Graduate Handbook - 4. Special Programs

4.1 Continuing and Part-Time Education

A distinctive feature of the part-time master's degree program at WPI is that it is fully integrated with our full-time graduate program. Classes are not given separately for part-time students. Classes at our off-campus centers include a mix of full-time and part-time students. All Courses, on and off campus are taught by the same group of faculty members.

Some part-time students take two Courses per semester making it possible to complete an M.S. Degree in five semesters with a thesis, or six semesters (three Years) with no thesis. Most part-time students average fewer Courses per semester. Faculty are often available for thesis or directed Research work during the summer.

Part-time students are welcome to enroll in Courses prior to application and admission to the graduate degree program. This is a good way to advance your knowledge in a particular subject, as well as to investigate your interest in graduate school. It is, however, a good idea to apply for admission as early as possible when you begin to consider pursuing the M.S. degree. If you have completed some graduate Courses prior to your admission, you may apply up to four of those Courses toward your M.S. degree, subject to department approval. Note: Non-admitted students may take a maximum of four (4) Courses and receive letter grades. Additional course registrations will be changed to Pass/Fail and may not be used for degree credit.

4.2 Computer and Communications Networks

A specialization in Computer and Communications Networks is available within the Master's Degree program of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. A similar program is available within the Master's Degree program of the Computer Science Department. The objective of this program is the preparation of graduates for technical leadership positions in the design and implementation of computer and communications networks, including local and wide-area computer networking, distributed computation, telecommunications(including voice, data, and video services), wireless networking, and personal mobile communications. All of the fundamental hardware and software aspects of networks will be treated in the program.

Opportunities are available in this program for three types of students:

  1. students interested in completing one or more specific Courses in a technical area of interest;
  2. students interested in a sequence of Courses to obtain a focused technical Background and a certificate of graduate study; and
  3. students interested in completing the M.S. degree with a specialization in Computer and Communications Networks.

Students enrolled in this specialization fulfill all requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a notation on their transcript "M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Specializing in Computer and Communications Networks".

4.2.1 Admissions

The program is conducted at an advanced technical level and requires a solid Background in ECE and/or CS. Normally a B.S. degree in ECE or CS will be expected of applicants; however, applicants with a comparable Background, together with expertise gained through work experience, will also be considered. Admissions will be highly selective, and decisions will be based both on previous academic performance and on relevant technical experience.

4.2.2 Academic Program

Opportunities for completion of the program on both full-time and part-time basis will be available. On a full-time basis, the degree may be obtained in 12 months, beginning at the end of August, and completing the following July. An accelerated part-time option is available with cooperating corporations, with completion in two years.

4.2.3 Degree Requirements

The new CCN requirements, as of April 1999.

These changes will take effect in the 1999-2000 academic year. Please get in touch with Prof. Fred J. Looft, Graduate Director, (fjlooft@ece.wpi.edu) if you have questions about how these changes will affect students already in the program.


4.3 Advanced Certificate Program

The Advanced Certificate Program (ACP) provides you with an opportunity to select a custom-designed sequence of advanced Courses in your master's discipline of a closely related field that will enhance your knowledge and skills in new and advanced topics. The program was developed to help WPI alumni continue to achieve their educational and professional goals.

ACP students may enroll in evening classes at the WPI campus or at our satellite campus at the Massachusetts Technology Park Corporation in Westborough. Application material is available from the Office of Continuing Education. The Office of Continuing Education will notify you about your admission status and your academic advisor assignment.

Upon acceptance to the program you will be assigned an academic advisor with whom you will prepare your Plan of Study which must be approved and signed by your academic advisor at the beginning of the program. Copies of the plan will be Maintained by the student, the advisor and the Office of Continuing Education. (Sample Program of Studies are available at the Office of Continuing Education and from the Graduate Secretary in the ECE Dept.)

Satisfactory completion of the ACP requires a cumulative quality point average (CQPA) of 3.0 or better (A=4.0). All Courses must be completed within four years. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, you will receive a Certificate of Advanced Study in your discipline. Information Sessions for the ACP are held throughout the year. Academic advising is available at these programs. Call (508) 831-5517 for the next scheduled information session.

4.4 Graduate Certificate Program

The Graduate Certificate Program is designed for individuals who possess a B.S. degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering, and who wish to increase their knowledge in a specific discipline without formally enrolling in an M.S. program. A Graduate Certificate can be earned by completing a minimum of four related Courses selected in consultation with an assigned academic advisor. This series of Courses will provide an in-depth understanding of the principles and current state of the art in the chosen specialty area. (Sample Program of Studies are available at the ECE Dept. and the Graduate Admissions Office).

An application form should be filled out and returned to the Office of Graduate Admissions along with copies of college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate), where it will be forwarded to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department for review by the graduate program committee. After notification of admission to the certificate program, and ECE Faculty member will be assigned to you as academic advisor, and with whom you will prepare your Plan of Study which must be approved and signed by your academic advisor at the beginning of the program. Copies of the plan will be Maintained by the student, the advisor, and the ECE Dept.

Satisfactory completion of the GCP requires a cumulative quality point average (cqpa) or 3.0 or better (A = 4.0) with grades of C or better in all Courses completed in the program. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, you will receive a certificate of Graduate Study in your chosen discipline. Should you later apply to the M.S. degree program, and be accepted, the GCP Courses will be considered for transfer toward the M.S. credit requirements.

GCP students may enroll in evening classes at the WPI campus in Worcester or at our satellite campus at the Mass. Tech. Collaborative in Westborough.

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Last modified: August 14, 2006 16:30:19