Social Science and Policy Studies
The Social Science and Policy Studies Department offers majors in Economic Science, Psychological Science, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, and Policy Studies. For more information on these programs and the various topics covered in social science coursework, visit their webpage here.
The below recommendations include information that is relevant for all majors in the Social Sciences.
Over the summer, your advisor will work with you to select course preferences for A and B terms and register you for classes before the semester begins. It is expected that you will take three classes in both terms in most cases. You will register for C and D term classes later in the fall semester.
In addition to the course recommendations below that are specific to your major, each student must complete 4 Wellness and Physical Education courses in their four years at WPI. You are welcome to add a WPE course to any term. WPE courses are worth 1/12 unit, unlike major subjects discussed in course recommendations which are worth 1/3 unit, and can be taken in addition to the 3 courses recommended below.
For more information on the degree requirements for your major click here.
Helpful Links
A & B Term
A Term Recommendations
GPS/HUA
Social Science majors should take a GPS or HUA course in their first two terms. More information is available about these courses below.
Great Problems Seminar
GPS stands for Great Problems Seminar, which are courses exclusively for first year students that allow students to learn about a problem in the world and work with a group on how to fix it. These courses are helpful with the transition to college as well as useful for students when preparing for projects such as IQP and MQP in junior and senior year. GPS courses run for both A and B term, so you will only need to choose one. More information can be found here.
Humanities and Arts
Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:
- Art/Art History (AR)
- Music (MU)
- Theatre (TH)
- Modern Languages - Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN), Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
- For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
- For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
- For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
- For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
- For Integrated Skills in English Information: The placement exam is not currently required and students are welcome to register for all ISE courses. Please contact Prof. Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu) or Prof. Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) if you have any questions.
- Literature (EN)
- Writing/Rhetoric (WR)
- History (HI)
- Humanities (HU)
- International and Global Studies (INTL)
- Philosophy (PY)
- Religion (RE)
You should pick courses in subjects you are interested in. When you come to campus you will learn more about the HUA requirement and how you will complete it.
MA/Science
Students interested in pursuing a degree in Social Science should consider taking a Math or Basic Science course as their third course.
Math
Most majors in the Social Sciences require at least 3 math courses, including calculus and statistics. Students with AP/transfer credit for Calculus may not want/need to take math in the fall semester.
Economic Science majors are required to take 6 math courses, including integral calculus (MA 1022), differential equations (MA 2051), and statistics (MA 2611). Students interested in this major are recommended to take the full calculus sequence (MA 1021/1020 - MA 1024) and should take math in the fall semester.
In choosing which Math course you will begin with, please consider the following.
- Complete the Math Placement Exam. The Math Placement Exam will tell you which Calculus course you should start in based on your current knowledge. If you are recommended to start in MA 1020, this will be your math course for both terms.
- Consider if you have AP Credit (new policy as of 10/20/25):
Students who obtain a score of “4” on the AB-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021 and should begin with MA 1022 in A term followed by MA 1023 in B term. Those that obtain a score of "5" on the AB-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022 and should begin with MA 1023/1033 in A term followed by MA 1024/1034 in B term.
Students who obtain a grade of “4” or “5” on the BC-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021, MA 1022 and MA 1023 and could begin with MA 1024 in A-term then MA 2051 in B-term, OR MA 1033 in A-term followed by MA 1034 in B-term. - Students who received a 6 or 7 on the IB will receive 2/3 credit of MA 1000, and should use the math placement exam results to decide which math class to take.
- Consider the possibility of retroactive credit. If the Math Placement Exam recommends that you start in MA 1022, MA 1023/1033, or MA 1024 but you do not have AP credit, this could be a great option for you. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1022 and MA 1023/1033 on your first attempt, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1023/1033 and MA 1024/1034 on your first attempt you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1024 and MA 2051, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022. Please note that there is no retroactive credit for MA 1023. In determining if this is the right path for you, we strongly recommend completing the Math Placement exam and following the suggestion given to you.
The sequence MA 1033 Theoretical Calculus III and MA 1034 Theoretical Calculus IV is an alternative to the MA 1023, MA 1024 sequence in A and B terms. The sequence is designed to give a deeper and more mathematically rigorous presentation of the relevant calculus topics. If you really enjoy math and have credit for Calculus I and II already, you should consider this sequence instead of the MA 1023-MA 1024 sequence.
Basic Science
If you are considering a science, consider an introductory course in Biology or Chemistry. Some examples include CH 1010 Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces and BB 1004 Human Biology.
B Term Recommendations
Social Science
Students interested in these major programs should begin by choosing a social science course of interest as your first course. The available subjects are:
- Development (DEV)
- Economics (ECON)
- Environmental Studies (ENV)
- Government, Political Science, and Law (GOV)
- Psychology (PSY)
- System Dynamics (SD)
- Social Science (SS)
- Sociology (SOC)
- Society/Technology Studies (STS)
Students should review the course description and recommended background to ensure they choose a course that aligns with their interest and experience before taking it.
GPS/HUA
Social Science majors should take a GPS or HUA course in their first two terms. More information is available about these courses below.
Great Problems Seminar
GPS stands for Great Problems Seminar, which are courses exclusively for first year students that allow students to learn about a problem in the world and work with a group on how to fix it. These courses are helpful with the transition to college as well as useful for students when preparing for projects such as IQP and MQP in junior and senior year. GPS courses run for both A and B term, so you will only need to choose one. More information can be found here.
Humanities and Arts
Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:
- Art/Art History (AR)
- Music (MU)
- Theatre (TH)
- Modern Languages - Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN), Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
- For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
- For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
- For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
- For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
- For Integrated Skills in English Information: The placement exam is not currently required and students are welcome to register for all ISE courses. Please contact Prof. Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu) or Prof. Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) if you have any questions.
- Literature (EN)
- Writing/Rhetoric (WR)
- History (HI)
- Humanities (HU)
- International and Global Studies (INTL)
- Philosophy (PY)
- Religion (RE)
You should pick courses in subjects you are interested in. When you come to campus you will learn more about the HUA requirement and how you will complete it.
MA/Science
Students interested in pursuing a degree in Social Science should consider taking a Math or Basic Science course as their third course.
Math
Most majors in the Social Sciences require at least 3 math courses, including calculus and statistics. Students with AP/transfer credit for Calculus may not want/need to take math in the fall semester.
Economic Science majors are required to take 6 math courses, including integral calculus (MA 1022), differential equations (MA 2051), and statistics (MA 2611). Students interested in this major are recommended to take the full calculus sequence (MA 1021/1020 - MA 1024) and should take math in the fall semester.
If you took a Math course in A term, you should take the next course in the Calculus series beyond your A term course, or Statistics (MA 2611). Students who are taking MA 1020 Calculus I with Preliminary Topics (semester-long) will continue with this course in B term.
In choosing which Math course you will begin with, please consider the following.
- Complete the Math Placement Exam. The Math Placement Exam will tell you which Calculus course you should start in based on your current knowledge. If you are recommended to start in MA 1020, this will be your math course for both terms.
- Consider if you have AP Credit (new policy as of 10/20/25):
Students who obtain a score of “4” on the AB-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021 and should begin with MA 1022 in A term followed by MA 1023 in B term. Those that obtain a score of "5" on the AB-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022 and should begin with MA 1023/1033 in A term followed by MA 1024/1034 in B term.
Students who obtain a grade of “4” or “5” on the BC-level Exam will receive credit for MA 1021, MA 1022 and MA 1023 and could begin with MA 1024 in A-term then MA 2051 in B-term, OR MA 1033 in A-term followed by MA 1034 in B-term. - Students who received a 6 or 7 on the IB will receive 2/3 credit of MA 1000, and should use the math placement exam results to decide which math class to take.
- Consider the possibility of retroactive credit. If the Math Placement Exam recommends that you start in MA 1022, MA 1023/1033, or MA 1024 but you do not have AP credit, this could be a great option for you. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1022 and MA 1023/1033 on your first attempt, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1023/1033 and MA 1024/1034 on your first attempt you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022. If, in your first year, you complete MA 1024 and MA 2051, you will receive retroactive credit for MA 1021 and MA 1022. Please note that there is no retroactive credit for MA 1023. In determining if this is the right path for you, we strongly recommend completing the Math Placement exam and following the suggestion given to you.
The sequence MA 1033 Theoretical Calculus III and MA 1034 Theoretical Calculus IV is an alternative to the MA 1023, MA 1024 sequence in A and B terms. The sequence is designed to give a deeper and more mathematically rigorous presentation of the relevant calculus topics. If you really enjoy math and have credit for Calculus I and II already, you should consider this sequence instead of the MA 1023-MA 1024 sequence.
Basic Science
If you are considering a science, consider an introductory course in Biology or Chemistry. Some examples include CH 1020 Chemical Reactions (if you took CH 1010 in A term), BB 1001 Introduction to Biology, or BB 1004 Human Biology.
Searching for Courses
As you begin to plan your course preferences, consider using one of the following methods:
- Visit the Course Listings page. On this page, you can search for courses you are interested in and filter your search by subject, term, keyword, etc.
- The WPI Planner is a helpful tool to assist you in viewing schedule and course times as you develop your plan. Click on this link to view the planner and instructions on how to use it.
Please note: As you begin to search for courses, it is helpful to review the recommended or suggested background included in the course descriptions. Recommended background is coursework or information that has been identified as important for you to have or understand before taking that course. Suggested background is helpful information to have but may not be absolutely necessary in order to excel in the course.
Your Academic Support Advisor is available to assist you with questions.
C & D Term
C Term Recommendations
Social Science
Students interested in these major programs should review the available C term social science courses and continue with their interests. The available subjects are listed below.
- Development (DEV)
- Economics (ECON)
- Environmental Studies (ENV)
- Government, Political Science, and Law (GOV)
- Psychology (PSY)
- System Dynamics (SD)
- Social Science (SS)
- Sociology (SOC)
- Society/Technology Studies (STS)
Students should review the course description and recommended background to ensure they choose a course that aligns with their interest and experience before taking it, especially if they wish to begin exploring 2000-level courses in that subject.
HUA
Humanities and Arts
Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:
- Art/Art History (AR)
- Music (MU)
- Theatre (TH)
- Modern Languages - Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN), Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
- For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
- For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
- For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
- For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
- For Integrated Skills in English Information: The placement exam is not currently required and students are welcome to register for all ISE courses. Please contact Prof. Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu) or Prof. Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) if you have any questions.
- Literature (EN)
- Writing/Rhetoric (WR)
- History (HI)
- Humanities (HU)
- International and Global Studies (INTL)
- Philosophy (PY)
- Religion (RE)
MA/Science
Students interested in pursuing a degree in Social Science should consider taking a Math or Basic Science course as their third course.
Math
Most majors in the Social Sciences require at least 3 math courses, including calculus and statistics; Economics majors are required to take 6 math courses.
If you did not take Calculus in the fall semester, you can consider taking it in the spring semester.
If you took or have credit for MA 1021 Calculus I and MA 1022 Calculus II already, you can consider MA 2611 Applied Statistics I or MA 2610 Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences.
Economic Science majors should take the next course in the Calculus series beyond their B term course, or Statistics (MA 2611)
Basic Science
If you are considering a science, please consider an introductory course in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Some examples include CH 1010 Chemical Properties, Bonding, and Forces; PH 1110 General Physics - Mechanics; and BB 1001 Introduction to Biology.
- Note: PH 1110 has a recommended background of MA 1021 and concurrent study of MA 1022 or higher.
D Term Recommendations
Social Science
Students interested in these major programs should review the available D term social science courses and continue with their interests. The available subjects are listed below.
- Development (DEV)
- Economics (ECON)
- Environmental Studies (ENV)
- Government, Political Science, and Law (GOV)
- Psychology (PSY)
- System Dynamics (SD)
- Social Science (SS)
- Sociology (SOC)
- Society/Technology Studies (STS)
Students should review the course description and recommended background to ensure they choose a course that aligns with their interest and experience before taking it, especially if they wish to begin exploring 2000-level courses in that subject.
HUA
Humanities and Arts
Every student at WPI must complete the Humanities and Arts (HUA) Requirement. This consists of 6 courses in HUA subjects. The subjects available for HUA are:
- Art/Art History (AR)
- Music (MU)
- Theatre (TH)
- Modern Languages - Spanish (SP), German (GN), Arabic (AB), Chinese (CN), Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
- For Spanish Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Angel Rivera (arivera@wpi.edu)
- For German Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Daniel DiMassa (ddimassa@wpi.edu)
- For Arabic Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Mohammed El Hamzaoui (melhamzaoui@wpi.edu)
- For Chinese Placement Information, Please Email: Professor Wen-Hua Du (wdu2@wpi.edu)
- For Integrated Skills in English Information: The placement exam is not currently required and students are welcome to register for all ISE courses. Please contact Prof. Esther Boucher-Yip (efboucher@wpi.edu) or Prof. Althea Danielski (amdanielski@wpi.edu) if you have any questions.
- Literature (EN)
- Writing/Rhetoric (WR)
- History (HI)
- Humanities (HU)
- International and Global Studies (INTL)
- Philosophy (PY)
- Religion (RE)
MA/Science
Students interested in pursuing a degree in Social Science should consider taking a Math or Basic Science course as their third course.
Math
Most majors in the Social Sciences require at least 3 math courses, including calculus and statistics.
If you did not take Calculus in the fall semester, you can consider taking it in the spring semester.
If you took or have credit for MA 1021 Calculus I and MA 1022 Calculus II already, you can consider MA 2611 Applied Statistics I.
Economic Science majors should take the next course in the Calculus series beyond their C term course, or Statistics (MA 2611)
Basic Science
If you are considering a science, please consider an introductory course in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. Some examples include CH 1020 Chemical Reactions (if you took CH 1010 already), PH 1120 General Physics - Electricity and Magnetism (if you took PH 1110 already), BB 1001 Introduction to Biology; and BB 1004 Human Biology.
- Note: PH 1120 has a recommended background of Mechanics (PH 1110/1111), MA 1021, and MA 1022.
Once you go through the above recommendations, please be sure to review Registration Information so you know how to register on November 11th.
Registering in Workday
Note: This task is only for registering for C & D Term.
PRE-REGISTRATION PREP
- Watch the 10 min. overview video
- Login to Workday
- Use Find Course Sections to build at least one Saved Schedule for C-Term, D-Term, and if you're taking any 10 or 14 week classes, Spring Semester (instructions)
November 11, 7AM ET: REGISTER
- Login to Workday
- Open a browser tab or window for C-Term, D-Term, and Spring Semester (if you have any 10 or 14 week classes) and View My Saved Schedules for each
- [Optional] Open tabs for alternate course sections from other Saved Schedules or search results
- When registration opens, click Start Registration, then click Register (instructions)
- Open View My Courses, scroll right to Drop or Swap (instructions)
- Waitlisted? If a spot opens, a notification will be sent to your WPI email asking you to login to Workday and take action
Students interested in these major programs should begin by choosing a social science course of interest as your first course. The available subjects are:
Students should review the course description and recommended background to ensure they choose a course that aligns with their interest and experience before taking it.