FAQs for EMC Employees

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Who is WPI?

Worcester Polytechnic Institute is one of the nation’s premier universities focused on science and engineering. Founded in 1865, WPI holds firm to its mission of providing an education that balances theory with practice. Our multidimensional approach to yields more than just graduates—it helps to create innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and more importantly, leaders. For more information, visit our About Us page on the WPI website.

How long has WPI offered online education?

WPI has been a leader in online education for over 30 years.

What makes WPI’s online programs unique?

WPI is a well-respected university and for three decades has been delivering its campus-based programs online. Campus students can take online courses and online students can take on-campus courses. There is no difference at WPI. All courses are asynchronous—allowing students to take courses anywhere around the world.

Is the quality of the educational experience equal to that of a traditional program?

Yes. Online programs have strict requirements that all courses offered meet the same qualifications as their traditional on-campus counterparts. Online courses are identical to campus-based courses. Students have access to the same class content, course materials, academic resources and faculty and therefore can combine both online and on-campus courses to complete their program requirements.

Interaction with Students & Faculty

Do online programs mean students will not interact with other students or faculty?

No. Communication among students is encouraged and often required. Through communication channels such as e-mail, discussion boards, chat rooms, and telephone, students regularly talk and develop a rapport with instructors and fellow classmates. In fact, many of our online students say they participate more in their online classes than they ever did as an on-campus student.

Do online courses require group work?

Classes are often divided into “project teams” to work on projects and assignments as groups – similar to the real workplace. Through our online programs, however, students never have to physically meet. Online students, who are often geographically separated, use the same tools that are used to deliver the course – such as on-line discussion forums – to meet virtually instead.

Technical Info

What are the technology requirements to access online courses?

Students must have access to a computer with compatible software either already installed, or which you have the ability to install, as required on a course by course basis. In addition, students are also expected to have the use of word processing and spreadsheet programs for the completion and/or preparation of class assignments, as well as high speed internet access for any online coursework.
Please reference the Computing and Communications Center website for information on technical requirements.

Other requirements:

  • Some courses require a DVD-ROM drive and permissions to install software. Faculty will notify you of these requirements before the start of the class.
  • All students will need a microphone input jack.

What do the terms asynchronous and synchronous communication mean?

These are technical terms that describe two distinct forms of communication. Asynchronous communication does not happen in real time, it occurs when the sender and receiver are involved in the process at different times such as posting a message on either an Internet based or actual bulletin board. Synchronous communication occurs when the sender and receiver are involved in the process at the same time as in a face-to-face conversation or an electronic chat room. For synchronous communication, people must be located in the same physical or virtual place so they can ‘talk’ back and forth while for asynchronous communication they do not. Online learning programs can take advantage of both forms of communication. Your EMC Graduate Certificate will be delivered asynchronously.

How are online courses delivered?

WPI faculty use a mix of media to deliver a first rate educational experience. The predominant delivery modes include web, video recording and videoconferencing. Technologies include online simulations, streaming audio and video, threaded discussions and more. Courses are structured so that students can go online or view video recordings as their schedule allows and according to the instructor’s syllabus.

How technical do online students have to be in order to succeed?

Students need to feel comfortable using a computer and have basic email, office, and web surfing skills. If they use a computer at work or at home they should be able to successfully participate in any online course. Live technical support is available real-time at least fourteen hours a day.

How are tests/exams administered?

For the most part, online students take tests/exams at home and are given a set time duration to submit it to the professor. Students are also evaluated on projects, discussion boards, homework, etc.

Program Prerequisites

What do I need to participate in the certificate program?

An ABET accredited undergraduate degree in engineering with a minimum cumulative average of 3.0 is recommended for participation in this program.

Application Requirements

What is required to apply to the program?

  • Completion of the online application form
  • Official transcripts for all post-secondary colleges or universities, in English

    • If you have transcripts from outside of the U.S., please contact Stephanie Papia sppapia@wpi.edu
  • TOEFL/IELTS – Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English. This is waived if within last five years you attended institutions in US, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Anglophone regions of Africa, Canada or the Caribbean for at least two years of full time studies.

PLEASE NOTE: Application materials are due prior to completion of the first course, however it is highly recommended that you apply prior to taking any courses. Your Operations Manager, Stephanie Papia will provide you with more information on applying to the program.

Cost / Payment

How much does the program cost?

Each 3 credit course is $3975 for the 2014-2015 academic year.

When do I need to pay for a class? How do I pay?

Most programs require payment within 10 business days of the first class. Contact your WPI Operations Manager, Stephanie Papia, to check specific due dates for your program.There are a variety of payment options and e-billing methods available.

Does EMC offer tuition reimbursement?

Please check with your EMC Human Resources office for eligibility information on tuition reimbursement.

Contact

Who do I contact with questions?

  • For questions about participating in the Systems Engineering Graduate Certificate Program contact:
    Susan Hicks, shicks@wpi.edu
  • For questions about admission, payment and other logistical information, contact your Operations manager: Stephanie Papia, sppapia@wpi.edu