Worcester Polytechnic Institute Online
Worcester Polytechnic University Online
- Technological university founded in 1865
- Consistently ranked among the top U.S. universities
- Distance learning courses offered for more than 30 years through its Advanced Distance Learning Network
- Offers online graduate degree and certificate programs in Business, Engineering, and System Dynamics
- Online programs are academically equivalent to campus programs with the same course content and faculty
- Courses follow an academic calendar and begin in fall, spring and summer
- Interactive courses with e-mail, discussion boards, and chat rooms
- Financial aid for qualified applicants
- Regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
About Worcester Polytechnic University Online
Founded in 1865, Worcester Polytechnic University (WPI) is one of the earliest technological universities in the United States. WPI consistently ranks high among the top U.S. universities for its academics, research programs, and faculty. In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs offered on the school's campus in Worcester, Massachusetts, WPI offers online graduate degrees and certificate programs in the fields of Business, Engineering, and System Dynamics. Geared toward working adults, WPI has delivered distance education courses to graduate students for more than 30 years, giving students the option to take all classes online or take a combination of classroom and online courses.
Academic Programs
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's online classes offer the same course material, content, and faculty that campus students receive. The following programs are currently offered to distance learning students:
- Business - MBA, Master of Science in Information Technology, Master of Science in Marketing and Technological Innovation, Master of Science in Operations Design and Leadership, and a Graduate Management Certificate Program
- Engineering - Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, Master of Science in Fire Protection Engineering, and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- System Dynamics - Master of Science in System Dynamics, Graduate System Dynamics Program
Learning Options
Distance learning programs at WPI are essentially campus based programs offered at a distance. Distance learning students may take campus classes, and campus students may take online classes. All courses meet the same qualifications as on-campus courses, with online and campus students sharing the same online website. Courses follow WPI's academic calendar and begin three times per year in the fall, spring and summer. Within those semesters, online students have the flexibility of completing coursework according to their own schedule within certain deadlines for homework and exams. Online courses are interactive, with students communicating with each other and faculty via e-mail, chat rooms, discussion boards, telephone, and facsimile.
Faculty
Online courses are taught by the same highly qualified, distinguished faculty members that teach campus courses. WPI is known for its high level of interaction between faculty and students.
Student Life
Flexible study options allow students to attend WPI part-time and continue working throughout the program. All distance learning students have access to the same student services as campus students, such as academic advising, library services, bookstore, career development center, and technical support, among others.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Distance learning students undergo the same admissions process as campus students. Admissions requirements vary by program, but all graduate students must have a U.S. bachelor's degree to be admitted. Other requirements may include letters of reference, graduate test scores, work experience, and a statement of purpose. Financial aid is available to qualified applicants, and the Office of Financial Aid is available to assist students and their family through the process.