WPI Master of Science, BioScience Management – FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When will the WPI/Pfizer program start?
A: The anticipated start date of the cohort will be Spring 2023 (April).
Q: What are the admissions requirements for the WPI/Pfizer program?
A: You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in life sciences, or an engineering field with a foundation in life sciences, or a field that demonstrations knowledge of basic biochemistry principles. You also must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Q: What if my background does not meet the program requirements, can I still participate and get accepted into the program?
A: Contact Lisa Hann, Senior Assistant Director of Enrollment, to review your background and determine the best option moving forward. Our team strongly recommends applying for admission as soon as possible to obtain an admissions decision before starting the first course.
Q: What should I do if my undergraduate GPA is below 3.0?
A: We would like to discuss your transcripts in detail to determine what options are available for those students who do not meet the undergraduate requirements. Contact Lisa Hann, Senior Assistant Director of Enrollment, to discuss. WPI takes a holistic approach to the application review. There are ways to build your case to admissions.
Q: What is the enrollment process?
A: The enrollment form is a brief form that indicates that you wish to take the next step. Upon completion of the form, Lisa Hann, Senior Assistant Director of Enrollment, will reach out to schedule a time to go over your background and the application process.
Q: What is needed for the application process?
A: Once you complete the enrollment process. Lisa will send you the instructions for the application.
Items needed:
i. Unofficial Transcript
• All Transcripts from all previously-attended Colleges/Universities should be uploaded.
ii. Statement of Purpose
• A document with guidance will be provided to you.
• You will need to write a strong statement of purpose as to why you want to participate in this program and highlight any career achievements and practical work experience in the field.
iii. Three Letters of Recommendation
• Your authors will receive an auto-generated link as you work through the application process. They must submit their letters through this link, so the letters properly attach to your application.
• We recommend that you ask people who have managed or supervised you.
iv. Resume
Q: If I have taken courses at another school, can those credits be transferred to the WPI/Pfizer program?
A: A student may petition to use graduate courses completed at other accredited, degree-granting institutions to satisfy WPI graduate degree requirements. A maximum of one-third of the credit requirements for a graduate degree may be satisfied by courses taken elsewhere and not used to satisfy degree requirements at other institutions. Each credit transfer request is reviewed by the respective academic department at WPI to verify academic standards, relevance of the course content, and adherence to all transfer guidelines stated in the WPI Graduate Catalog. The transfer credit process can be initiated after a student receives his/her admissions decision.
Q: Are there any fees associated with enrolling? Or registering? – for the program through Pfizer:
A: The graduate application fee ($70) is waived by our office for all Pfizer employees applying for this cohort-based program.
If you would like to obtain a student ID (not required), there is a $15.00 charge (ID’s are useful for student discounts).
There are no additional fees associated with the program above and beyond tuition and course materials (books/software/etc.).
Q: What is the tuition?
A: WPI’s tuition for the academic year 2022/2023 is $4,830 per course. All Pfizer students will receive a 10% discount. Pfizer tuition will be $4347 per course.
Q: What is the tuition reimbursement at Pfizer?
A: Please contact your manager/ human resources representative for reimbursement details.
Q: What is the payment process for the WPI/Pfizer program?
A: Tuition payment is due prior to the first day of class for each course. Payment instructions are included within the WPI Course Confirmation email, which is sent to each student approximately two weeks before the start of the course.
Graduate students may enroll in a monthly payment plan called TMS – Tuition Management System. A $55 application fee allows you to pay your bill over a 4-month period; each payment is due the 1st of each month. For more information please visit: https://www.wpi.edu/offices/bursar/payment
Q: Can I take more than three courses per year?
A: There are a few things you need to consider before you decide to increase your course work:
# of hours you need to complete each homework/ assignment for each class, each week. On average, you will spend 12-15 hours on homework, per class, per week.
Consider your colleagues. You will no longer be a part of a cohort and may have to revise your plan of study to complete a WPI MS in Bioscience Management program, which will require WPI’s faculty administrator approval.
Q: Can I audit a WPI class?
A: You can audit any of our graduate programs at a 50% reduced tuition rate. By registering with audit status, you will not receive academic credit or a final grade, and you may not receive one-on-one assistance from the instructor.
Q: How do I know when I am registered for a course?
A: You will receive a confirmation email from Corporate and Professional Education.
