PBL Education | Experiential Learning Hands-On College

The Global Leader in Project-based Learning

Projects are at the heart of a WPI education, and our signature project-based approach to a STEM undergraduate curriculum, known as the WPI Plan. What started as a bold experiment is now a proven, highly effective model for undergraduate learning and is instrumental in preparing students for the future. So how does experiential learning make a difference?

Through a project-based education, students discover the value of learning by doing. They take the hypothetical and make it real, applying skills and concepts from the classroom to authentic problems, leading to real-world experience and impact. Each journey is distinctive, but regardless of what path students follow, these hands-on learning experiences help build confidence while strengthening leadership, collaborative, and critical thinking skills. It’s not just what students learn, but how they learn, that proves invaluable for a lifetime—professionally and personally.

In 1970, WPI’s STEM curriculum was radically reengineered to provide students with experiential learning experiences through a project-based education—an education that allows students to bring classroom theories to life. Seven-week, three-course terms create space for team-based, open-ended project work and more intensive engagement. From day one with the Great Problems Seminar, early exposure to the culture and practice of project-based learning motivates students and lays the foundation for an academic journey infused with projects within courses alongside major degree required projects—in and out of the classroom.

WPI Students Win Conference Award for GPS Project

years of undergraduate project experiences through the Global Projects Program

major project degree requirements for all undergraduates

The WPI Plan

98%

of alumni respondents reported they had projects in course

Hanover Research Alumni Survey (2021)

7 weeks

per term for undergraduate studies

The WPI Plan

Robbie Oleynick ’24 Integrates Tech with Music in Silent Sky Productio

At WPI, students have the freedom—and the responsibility—to choose the courses and experiences that best suit their individual goals and interests while still meeting rigorous degree requirements. The unique grading system encourages students to branch out, experiment, and cross disciplines. Students immerse themselves in experiential learning through STEM and gain an appreciation for the humanities and arts (HUA) through the HUA requirement—an in-depth practicum—ensuring they become well-rounded scientists, engineers, and business leaders.

Finding the Hidden Symphony in Science

failing grades

The WPI Plan

100%

of undergraduates complete the equivalent of a minor in Humanities & Arts

235+

student clubs and organizations

80%

of students are involved in sports activities

Global consciousness leads to a broader perspective, which is why many of WPI’s projects aren’t only on campus, but around the world. Our Global Projects Program includes 50+ diverse project centers located across six continents where students complete interdisciplinary and major STEM research projects, as well as work focusing on the humanities and arts. Following WPI’s model of learning by doing, students fully immerse and engage in working within cultures around the globe. These experiences allow students to tackle real-word problems and are often transformative, having a profound and lasting impact.

Expand Your World through the Global Projects Program

100%

of undergraduate students are eligible for a Global Scholarship through the Global Projects Program

50+

global project centers on six continents

years of undergraduate project experiences through the Global Projects Program

84%

of all undergraduate students participated in the Global Projects Program (2024)

Life-changing. That’s how students and alumni describe WPI's distinctive approach to project-based learning. Tackling authentic problems helps students develop perseverance, empathy, and self-efficacy while gaining valuable skills that help them succeed in their careers and lives. Through experiential learning, WPI students leave more well-rounded, globally aware, and prepared for whatever the world throws at them. A survey of 2,200+ WPI alumni—who know the benefits of the university’s hands-on learning experiences firsthand—reveals the powerful professional and personal lifelong impact of project work.

Lifelong Impact of WPI’s Project-Based Education

95%

of alumni respondents reported projects prepared them for their current career

Hanover Research Alumni Survey (2021)

88%

of alumni respondents reported projects helped them function effectively in the real world

Hanover Research Alumni Survey (2021)

88%

of alumni respondents reported projects helped them view issues from different perspectives

Hanover Research Alumni Survey (2021)

77%

of alumni respondents reported projects gave them feelings of being able to make a difference

Hanover Research Alumni Survey (2021)

A Project-Based Education

The Global Leader in Project-based Learning

PROJECTS

It’s not theory then practice. It’s theory AND practice.

BALANCE

STEM and …

GLOBAL

It’s the Experience that Takes Students Further.

IMPACT

Life-Changing—for WPI Students and Their World.

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