Ranking for Computer Science & Electronics in Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Facts About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Polytechnique Institute, also known as WPI, is a private research university that blends project-based learning with classroom teaching. It was founded in 1865 by John Boynton, a tinware manufacturer, and Ichabod Washburn, proprietor of the then-largest wire mill in the world. The institution was one of the first in the United States to focus on engineering and technical instruction and research.

WPI has four schools—School of Arts and Sciences, School of Engineering, Foisie Business School, and the Global School. These are further subdivided into 17 departments, including Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, Interdisciplinary and Global Studies, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. Together, these departments offer 21 study programs. Undergraduate students of these courses can work with faculty members on interdisciplinary projects. This allows them to explore multiple lines of scientific inquiry on campus and outside at the institution’s over 50 project centers across Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and Africa.

Graduate students, on the other hand, can embark on research on any of the institute’s key research areas—health and biotechnology, advanced materials manufacturing, robotics and the Internet of Things, cyber, data, and security, and learning sciences—or other relevant topics. Worcester Polytechnique Institute supports these endeavors through the Research Solutions Institute and the Office of Sponsored Programs. These help researchers form teams and find funding.

Equipment and laboratory access are also granted to faculty and student researchers. Also, researchers can easily go to the George C. Gordon library and browse its digital collections to easily acquire pertinent information. Moreover, the Enterprise Research Storage provides them with a 168TB storage space to secure their valuable research data. Worcester Polytechnique Institute also conducts year-round researcher training. Researchers are advised on how and where they can acquire funding.

The institute strongly supports and encourages a prolific research culture. Spearheaded by the Graduate Research Innovation Exchange, graduate students are incentivized to create innovations with strong scientific and impact. Incentives include a chance to be one of the two winners of cash prizes.

In addition, the institution has research partnerships with corporate entities in different industries such as manufacturing, military, and medical. The list of organizations includes Manufacturing USA, Combat Capabilities and Development Command Soldier Center, Quinsigamond Community College, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and UMass Medical School.

As a result of its strong academic tradition, Worcester Polytechnique Institute produced graduates who proved successful in their own fields. One of the early graduates of the institute is Robert H. Goddard who is regarded as the Father of Rocketry. Gilbert Vernam, who is credited to have ushered in modern cryptography, also graduated from the institution in 1914. And those who watch the American animated sitcom South Park may be familiar with Nancy Pimentel, one of the writers of the show, who graduated from the institute in 1987.