Major Qualifying Project

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The Major Qualifying Project (MQP) is based on a fundamental philosophy – once you graduate, what will you be able to DO?

At WPI, the MQP, a team-based, professional-level design or research experience, makes the answer a very positive one.  The culmination of WPI's project-based undergraduate education, a successful MQP demonstrates such learning outcomes as how to communicate effectively; understand the scientific, social, and ethical dimensions of the problem; and demonstrate knowledge appropriate to your specific major. And every year the results show students finding meaningful work.

There are many possible solutions to a problem and many paths to take to get there. The MQP helps you put the theory of what you’ve learned into practice to tackle real-life scenarios and issues, often sponsored by corporations or other external organizations. You will see that the skills acquired over your undergraduate years will be your foundation on which to build your life's work. Employers are looking for mastery. The MQP, an integral part of the WPI plan, positions students to stand out in the applicant pool.

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formerly Project Presentation Day

Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase

A celebration of research, design, and creative theses—a requirement of every graduating senior through the Major Qualifying Project—takes place each spring on campus. Student teams representing all academic departments present their work to their faculty advisors, external sponsors, and the community-at-large, and the public is invited.

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Global Projects Program. Go into the World.

Everyone wants to make their last year of college one for the ages, and what better way to do that than by going into the real world? Starting with the Class of 2022, every student will receive a $5,000 scholarship. From designing a robotic arm to sort and move scrap metal for recycling in China to analyzing the effect of wind turbines on radar in Massachusetts, the world is at your fingertips.

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MQPs In the News

The Boston Globe reports on Lola, the amputee sea turtle who received a first-of-its-kind prosthetic flipper designed by three WPI engineering students as part of their MQP. The new flipper they created will allow Lola and other injured turtles to be rehabilitated and live a more normal life--and is another step toward next-generation animal prosthetics. 

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The first day at ACP involved a bit of a learning curve, but it didn’t take us long to settle in and start working. In fact, on the second day I was out collecting water samples and running water quality tests. Beginning Quote Icon of beginning quote
  • Adrienne
  • Assessing Water Quality at Landings and Onboard Canal Tugboats

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

WPI's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem focuses on helping innovative ideas turn into reality through funding and mentoring of Major Qualifying Projects. The university also offers project collaboration space to support student MQP work.

A Culmination of 4 Years of Theory AND Practice

A Stepping-stone to a Rewarding Career

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Q&A with Rosanna Garcia, Paul R. Beswick Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Professor Garcia answers questions about the entrepreneurial culture of WPI

Stories from WPI's University Magazine

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In Search of Potable Water on Mars

PhD student Lydia Ellen Tonani-Penha ’23, MS ’25, is addressing the challenge of extracting drinkable water from Mars' subsurface. As a NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunity fellow, she aims to develop solutions for future Mars explorers. 

Global Impact

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WPI’s First Project Center

WPI's Washington DC project center celebrates its 50th year

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