Worcester Polytechnic Institute

What you'll study

CAMP is not a single-subject master’s; it is an integrated mechanism that lets students begin approved graduate coursework while completing their undergraduate degree and then apply those credits toward a WPI master’s programme. Typical study combines the undergraduate major curriculum with a set number of graduate-level courses that align to the chosen master’s programme. Coursework depends on the target master’s but commonly includes advanced technical core courses, electives that deepen specialization, and project or thesis options.

Students usually take graduate courses in areas such as advanced engineering topics, data science and analytics, computer science, robotics, systems design, or business-related subjects when paired with technology management programmes. A major component of WPI’s approach is project-based learning; CAMP students often complete graduate-level IQP/MP (Interactive Qualifying Project / Major Qualifying Project) equivalents, capstones or a master’s thesis as part of their accelerated curriculum.

• Advanced graduate coursework aligned to the chosen master’s programme
• Project-based capstone, thesis or professional portfolio
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary electives and research with faculty
• Options to pursue internships, co-ops or industry-sponsored projects concurrent with graduate courses

Structure

CAMP participants typically identify their intended master’s programme by the end of their junior year, obtain departmental approval, and begin taking graduate-level courses in their senior year. Approved graduate credits completed as an undergraduate are applied to the master’s degree, reducing the additional time required after the bachelor’s is awarded. Exact credit transfer rules, required GPA for continued candidacy, and programme-specific sequencing are determined by the department and the student’s graduate advisor.

Entry requirements

Eligibility for CAMP is determined by the host department. In general applicants should:

• Be an enrolled WPI undergraduate with strong academic performance—commonly equivalent to a B+ average or higher
• Have completed foundational undergraduate coursework relevant to the intended master’s area
• Obtain endorsement from the undergraduate and graduate programme advisers or the department chair
• Submit a plan outlining the intended graduate courses, a statement of purpose and, where required, instructor approvals

Some programmes may require demonstration of research or project experience, GRE scores if the department requests them, or additional supporting materials such as a résumé and letters of recommendation. Final admission into the master’s portion of the programme typically requires that the student meet the graduate programme’s standard admission criteria and maintain satisfactory performance in the graduate courses taken as an undergraduate.

Career prospects

Graduates who progress through CAMP and complete a master’s degree are well placed for technical and leadership roles across industry, government and research organisations. Career pathways depend on the master’s discipline but commonly include:

• Advanced engineering and technical specialist roles (design, systems, controls, robotics)
• Data science, machine learning and software engineering positions
• Product management, technical programme management and engineering leadership
• Research and development roles in industry or government laboratories
• Entrepreneurship and technology commercialisation
• Further graduate study or academic careers for those pursuing research-focused master’s theses

The accelerated timeline can make candidates attractive to employers because it signals both advanced training and the ability to manage rigorous, concurrent workloads.

Why study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI emphasises project-based learning, multidisciplinary collaboration and applied research—an environment that complements the goals of CAMP by allowing students to engage in meaningful, team-based projects while advancing to graduate study. The institute maintains close ties with regional and global industry partners, providing internship, co-op and project sponsorship opportunities that enhance employability.

Students benefit from faculty who are active in research and professional practice, well-equipped laboratories and research centres, and a campus culture that supports innovation and entrepreneurship. For students seeking an accelerated route to a master’s degree within a hands-on, career-oriented setting, WPI’s CAMP offers an efficient, rigorous pathway built on the institute’s long-standing strengths in STEM education and applied learning.