Computer Science Degrees at Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute appears in our ranking of the Top 30 Best Online Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute provides students with a broad understanding of computer science, including engineering, science, mathematics as well as humanities and liberal studies. They are provided the opportunity to work on projects with classmates, faculty and community members in order to gain hands-on experience. Computer Science majors gain an understanding of program language concepts as well as computer organization. Graduates are able to analyze computational systems as well as how to design experiments and interpret experimental data. Courses required include:
- Advanced Computer Networks
- Algorithms
- Analysis of Algorithms
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biological Data Mining
- Biovisualization
- Computer Animation
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Networks
- Data Mining
- Database Systems I & II
- Discrete Mathematics
- Distributive Computer Systems
- Foundations of Computer Science
- HCI
- IMGD
- Introduction to Program Design
- Machine Organization and Assembly Language
- Mobile Computing
- Network Security
- Numerical Methods for Linear and Non-Linear Systems
- Object-oriented Analysis & Design
- Operating Systems
- Social Implications of Information Processes
- Software Engineering
- Software Security Engineering
- Systems Programming Concepts
- Theory of Computation
- Webware
Computer Science (MS)
The Master of Science in Computer Science at Worcester Polytechnic Institute provides students with advanced knowledge of the Computer Science industry. Students may choose either a thesis or non-thesis option. They are able to collaborate with fellow students and faculty from many different departments through the interdisciplinary curriculum. In the thesis option, students must complete nine credit hours of thesis research and defend their work. The non-thesis option requires 33 credit hours including four courses that satisfy the Breadth Requirement. Courses required for the program may include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biological and Biomedical Database Mining
- Compiler Construction
- Computer Graphs
- Computer Networks
- Database Management Systems
- Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining
- Mobile and Ubiquitous Computing
- Operating Systems
- Programming Language Design
Computer Science (Ph.D.)
The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science has an international reputation for outstanding education. Students have access to world-class laboratories as well as the latest computing equipment available. They solve real-world problems and create groundbreaking advances in the computer field, from artificial intelligence to database systems to security and more. Exploration is encouraged which means students complete courses from different areas. Subjects required may include:
- Algorithms
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Security
- Computer Theory
- Data Mining
- Database Systems
- Human Interaction
- Image Science
- Robotics
- Software Engineering
- Systems and Networks
- Visualization
About Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1865 in Worcester, Massachusetts, a town established in 1722. Worcester was the site of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Massachusetts in 1776 and was instrumental in the birth of the Industrial Revolution. It was also the site of the first-ever National Women’s Convention in 1850.
John Boynton, a tinware manufacturer, and Ichabod Washburn, owner of the world’s largest wire mill, created Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Boynton wanted a school that focused on science that would elevate positions available for mechanics and manufacturers. Washburn envisioned a school that would teach technical skills using a sophisticated apprenticeship method. Although Washburn and Boynton had different views on how education should be provided at the school, Washburn agreed to donate $100,000 to establish a school in the town. The only stipulation was that citizens in Worcester furnish land and buildings. Stephen Salisbury II, an influential merchant in the town, donated funding and land grants that allowed the school to be established. More than 225 citizens contributed to the construction of the first building on the campus and the Worcester County Free Institute of Industrial Science received a charter from the state legislature on May 10, 1865.
The school offered programs that led graduates to become artisans, bankers, mechanical and civil engineers. During World War II, the school offered defense engineering courses and was selected as one of the colleges to offer the V-12 Navy College Training Program.
Today, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is ranked #1 by The Wall Street Journal for faculty that best combine research and teaching. In addition, US News & World Report ranks the school in the top 100 best colleges. The Princeton Review ranks the school as fifth among best career services and CNBC ranks the school eighth among the 25 colleges where graduates have the highest earning potential.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Accreditation Details
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Inc. The Association as a nationally recognized organization that confirms during periodic reviews that the school meets or exceeds its criteria for institutional quality. The school demonstrates during those reviews that it has the necessary resources to achieve its goals and objectives. The school is also accredited by the following industry-specific organizations:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- American Chemical Society
- American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- NEASC
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Application Requirements
Undergraduate students must complete the Common Application and provide official high school transcripts, a guidance counselor recommendation and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. It is preferred that the recommendation later come from a math or science teacher. Students may submit ACT or SAT scores, but they are not required.
Transfer students must be enrolled in or recently completed courses in calculus and two laboratory sciences when they apply. Students should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and should have completed at least one full-year of college. In addition to first-year student requirements, students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must also provide two letters of recommendation, one form an academic instructor, preferably in math or science, and one from another instructor. Students must also provide a resume, personal essay and Transfer College Report.
Graduate students must complete an online application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. One transcript must display the conferring of a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students must also provide official GMAT or GRE scores. Students for whom English is a second language must also submit official TOEFL scores.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time undergraduate tuition at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is $49,860 per year. Graduate tuition is $1,513 per credit hour. Financial aid is available in the form of grants and scholarships, which do not need to be repaid, as well as loans which must be repaid after graduation. Worcester Polytechnic Institute also accepts employer-funded tuition as well as military and veteran benefits. Students may also be eligible for work-study programs. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for any financial assistance. The FAFSA must be renewed each year.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute began with a mission to include research and hands-on learning combined with excellence in classroom education. The school continues to place a strong emphasis on hands-on learning in order to provide graduates of Worcester Polytechnic Institute a well-rounded education.
