Worcester Polytechnic Institute School of Business

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Students Say - Academics
Offering "more of a technical leadership program than a traditional MBA," the School of Business at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute unites a broad-based degree in business essentials with highly specialized instruction in technology and technology management to fit the needs of graduate-level biz-savvy technophiles. Students appreciate the value of this approach; "The technology focus is great, considering where the business world is headed," one MBA observes. Another explains that the program "works very well in the intersection of business and technology, teaching us how to create and extract maximum value" from that nexus. WPI's 48-credit hour program features ten highly-integrated required courses; two major projects; and four electives. All coursework is taught from a technological perspective and practical applications to business theory are emphasized. Students tailor their education via electives in cutting-edge fields such as information security management, process design, or technological innovation. In addition to electives offered through the business school, WPI students can enroll in graduate-level electives in other departments, including computer science, biomedical engineering, and electrical engineering. Students may study on campus, online, or switch back and forth between the two formats, an arrangement they love. "You can take classes online or portions of it online in case you are away on business and can't make the class one night," creating a "high amount of schedule[ing] flexibility." WPI is committed to keeping up with the Data Age, with "courses updated frequently" and online course delivery "allowing for larger numbers of students to take classes, so I have never been closed out of a class." It isn't just all-tech, all-the-time at WPI; professors "express strong concerns with teaching us the importance of ethics applied in business management." Course work, students warn, "is fairly extensive, averaging about three to six hours per week per credit for reading and homework," but "professors are fair in their grading and flexible to accommodate working student schedules," which helps. Administrators "operate the program seamlessly," another plus.

Students Say - Admissions
The MBA program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute accepts students whose academic and professional record demonstrates the ability to excel in a challenging, technology-focused graduate program. Students are analyzed on the basis of their academic and performance, as well as their career goals and personal statement. In addition, all applicants must have demonstrated capacity to succeed in a technology-driven management program; therefore, a minimum of three semesters of college-level math or two semesters of college-level calculus are a prerequisite of the program. To apply, students must submit undergraduate transcripts, official GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation, and a completed application form.

Students Say - Campus Life
WPI occupies "a small urban campus with excellent access," making it easy for busy parttime students to zip in and zip out for classes, group meetings, etc. Students tell us that the library and student center are excellent resources; both "are well-staffed, clean, and contain useful equipment and products to support the learning environment." The program "offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year. These events range from academic to social to career-driven to special interests." To the extent that time permits, students "are not only actively engaged in school-related activities, but also go out of their way to actively participate in building a better world for the future. From holding forums on solar energy to fundraising for the community, WPI is always active in working to improve life for everyone [else]." Even the program's many distance-learning-only participants are surprised by their level of engagement. "It is not what I expected...it is very interactive. I love chat sessions most." WPI MBAs tend to be "technical people in the stage of their careers [where they are ready] to transit[ion] from [a] professional role to [a] managerial position." There are "multiple nationalities represented" among the students, most of whom "have a good comprehension of English."

Students Say - Careers
A high percentage of WPI students work full time, many receiving tuition reimbursement from their current company while pursuing the MBA. Therefore, most will continue at the same company after completing the WPI program. However, those considering a career change can receive support and guidance through the university's Career Development Center, which serves the undergraduate, graduate, and alumni population. The CDC offers career counseling, workshops, and assessments, and maintains contact with regional employers and WPI alumni. The CDC also hosts several annual campus career fairs. Students appreciate "the way [WPI] fosters and enables networking opportunities and work with the students work toward their career goals." Employers who most frequently hire WPI MBAs include: BAE Systems, EMC, Fidelity, GE, Intel, Raytheon, Staples, Teradyne, and Textron.

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