WORCESTER—Nearly 1,200 students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) recently completed a signature part of their undergraduate experience: the Major Qualifying Project (MQP), a capstone thesis that challenges students to solve professional-level problems in their fields of study.
The MQP is a cornerstone of WPI’s project-based educational model, requiring students to apply their scientific and technical knowledge to real-world, open-ended problems. Projects range from innovations in healthcare and sustainable energy to software development and new manufacturing techniques.
“It’s inspiring to see the creativity and skills that our students bring to these hands-on projects, as well as the professionalism with which they present their research,” said Arne Gericke, interim dean of undergraduate studies and director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, in a recent statement. “Their experience managing a major project like this—including identifying a problem and researching all of the implications and possible solutions while also managing team dynamics over an extended period of several months—sets them up well for success not only in their first jobs after graduation but throughout their careers.”
MQPs are typically team-based and frequently focus on specific issues or needs of an organization that partners with WPI to sponsor the students’ work. The projects not only provide practical experience highly valued by employers, but often result in tangible outcomes: publications, patents, conference presentations, and in some cases, innovations and products that are adopted by sponsoring organizations.
Throughout their academic journey at WPI, students complete two major research projects that are designed to make a real-world impact. These experiences are intended to transform both the students and the communities they serve.
WPI officials say the MQP experience helps graduates stand out in the workforce—and prepares them to tackle complex problems throughout their careers.
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