Interdisciplinary Programs

New fields of research and study that combine traditional fields in innovative ways are constantly evolving. In response to this, WPI encourages the formation of interdisciplinary graduate programs to meet new professional needs or the special interests of particular students.

Individually Designed Ph.D. Degrees

Students who have been admitted to a Ph.D. program at WPI may design their own interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in consultation with faculty members relevant to the proposed project.

Individually designed Ph.D. degrees are initiated by a student with the support of groups of at least three full-time faculty members who share a common interest in a cross-disciplinary field. A sponsoring group submits to the Committee on Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR) a proposal for an individually designed, interdisciplinary degree, together with all the details of the degree requirements and the credentials of the members of the sponsoring group. At least one member of the group must be from a department or program currently authorized to award the doctorate. Typically the student is assigned a department that matches the department of the primary advisor.
If the CGSR approves the proposal, the sponsoring group serves in place of a department in the administration of the approved interdisciplinary program. Administrative duties include admitting and advising students, preparing and conducting examinations, and certifying the fulfillment of degree requirements.

In addition to the general requirements established by WPI for an Individually designed doctoral degree, applicants must pass a qualifying examination. This examination will test the basic knowledge and understanding of the student in the disciplines covered by the research as is normally expected of degree holders in the disciplines. It should be administered after completion of 18 credits but before completion of 36 credits of work in the interdisciplinary Ph.D. program. The examination will be administered by a committee of no less than three members, approved by CGSR, representing the disciplines covered by the research. Students are allowed at most two attempts at passing the examination, and may take a maximum of 18 credits prior to passage.

Individually Designed Master’s Degrees

Students who have been admitted to a M.S. program at WPI may design their own interdisciplinary M.S. program in consultation with faculty members relevant to the proposed project.

Individually designed master’s degrees require at least 30 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. They may also include a thesis or project requirement. Proposals for such degrees are initiated by a student with the support of groups of at least two faculty members from different academic departments who share a common interest in a cross-disciplinary field. The sponsoring group submits a proposal for an individually designed, interdisciplinary degree to the Committee on Graduate Studies & Research (CGSR) that includes the details of a program of study and the credentials of the members of the group. At least one member of the group must be from a department or program currently authorized to award the master’s degree. No more than half of the total academic credit may be taken in any one department. The CGSR may request additional input from the sponsors or appropriate departments. If the CGSR approves the proposal, the sponsoring group serves in place of a department in administration of the approved program. Typically the student is assigned a department that matches the department of the primary advisor.

Interdisciplinary graduate certificate and degree programs that are established and currently accepting students are: Aerospace Engineering, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Bioscience Management, Data Science, Information Security Management, Interactive Media & Game Development, Learning Sciences & Technologies, Materials Systems Engineering, Nuclear Science & Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Power Systems Management, Robotics Engineering, Robotics Engineering Management, System Dynamics, System Dynamics and Innovation Management, Systems Engineering, Systems Modeling, and Systems Thinking.

Bioscience Management

Faculty

Faculty hold a full time position in a WPI academic department or are adjunct faculty vetted by a WPI academic department head.

Program of Study

WPI offers graduate levels studies in the field of Bioscience Management leading to the Master of Science. This program is designed to offer both business and science education thus meeting an educational need in the life sciences and bioresearch fields. This degree is applicable for students seeking employment in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biomedical device companies. This program helps science professionals advance their science knowledgebase and also helps them build the necessary administrative infrastructure for their field.

Admissions Requirements

Admission for the Master’s degree is consistent with the admission requirements listed in the Graduate Catalog for a Master of Science degree. Appropriate undergraduate bachelor’s degree majors include but are not limited to life science, management, engineering, and computer science. Students with other backgrounds may be considered with the approval of the program administrator. Students need a working knowledge of basic biotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, and chemistry.

Manufacturing Engineering Management

Faculty

Faculty hold a full time position in a WPI academic department or are adjunct faculty vetted by a WPI academic department head.

Power Systems Management

Faculty

Faculty hold a full time position in a WPI academic department or are adjunct faculty vetted by a WPI academic department head.

Programs of Study

• Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Power Systems Management
• Certificate in Power Systems Management

Power Systems Engineering education is in high demand in the United States and more so in developing nations. WPI has broadened its offerings of courses in this area, and now offers a new level of flexibility for students and their current or prospective employers. In addition, the School of Business provides an attractive palette of relevant courses to enhance the professional skills of practicing engineers. This framework has created programs to meet industry demands.

Admissions Requirements

Students will be eligible for admission into the program if they have earned an undergraduate degree from an accredited university consistent with the WPI Graduate Catalog. Normally, an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science is expected. Students with other backgrounds may be considered with the approval of the faculty. GRE examinations are required for all international applicants.

Systems Engineering Leadership

Program of Study

The program allows students to increase their knowledge and skills in systems engineering while simultaneously increasing their business acumen. This interdisciplinary program blends technical training with business disciplines to provide critical skills and knowledge for leaders in highly technical and complex fields. The prescribed coursework will also enhance the students’ ability to predict and model the impact of change in complex systems. Graduates will possess the skills necessary to holistically view, design and maintain complex systems and projects, and make effective business decisions as leaders in their organizations.

Admissions Requirements

The M.S. in Systems Engineering Leadership aims to attract candidates from a range of educational backgrounds that includes science, engineering, various business disciplines, and more. This flexible program was designed to attract candidates who possess a technical background and are looking to build their leadership skills, as well as those who may not have an engineering background and are seeking technical knowledge to continue their career growth within their organizations. The following will be required to be considered for admission:

• Official transcripts for all post-secondary colleges or universities showing that a bachelor’s degree has been earned from a regionally accredited institution.
• Three letters of professional recommendation from individuals who can comment on student qualifications for pursuing graduate study.
• Statement of purpose
• Résumé
• GMAT or GRE scores—may be waived for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a course of study that included at least two quantitative courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher AND who meet one or more of the following three requirements:
  • Three or more years of professional work experience
  • A professional certification such as INCOSE SEP, PMI PMP, CPA, CFA, CFP, or Six Sigma.
  • An existing master’s or earned doctorate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher