SSPS Undergraduate Degrees
Our Degrees
Economics
Students working toward their degree in economics complete traditional coursework in micro- and macroeconomics, theory, and applied topics, such as development economics, environmental economics, and information economics and policy.
Working closely and in collaboration with expert faculty in WPI’s Complex Systems and Policy Lab students have space and equipment to conduct their own computerized economics experiments that can lead to innovative breakthroughs at the intersection of science and society.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
WPI’s project-enriched Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ESS) program provides a world- class technological education as well as an outstanding, hands-on, liberal arts education in key aspects of human dimensions of environmental change. Made of an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum, you will gain breadth and depth of knowledge across core disciplines such as biology, chemistry, philosophy, history, and environmental law and policy.
Policy Studies
Psychological Science
At WPI, you won’t just learn about why people behave the way they do. Our expert faculty members guide you on collaborative hands-on research projects in areas like social psychology, cognitive psychology, and learning sciences to dig into the science at the intersection of psychology and technology. You’ll create a personalized academic path while mastering the scientific theory and language so essential in today’s job market.
The undergraduate students of SSPS come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, each with their own unique interests and technical expertise. But they all share one thing in common: an interest in the transformative power of the social sciences.
For more about undergraduate SSPS projects, including the Major Qualifying Project (MQP) and Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP), see Student Projects.
Undergraduate Highlights
Students from Crystal Brown’s “GOV 2311: Environmental Policy and Law” course work at the “Turn Back Time” non-profit nature-based education center in Paxton, MA.
Development Design Lab students in Accra, Ghana.
"Sustainable Cities" led by Robert Krueger, an international field trip to central Europe.
Urban sustainable development students in Freiberg, Germany.
Our Undergraduate Degrees
Economics
Students working toward their degree in economics complete traditional coursework in micro- and macroeconomics, theory, and applied topics, such as development economics, environmental economics, and information economics and policy.
Working closely and in collaboration with expert faculty in WPI’s Complex Systems Lab students have space and equipment to conduct their own computerized economics experiments that can lead to innovative breakthroughs at the intersection of science and society.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
WPI’s project-enriched Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ESS) program provides a world- class technological education as well as an outstanding, hands-on, liberal arts education in key aspects of human dimensions of environmental change. Made of an innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum, you will gain breadth and depth of knowledge across core disciplines such as biology, chemistry, philosophy, history, and environmental law and policy. Working alongside faculty who are equally passionate about the environment, you’ll gain practical experience by engaging in cutting-edge research in areas such as sustainability studies, environmental justice, environmental sciences, and environmental politics
Policy Studies
Psychological Science
At WPI, you won’t just learn about why people behave the way they do. Our expert faculty members guide you on collaborative hands-on research projects in areas like social psychology, cognitive psychology, and learning sciences to dig into the science at the intersection of psychology and technology. You’ll create a personalized academic path while mastering the scientific theory and language so essential in today’s job market.
SSPS Undergraduate Curriculum
SSPS students can explore a variety of topics based on their chosen degree(s) and interests. See what you'll learn under each SSPS subject in the dropdown below or explore our SSPS course offerings.
Development (DEV)
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental Governance
- Knowledge Diversity
- Water, Sanitation, & Health
- Social Studies of Science
- Global Development
Economics (ECON)
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Macroeconomics
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Microeconomics
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Behavioral Economics
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Econometrics
-
Policy Analysis & Evaluation
Environmental & Sustainability Studies (ENV)
- Environmental Justice
- Environmental Philosophy
- Sustainable & Resilient Communities
- Climate Policy
- Planning & Policy
Policy Studies (GOV)
- Politics
- Policy & Law
- Government (Comparative & Global)
- International & Global Politics
- Environmental Policy
- Women in Politics
- Race, Ethnicity, and Politics
- Social Justice
Psychology (PSY)
- Cognition
- Social Psychology
- Psychobiology
- Diversity Science
- Learning Science
System Dynamics (SD)
- System Behavior
- Computer Simulation Modeling
- Modeling and Analysis
- Scenario Analysis
- What-If Scenarios
Sociology (SOC)
- Sociology of Race
- Sociology of the Environment
- Sociology of Money
- Cultural Difference
- Political Economy
Social Science (SS)
- Serious Games
- Research Methods
- Systems Thinking
Global Public Health (STS)
- Global Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Psychology
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Health Policy
Credit Conversion: As an undergraduate, you can also take semester-long graduate courses in SSPS to count towards your degree. See WPI’s policies on credit conversion for more details.
Independent Studies: We also encourage our undergraduate students to pursue independent studies (ISUs) with SSPS faculty members based on their individual interests. ISUs can count towards most of your degree requirements. For questions about ISUs, reach out to your advisor or the Registrar’s Office.
Double Major in SSPS
Interested in double majoring in SSPS? With careful planning and double counting courses, you can complete two majors of your choosing in just four years! Consider a double major in SSPS and one of WPI’s other SSPS-related STEM programs:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Chemistry & Biochemistry
- Physics
Students who double major in SSPS also only need to complete one MQP for both majors. For more information about double majoring, reach out to your advisor or check out WPI’s undergraduate course catalog.
Minor in SSPS
Whether you’re interested in SSPS but can’t commit to a full degree or you’re an SSPS undergraduate who wants to explore everything we have to offer, one of our six SSPS-related minors might be right for you:
Students cannot minor in the same subject as their area of specialization or their major. For example, a student majoring in Psychological Science cannot also minor in Psychology.
Get started on your SSPS minor by emailing Robert Krueger to find an advisor and filling out a minor declaration form.
Ready to Apply?
See WPI’s undergraduate admissions page for more information. Reach out to Robert Krueger with any SSPS-specific undergraduate admissions questions!