Undergraduate Programs
Computer scientists should be broadly-educated individuals with a clear understanding of the natural laws and social orders that govern the world around them. Well-educated individuals in our technical society must be knowledgeable in the areas of mathematics, humanities and social science, science, and engineering. Therefore, a student's program of study should include in-depth studies in several disciplines in addition to undergraduate computer science. Broad-based education cannot be mandated by simply listing courses or topics to be studied. Instead, the WPI Plan encourages an integration of formal course work, project activity (IQPs & MQPs), self-study, and personal experiences. We cannot urge strongly enough that students make the very best use of the diverse educational opportunities available to them.
To be effective in business and society, computer scientists must be able to do more than design computing systems. They must relate to and communicate with people, so as to apply these systems to improving real-life situations. In recognition of the need for technical specialists who also have human-oriented skills, the WPI Plan requires a strong background in the humanities. To ensure breadth within the broad discipline of computer science and a firm grounding in mathematics and science, a student must complete the department's program distribution requirements.
The department offers a Computer Science degree, and a Computers with Applications degree. The latter has a strong computer science component with an additional Application Area requirement that can be satisfied by five courses that form "a cohesive set of work from disciplines other than Computer Science".
In addition to the Undergraduate Major, the Department also offers a Minor in Computer Science, as well as a Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program. The BS/MS allows WPI students to shorten the time required to earn the master's degree.
For Prospective Undergraduate Students and their Parents we provide an answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Web page.
Courses: For further information about undergraduate courses please consult the computer science course web pages.
Revised Undergraduate Curriculum: In 2004 the department redesigned its undergraduate curriculum to provide a better introductory course sequence in program design. For more information see the Guide to the New CS Curriculum: 2004.
Interactive Media and Games Development Major: This new major is a collaboration between computer science and humanities. See the IMGD home page for more information.
Robotics Engineering Major: This new major is a collaboration between computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. See the RBE home page for more information.
Maintained by webmaster@cs.wpi.eduLast modified: April 23, 2007 20:35:57