Worcester State University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute have established an academic partnership to create new pathways to graduation for engineering students.
The agreement grants Worcester State students who have successfully completed its new pre-engineering curriculum with a minimum 3.3 GPA guaranteed transfer admission into WPI.
Set for introduction this fall semester, Worcester State’s pre-engineering curriculum consists of 18 courses, with two science electives, and includes coursework in organic chemistry, data structures, physical geology, materials science, and more. It was developed by faculty across Worcester State’s School of Science, Technology & Health. Students who successfully complete the pre-engineering curriculum will then have the opportunity to matriculate into WPI to fulfill a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, aerospace engineering, or a number of other engineering fields.
“We’ve always been proud to call WPI a neighbor here in Worcester. Now we’re proud to call the school a partner, as partnerships like these exemplify what our university is all about,” said Worcester State President Barry Maloney. “We’re demonstrating our academic agility and excellence by rolling out an entirely new and outstanding pre-engineering curriculum. At the same time, we’re breaking down affordability and accessibility barriers to connect more students to a world-class engineering degree.”
“WPI and Worcester State share a deep commitment to our students, our city, and the future of the Commonwealth,” said WPI President Grace Wang. “This agreement enables Worcester State’s pre-engineering students to complete their engineering degrees at WPI, the most immersive STEM institution in the nation. By working together, our two institutions are expanding access to engineering education, preparing talented students for high-demand careers, and strengthening the skilled workforce that drives our region’s economy.”
On the academic side, the pre-engineering focus of the new curriculum at Worcester State aligns nicely with the way students and faculty already approach their research and studies in the School of Science, Technology & Health, according to Dean Linda Larrivee. The School of Science, Technology & Health houses Worcester State’s Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, and other Departments.
“Worceter State’s accomplished, dedicated faculty members have always taught our students to approach their work with the creativity and outside-the-box thinking that makes them excellent problem solvers and critical thinkers. These traits are important for all fields, including engineering,” she said. “That approach to teaching is demonstrated in the classroom and in the research conducted by students and faculty in the labs and in the field. In addition, it is evident in the work our students pursue and the skills they bring with them after graduating from Worcester State.”
“Worcester State students will arrive at WPI with a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a clear path toward completing their engineering degrees,” added Arne Gericke, WPI’s Dean of Undergraduate Admissions. “At WPI, they will build on that preparation by working alongside faculty and peers in laboratories, research settings, and project teams that connect theory with real-world problem-solving. Just as importantly, they will have access to dedicated advising and a supportive campus community committed to helping transfer students thrive.”
Leaders from both schools came together at Worcester State on Tuesday, August 18, to make the partnership official with a ceremonial signing. Worcester State and WPI have collaborated in the past, including on faculty research projects. The new partnership, though, is the first of its kind between the two, and leaders of both institutions shared their goal of strengthening Worcester’s role as a hub for academic excellence and workforce development in the Commonwealth.
Feature photo: Worcester State President Barry Maloney and WPI President Grace Wang participate in a ceremonial signing. Photo by Nancy Sheehan.
