Worcester Polytechnic Institute
AC-4: Graduate Program

The Master of Science program in Environmental Engineering is designed to meet the needs of engineers and scientists in the environmental field. It provides a deep and comprehensive understanding of the technical, professional, and ethical aspects of human interaction with the surrounding environment, with a particular focus on water quality and waste treatment. From water and waste water treatment design to environmental pollutant modeling, brownfield redevelopment to water shed assessment and protection, the curriculum at WPI gives students both theoretical and practical experiences, and the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research. Offered both online and on campus through the Civil & Environmental Engineering department, this degree combines engineering knowledge with hands-on problem-solving opportunities.

WPI’s MS in System Dynamics program is considered to be the only one of its kind in the nation and offers a course list regarded internationally regarded for its diversity. The goal is to help students solve problems by understanding the big-picture system structure and learning how system changes impact long-term outcomes. As such, a focus on sustainability is inherent to the program. Students master the use of system dynamics computational models to predict change and make decisions that are both positive and productive. The approach promotes strategic thinking among model users by facilitating “single and multi-player/competitor” scenarios and “what-if” analyses. It also helps model users reach an informed consensus on proposed changes to the structures of complex social, physical, and/or biological systems.

Power systems is now one of the most dynamic industries in which to work. The use of renewable energy is on the rise; technological innovations are improving the power grid while also raising questions about safety and cybersecurity. WPI’s online graduate programs in Power Systems prepare engineers for professional practice in the electric utility industry. We combine essential topics in power systems with technology-focused business courses that empower graduates to improve energy delivery and meet the challenges of an evolving power grid. Long-term planning and management for the power grid is essential for a sustainable society.

1. MS and PhD in Civil Engineering - The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at WPI empowers students to become global stewards of the planet and work toward a better, sustainable tomorrow. CEE’s flexible, project-based curriculum lets students explore multiple disciplines, emphasizing civic responsibility and leadership. Working with our world-class faculty and using WPI’s state-of-the-art facilities, our students conduct research with global implications in areas like structural design, construction, infrastructure, health monitoring, sustainability, water resources, and pollution prevention and remediation. This program compliments the environmental engineering program that was listed as the first program. https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/civil-environmental-engineering) 2. MS in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development - a new program starting in Fall 2020 through WPI's new Global School - program offers graduate students a trans-disciplinary experience as they work toward completing MS degree. The motivation for this degree comes from the recognition that socio-technical problems around the global are more complex than many originally imagined. This degree is intended to provide a foundation for students who will become leaders in a variety of professions: innovative health and technology start-ups, government, or non-profit community development, the global policy stage, and new forms of value creation. Whether students want to work domestically or internationally, our world requires solutions for problems that have global reach and local implications. The program will provide a trans-disciplinary approach to problem definition and design solutions across different contexts. (New program beginning in Fall 2020 - Web site not available yet)

In WPI’s Water Resources Graduate Certificate program, students learn more about the world’s most critical natural resource, which is also under multiple complex threats. Courses address topics ranging from improved methods of detecting and removing hazardous contaminants, remediation techniques, and water sustainability initiatives in the student's community and around the world.

WPI’s graduate certificate in Supply Chain Essentials provides fundamental knowledge and skills for understanding supply chains and supply chain management. The program can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. COurses include Designing Operations for Competitive Advantage, Supply Chain Analysis and Design OIE 553: Global Purchasing and Logistics, and either Consumer Behavior or Sustainable Supply Chain & Operations Management. This four-course certificate is excellent preparation for taking the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and APICS Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) credentialing exams.

The MS in Construction Project Management curriculum combines courses in civil engineering, project management and management science, business and economics, as well as system dynamics. All students take core courses featuring hands-on projects and case studies in advanced project management, advanced cost estimating, and building information modeling, and students can select from electives in topics such as sustainable construction practices, physical and chemical treatment processes, fire protection, and conflict resolution.

Certificate in Water Quality Systems - provides background in advanced water-quality topics including water and wastewater treatment system design, and physical and chemical operations. https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/advanced-water-quality-systems-certificates certificate in Systems Engineering - draws on strongs in engineering, business, and management to provide background on integrate the technical and human-centered processess needed to better design and implement complex systems. https://www.wpi.edu/academics/online/study/systems-engineering-certificate