Frequently Asked Questions

How long has WPI offered online education?
WPI has been a leader in online education for over 30 years. 
What makes WPI's online programs unique?
WPI is a well-respected university delivering its campus based programs by distance. Campus students can take distance courses and online students can take campus courses. There is no difference at WPI.
Is the quality of the educational experience equal to that of a traditional program?
Yes. Online programs have strict requirements that all courses offered via their network meet the same qualifications as their traditional on-campus counterparts. Online courses are identical to campus-based courses with campus and online students sharing the same online course website in a semester. Students have access to the same class content, course materials, academic resources and faculty and therefore can combine both distance and on-campus courses to complete their program requirements.

Programs

Is online education a separate degree program?
Not at all. At WPI, the Masters and graduate certificate programs are all the same, regardless of whether students take classes on campus or online. Online education is simply one way in which we deliver our programs. When students are admitted to any program at WPI, they may register for any course section that fits their needs - on-campus or online. When they graduate, they will be awarded a degree or certificate from WPI that is the same as all other WPI alumni.
What programs are currently available online?
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Fire Protection Engineering
- System Dynamics
- Systems Engineering
- Power Systems Engineering

Admissions

What are the admissions requirements for online programs?
To be considered for admission to WPI's graduate programs, students must hold the equivalent of a U.S. Bachelor of Science or Arts. For full admission criteria, please visit the Admissions section of the online website.
Do online students ever need to come to campus?
Students can complete their entire program from any location in the world. 
What student services are available to online students?
Online students have full access to university offices such as Admissions, Athletic Facilities, Bookstore, Registrar's, the Library, Career Development, and Help Desk Center. All offices are ready to serve all students electronically - either on-campus or online. Our staff is also always available to assist students.

Logistics

What do you mean by "anytime, anyplace"?
Students have the flexibility in distance learning to choose the location and time they wish to devote to advancing their education. While online courses are rigorous, and maintain deadlines for homework and exams, the technology employed allows students to complete course requirements according to their own unique schedules. At WPI, online students start and end the college semester at the same time as campus students, but have the flexibility of deciding when during the week they want to study their lessons.
Can students enter into an online course at anytime?
No. Courses generally follow the standard academic calendar and begin in early fall, spring and summer.
Does an online course require as much time as its on-campus counterpart?
As in any course, the amount of time actually invested depends solely on the student and varies on a course-by-course basis. As the same faculty teaches both distance and on-campus classes, the courses are designed to teach the same material and require approximately the same amount of student time commitment.
How long does it take to complete an online master's degree at WPI?
Each program varies in length, but we do offer all required courses and a number of elective courses each year. As an example, the typical timeframe for completing a 30-credit master's program is three to five years part-time. Faculty advisors help students plan their programs, but students set their own pace. Program lengths also vary for those waiving courses and/or transferring in credit from prior graduate-level coursework.

Interaction with Students & Faculty

Do online programs mean students will not interact with other students or faculty?
No. Through communication channels such as e-mail, discussion boards, chat rooms, facsimile and telephone students regularly talk and develop a rapport with instructors and fellow classmates. In fact, many of our distance students say they participate more in their distance classes than they ever did as an on-campus student.
Do online courses require group work?
Classes are often divided into "project teams" to work on projects and assignments as groups - similar to the real workplace. Through our online programs, however, students never have to physically meet. Online students, who are often geographically separated, use the same tools that are used to deliver the course - such as on-line discussion forums - to meet virtually instead.

Technical Info

What are the technology requirements to access online courses?
High speed internet access without fire walls is needed.
What do the terms asynchronous and synchronous communication mean?
These are technical terms that describe two distinct forms of communication. Asynchronous communication does not happen in real time, it occurs when the sender and receiver are involved in the process at different times such as posting a message on either an Internet based or actual bulletin board. Synchronous communication occurs when the sender and receiver are involved in the process at the same time as in a face-to-face conversation or an electronic chat room. For synchronous communication, people must be located in the same physical or virtual place so they can 'talk' back and forth while for asynchronous communication they do not. Distance learning programs can take advantage of both forms of communication.
How are online courses delivered?
WPI faculty use a mix of media to deliver a first rate educational experience. The predominant delivery modes include web, videotapes and videoconferencing. Technologies include online simulations, streaming audio and video, threaded discussions and more. Courses are structured so that students can go online or view videotapes as their schedule allows.
How technical do online students have to be in order to succeed?
Students need to feel comfortable using a computer and have basic email, office, and web surfing skills. If they use a computer at work or at home they should be able to successfully participate in any online course. And, live technical support is available real-time at least fourteen hours a day.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: January 30, 2012 15:26:46