Projects are at the core of the WPI curriculum, requiring students to apply the knowledge learned in classes and labs to real-world situations, developing solutions to problems that matter to real people. Project work helps students become better collaborators, critical thinkers, public speakers, and communicators— vital to success at WPI and the skills that distinguish WPI graduates throughout their careers.

Our signature project-based approach to undergraduate education, known as the WPI Plan, prepares students for success. These great young minds bring ingenious approaches to an astounding array of challenges–and the projects fundamentally change the students, building leaders who possess passion, proficiency, and a certainty that their life's work can change the world. 

Students on Project-based Learning

Every student at WPI completes projects in addition to academic coursework throughout their undergraduate experience–sometimes on campus, sometimes off campus at sites around the world. Project-based initiatives are integrated into the undergraduate education through classroom projects, projects in the first year, major capstone projects, community-based projects, study abroad projects, and more. Most projects are undertaken in teams, an invaluable experience for getting things done in any profession, teaching students how to pool individual strengths and insights to accomplish something they could not do alone.

BS Undergrad Student Reflection | WPI students are making an impact

Project Work Pays Off

WPI’s distinctive project-based educational model has been lauded in the academic world for years, but one of the most compelling acknowledgements is by those who know the benefits of a WPI education firsthand — WPI alumni. A 2012 survey of 2,500+ WPI alumni from the classes of 1974 through 2011 revealed the powerful impact of project-based learning on professional skills — and much more.

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Accolades for WPI's Project-based Learning Model

Top 10

Most Popular Study Abroad Programs

The Princeton Review (2017-18)
Top 25

STEM Colleges 

Forbes (2018)
Top 30

Colleges that Pay You Back

Princeton Review (2019)
1 of 50

Colleges that Create Futures 

The Princeton Review (2016)

Of nearly 400 colleges and over 135,000 students surveyed nationally, WPI was the only technological university among the top 20.
Most Popular Study Abroad Program
Princeton Review 2016
WPI graduates learn to solve real-world problems through the school’s project-based learning curriculum. Within this system, students design and complete projects that combine what they’re learning in class with larger social and environmental issues.
Most Underrated Colleges in America
Business Insider 2015
WPI’s challenging and hands-on project program helps students obtain well-paying jobs and earn salaries “30% higher than schools that admit a similar demographic of students.
Best College List
Money Magazine 2015
WPI’s project-based education model provides multiple opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and gain “unique professional and social advantages” that help them excel after graduation.
Colleges that Create Futures
Princeton Review 2016

The Entrepreneurial Mindset and Project-based Learning

To continue meeting the educational and learning style needs of students, WPI is engaging students in developing an entrepreneurial mindset, which focuses on curiosity, connections, and creating value to society.  Our students learn how to think with an entrepreneurial spirit, even if they never plan to start a business, and our project-based educational model offers a great platform for this type of learning and thinking.

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News

President’s IQP Awards 2018
February 11, 2019
WPI Turns to Its Own Community to Solve Project Center Placement Challenge
February 04, 2019
WPI Project Team Awarded “Green Apple” for Work at University of Worcester in U.K.
January 28, 2019
Implementing Project-Based Learning in Taiwan
January 24, 2019
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In the News

WPI Addresses Unconscious Bias

WPI’s ongoing efforts to prepare students for an increasingly diverse workforce were highlighted in this Diversity in Action article. “Researchers will teach WPI students how to identify and address bias and work in groups in ways that promote equity,” the article stated.

Diversity in Action Magazine
WPI’s Seaport space meant to open a ‘wormhole to Worcester’

The Boston Business Journal reported on the opening of WPI Seaport, a multipurpose space in Boston that will further WPI’s role in the state’s innovation economy. President Laurie Leshin was joined by several state and local officials, including Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, who said the new collaboration with WPI will “will bring more outstanding talent into our neighborhoods.”

Boston Business Journal
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Center for Project-based Learning
Student Project Resources