B.S. in Actuarial Mathematics
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, offers a Bachelor of Scien...
B.A. in Liberal Arts & Engineering
Worcester, Massachusetts
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Arts & Engineering program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, is a unique interdisciplinary program that integrates a liberal arts education with engineering coursework. This program is designed for students who wish to explore the intersections between technology, society, and culture, and develop a broad understanding of complex issues facing modern society. The Liberal Arts & Engineering program emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, preparing students for careers that require both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for the social, ethical, and humanistic dimensions of engineering.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Liberal Arts & Engineering program at WPI is structured to provide students with a well-rounded education that combines engineering fundamentals with courses in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Core engineering courses cover topics such as mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering design, while liberal arts courses explore areas such as literature, history, philosophy, ethics, and cultural studies. Students also have the flexibility to choose elective courses in their areas of interest, allowing them to tailor their education to their career goals and intellectual passions. The curriculum integrates theory with practice through project-based learning, research experiences, and interdisciplinary collaborations, fostering innovation, critical inquiry, and lifelong learning.
Research Focus: WPI is committed to advancing research at the intersection of liberal arts and engineering, with faculty members in the Liberal Arts & Engineering program engaged in research projects that explore the social, ethical, and cultural implications of technology. Research areas include technology and society, science and technology studies, ethics in engineering, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Students have the opportunity to participate in research initiatives through independent studies, research assistantships, and collaborative projects with faculty mentors. WPI's research focus encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and the exploration of pressing issues facing contemporary society.
Industry Engagement: WPI maintains strong connections with industry partners, including technology companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and research institutions, providing students in the Liberal Arts & Engineering program with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and experiential learning. Through industry-sponsored projects, design challenges, and professional networking events, students gain practical experience, industry insights, and mentorship from professionals working at the intersection of technology and society. WPI's Career Development Center offers resources and support for students seeking careers in diverse industries, helping them to leverage their interdisciplinary skills and liberal arts education in the job market.
Global Perspective: In an increasingly interconnected world, WPI emphasizes the importance of a global perspective in understanding the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of engineering. The university offers study abroad programs, international research opportunities, and global project experiences that expose students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and global challenges. Additionally, WPI's diverse community of students and faculty from different backgrounds fosters cross-cultural understanding, dialogue, and collaboration. Graduates of WPI's Liberal Arts & Engineering program are well-prepared to work in global industries, address global challenges, and contribute to positive social change on a global scale.
Location
Worcester, Massachusetts
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
USD 60965
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fees: Waiver
Academic Qualifications: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English Language Proficiency
- IELTS Requirement: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 90 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 61 is often required.
- DET Requirement: A DET score of 125 is required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) recognizes the importance of providing financial support to international students pursuing higher education in the United States.
Global Scholarship Program: WPI offers the Global Scholarship Program to international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. This merit-based scholarship provides partial tuition coverage for up to four years of undergraduate study at WPI. Eligibility criteria include academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and contributions to the community.
International Student Scholarships: WPI provides a limited number of scholarships specifically designated for international students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application requirements. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities offered by their academic departments, schools, and external organizations.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While WPI's scholarship programs primarily focus on merit-based awards, the university also considers financial need as a factor in determining eligibility for aid. International students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for need-based financial aid, which could include grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. The Office of Financial Aid assists students in navigating the financial aid application process and exploring available resources.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities and governmental sponsorships offered by their home countries, international organizations, and private foundations. These scholarships may be available for specific fields of study, academic merit, or financial need. WPI provides guidance and support to students seeking external funding sources and assists them in applying for scholarships outside the university.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Liberal Arts & Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, USA, opens up a diverse range of career opportunities that require both technical expertise and a strong foundation in the liberal arts.
Technology Consultant: Technology consultants work with businesses and organizations to analyze their technological needs, develop solutions, and implement strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and innovation. With a background in both engineering and liberal arts, graduates are equipped to understand the technical aspects of technology implementation as well as its broader social, ethical, and cultural implications.
Product Manager: Product managers oversee the development and launch of new products, services, or technologies, working closely with engineering teams, marketing departments, and stakeholders to ensure products meet market needs and business objectives. Graduates with a B.A. in Liberal Arts & Engineering bring a unique perspective to product management roles, combining technical expertise with creativity, communication skills, and a deep understanding of user needs and market trends.
Policy Analyst/Advocate: Policy analysts and advocates work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, and advocacy groups to research, analyze, and develop policies related to technology, science, and innovation. With their interdisciplinary background, graduates are well-positioned to address complex policy issues at the intersection of technology, society, and governance, advocating for policies that promote equity, accessibility, and sustainability.
User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for digital products, websites, and applications. They conduct user research, design wireframes and prototypes, and collaborate with engineers and designers to optimize user experiences. Graduates with a B.A. in Liberal Arts & Engineering bring a holistic perspective to UX design, considering not only usability and functionality but also broader social, cultural, and ethical considerations.
Environmental Engineer: Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, and resource management. With their interdisciplinary background, graduates are equipped to understand the technical aspects of environmental engineering as well as its social, ethical, and policy implications. They may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or nonprofit organizations to address pressing environmental issues.
Technical Writer/Communicator: Technical writers and communicators create documentation, manuals, and educational materials to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences. With their ability to bridge the gap between engineering and the liberal arts, graduates are well-suited for roles that require clear and effective communication of technical information to diverse stakeholders.
Social Entrepreneur: Social entrepreneurs launch innovative ventures that address social, environmental, or economic challenges, leveraging technology and business principles for social good. With their interdisciplinary background, graduates are equipped to identify pressing social issues, develop sustainable solutions, and mobilize resources to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
Educator/Researcher: Educators and researchers work in academia, museums, nonprofits, and research institutions to teach and conduct research on topics related to technology, society, and culture. With their interdisciplinary training, graduates are well-prepared to engage in teaching, curriculum development, and research projects that explore the complex relationships between technology, ethics, politics, and culture.
