Safety Research Center
Psychology
- Study human behavior and cognition using scientific research methods
- Apply psychological principles to technology design and user experience
Dell Technologies • ABB • Raytheon Technologies • Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall • UCLA Health
Global Public Health (Minor)
- Address global health challenges through technology and policy solutions
- Develop health intervention programs for underserved communities
CDC • WHO • Partners In Health • Doctors Without Borders • Global Health Organizations
Law & Technology (Minor)
- Navigate legal issues in technology, privacy, and intellectual property
- Develop regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies and AI ethics
Law Firms • Tech Companies • Government Agencies • Patent Offices • Legal Consulting
Find Your Impact Strength
Not sure which path fits you best? Take 30 seconds to discover your social sciences destiny.
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.
Global Project Scholarship: All WPI students are eligible to complete projects at 50+ centers worldwide through the Global Projects Program. Recent projects include tackling climate change in the U.S. and abroad, designing mobile eye screening vans, and using smartphone sensors to monitor indoor heat stress during climate emergencies.
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.
Application deadlines
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Early Decision / Early Action I November 1
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Early Decision / Early Action II January 5
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Regular Decision February 1