Project-Based Learning (PBL) at WPI
Business Profile
Core Value Proposition
Project-Based Learning (PBL) at WPI provides hands-on, project-driven education that combines STEM, humanities, and global engagement to solve real-world problems through the WPI Plan and its signature project work.
Target Customer
Prospective students (undergraduate and graduate), parents, current students, alumni, employers & partners, and other educational institutions seeking experiential, project-based learning.
Key Differentiator
Global Projects Program with 50+ project centers across six continents, seven-week terms, and a strong integration of humanities and arts within a project-driven STEM curriculum; long-standing focus on hands-on, real-world projects from day one.
Implementation Timeline
Value is delivered over the entire undergraduate experience, with hands-on projects beginning from day one; seven-week terms structure undergraduate study; global project centers provide ongoing, multi-term engagement throughout the degree.
Pain Points
- 1Need for hands-on, real-world experience that connects classroom theory to practice
- 2Desire for cross-disciplinary skills (STEM plus humanities/arts) and teamwork/collaboration
- 3Requirement for global exposure and international project work
Key Features
- 1Project-Based Learning (PBL) signature pedagogy
- 2The WPI Plan: seven-week terms and emphasis on project work from day one
- 3Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) and Major Qualifying Project (MQP) requirements
- 4Global Projects Program with 50+ project centers across six continents
- 5Humanities & Arts (HUA) integration as part of a well-rounded STEM education
- 6Real-project outcomes and alumni-focused impact data
Target Customer Industries
Client Results
- 184% of all undergraduate students participated in the Global Projects Program (2024)
- 298% of alumni respondents reported having projects in their courses
- 395% of alumni reported projects prepared them for their current career
- 488% of alumni reported projects helped them function effectively in the real world
- 588% of alumni reported projects helped them view issues from different perspectives
- 677% of alumni reported projects gave them feelings of being able to make a difference
Competitive Advantages
- 1Immersive, hands-on learning that connects theory to real-world impact
- 2Global exposure through 50+ project centers across six continents
- 3Strong cross-discipline integration (STEM + Humanities & Arts)
- 4Proven alumni outcomes and broad industry collaboration (case-based projects with real partners)
Key Benefits
Case Studies & Success Stories
Optimizing the Finishing Process at Saint-Gobain
Four students worked on increasing productivity of a manufacturing line for the global company Saint-Gobain, illustrating real-world impact of WPI project work.
The Schedule Tamer
John Stewart ’97 used AI to solve the combinatorial explosion problem of professional and youth sports scheduling, highlighting the application of AI in scheduling challenges.
A Robotic Assist for Better Health
In the Medical FUSION Lab, engineers combine medical imaging and robotics to make healthcare safer, more cost-effective, and better for patients.
Additional Product Information
Product Description
A signature, hands-on education model where students engage in real-world, team-based projects across STEM, humanities, and global contexts, anchored by the WPI Plan and IQP/MQP requirements, with a global project-centered structure.
Target Market
Prospective students (undergraduate and graduate), employers and industry partners, and other educational institutions seeking evidence-based, hands-on learning outcomes.
Unique Value Proposition
A global, project-centered education that blends STEM with humanities and business perspectives, delivers hands-on experience from day one, and demonstrates measurable long-term impact through alumni outcomes and industry partnerships.
Technical Requirements
Not specified in content; program relies on university infrastructure for project centers, interdisciplinary coursework, and collaboration tools as part of standard academic operations.
Pricing Model
Not disclosed in content
Companies Solving Similar Problems
Based on matching: problems solved, key features, industries
Y Combinator
Y Combinator helps startups make something people want by providing early-stage funding, mentorship, and a strong network.
Dell Technology Solutions
Dell provides technology solutions, services, and support, offering a wide range of products including laptops, desktops, servers, storage, monitors, gaming accessories, and more.
BuiltWith Web Technology Usage Trends
BuiltWith provides detailed web technology usage statistics and insights for businesses and developers.
SentientJobs
SentientJobs provides a comprehensive job board for AI, human, and hybrid positions, helping individuals find career opportunities in the evolving workforce landscape.
JBITSS Technology Solutions
Providing comprehensive technology solutions tailored to business needs.
goQR.me QR Code Generator
goQR.me QR Code Generator provides free QR code creation for commercial and print usage, including logo-enabled codes and vector exports (EPS/SVG) for high-quality print.
Get More Profiles Like This
Join 2,000+ professionals getting weekly sales intelligence updates from GoAgentic
Ready to Transform Your Sales Pipeline?
Join 700+ sales professionals automating outreach with AI.
Start Free Trial
No credit card required