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Worcester Polytechnic Institute - http://www.wpi.edu
The nation's third-oldest private independent technological university, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is consistently ranked among the top sixty national universities by U.S. News & World Report. The factors that contribute to WPI's national recognition include academic excellence, small classes and personal attention. WPI was the only technological university among the sixteen national Leadership Institutions selected by the Association of America Colleges and Universities to serve as models of outstanding practices in liberal education. In 2005, WPI tied for fourth among the national universities rank by U.S. News & World Report for the highest percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students. With 2,825 students and a student faculty ratio of 13:1, students get to know their professors well as teachers, mentors and project advisers. In the National Survey of Student Engagement, WPI ranked number one out of thirty-three doctoral-intensive universities for student-faculty interactions, a measure of the quality and quantity of time faculty members spent with undergraduates.
WPI's rigorous classroom and laboratory curriculum immerses students in the fundamentals of science, mathematics, engineering and liberal arts and is enriched with real-world projects that enable students to put what they learn into practice. Working in teams at sites around the globe, they solve problems that matter to real people and organizations, making a difference even before they graduate. In recent years, students have built a micro-hydropower system for a remote Thai village, developed low-csot housing for a community in Namibia, and helped save the canals of Venice by determining how to centralize cargo deliveries. this unique approach to learning prepares students for success in life and careers, whether they plan to be aerospace engineers, biologists, computer game designers, entrepreneurs, doctors or lawyers.
WPI is committed to providing a high-quality campus life that complements its outstanding academic programs. Students may take parts in more than 200 extracurricular activities, including twenty NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams and thirty-four club and intramural sports, some sixteen music ensembles and theater organizations and dozens of clubs, service organizations, and professional societies. Students are encouraged to participate in community service activities. Through the university's Worcester Community Project Center, they receive academic credit by completing projects for the city and local agencies.
Majors and Degrees: WPI offers the Bachelor of Science degree in seventeen areas of engineering and science (actuarial mathematics, aerospace engineering, biochemistry, biology, and biotechnology, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, environmental science, fire protection engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, mathematical sciences, mechanical engineering, and physics) and seventeen areas of management and the liberal arts (business/management; economics; economics and technology; environmental policy and development; history; humanities and arts; international studies; literature; management; management engineering; management information systems; music; philosophy and religion; psychology/psychological science, science, technology, and policy; system dynamics; technical, scientific, and professional communications and theater and technology).
A new program in interactive media and game development is offered jointly by the computer science and humanities and arts departments. WPI offers several preprofesional programs, including dentistry, law, medicine, and veterinary medicine. Students may also design their own majors by combining courses offered in various WPI departments. Undergraduates who wish to continue their studies toward a master's degree at WPI may enroll in a combined, continuous B.S./M.S. program that can speed their progress.
Academic Programs: Students take the equivalent of three courses (as either courses or project work) during each of four 7-week terms (two in the fall and two in the spring). In addition, all students complete three major projects. Through their required project work, students learn to solve problems, communicate their solutions to others, and motivate and lead teams of people to make things happen. They learn to deal with ambiguity and understand--and thrive in-other cultures. When they apply for a job or graduate school, they have a wealth of experiences to share and an impressive track record of successfully tackling difficult and importand projects.
Academic Facilities: Among the many teaching, research and project facilities available to undergraduates at WPI are gleaming, 71,000-square-foot campus center; state-of-the-art research facilities that include two atomic force microscopes, medical imaging laboratories, supercomputer, and a satellite navigation lab; thirty multimedia classrooms and lecture halls; computer music labs and the brand-new Little theater facility; and a research library with thousands of electronic journals, books, and databases, along with nearly 300,000 bound volumes.
Cost: For 2005-2006, full-time tuition was $30,990, student fees totaled $400, and room and board charges were $9460.
Admission Requirements: Applicants for admission must have completed 4 years of mathematics (including precalculus) and 2 years of lab science, Admission requirements include a school transcript, SAT I or ACT scores, recommendations from a science or math teacher and a counselor, and a personal essay or personal statement. For international students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL or IELTS score is required.
The university has high standards for applicants but looks for more than just outstanding academic performance. WPI takes care to admit students who will likely thrive at the university. They tend to be students who are creative and curious; like to work in teams to get things done; are confortable making their own decisions and setting their own course; lover math and science but feel just as passionate about literature, music, movies, and the arts; plan to be leaders, not follower; and are ready to make a positive impression on the world around them.
Application and Information: To schedule a visit or request more information, students should contact::
Office of Admissions
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road
Worcester, Massachusetts 01609
Phone: 508-831-5286
Fax: 508-831-5873
E-mail: admissions@wpi.edu
World Wide Web: http://admissions.wpi.edu |
