Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranks in the top 5.2 percent worldwide (#1032) out of 20,000 universities, according to the Center for World University Rankings’ new list for 2019–2020.
Using independent and objective data that doesn’t rely on surveys or university data submissions, the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) publishes the largest academic rankings of global universities. WPI’s position reflects successful placement in a comprehensive and rigorous ranking methodology that considers four key components in its rankings. These pillars include quality of education, alumni employment, quality of faculty, and research performance. The methodology gives learning environment and research equal emphasis, which we know to be a hallmark of a WPI education.
When ranking the world’s universities, CWUR looks at each indicator closely. A 25 percent weight is given to each for the quality of education (number of alumni who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals relative to the university's size) and alumni employment (number of a university's alumni who have held CEO positions at the world's top companies relative to the university's size). A 10 percent weight is given for indicators including quality of faculty (number of academics who have won major international awards, prizes, and medals) and for each of these four research performance objectives—research output, high-quality publications, influence, and citations.
Students on location in Albania have produced a tool that can be used in spreading the word about river problems such as pollution, runoff, overfishing, and flooding.
Students worked on projects that involve research and creative activities intended to offer insight into the preservation, improvement, appreciation, and sustainability of the natural environment in Bar Harbor, Maine.
At the Boston Project Center site, students, faculty, and collaborators come together in the Boston metropolitan area to work on issues related to sustainability and climate change, the environment, and public health and safety.
Students in Cape Town, South Africa, have worked on topics in the areas of alternative energy; early childhood development; infrastructure and housing development in informal settlements; recycling and waste management; gardening, agriculture, and food safety; and communication, culture, recreation, and art.
Students in Rabat, Morocco, have worked on projects related the historical and cultural context of the country's “destination image,” traditional Berber music styles, and Moroccan houses.