Program Overview

Introduction to the Major Qualifying Project

The Major Qualifying Project (MQP) is a focused design and/or research project in the student's major field. Through the MQP, every WPI student has the chance to experience the kind of real-world problem solving that will soon characterize their professional careers. With an MQP on their resume, WPI students can make a significant contribution to their field before they even launch careers or gain admission to the best graduate schools.

Program Details

• The MQP involves problems typical of those found in the student's professional discipline and often addresses economical, ethical, and safety issues.
• These qualifying projects are far from trivial; each requires a substantial part of an academic year.
• Frequently, projects are sponsored by outside agencies/companies to which students must present their oral and written reports.
• MQPs in ECE are conducted in a student's senior year, but project recruiting and teaming begins as early as November of a student's junior year.

Advisors and Research Interests

• Faculty with specific research interests will act as advisors for MQPs with a similar focus.
• Advisors are available for topics such as:
  • Analog/electronics sensors
  • Wireless/ DSP/digital communications
  • Biomedical electronics
  • Embedded systems
  • Signal processing
  • Robotics
  • Microwave engineering
  • Cryptography
• Many other topics are available, and some students even suggest different and new MQP ideas.

Project Quality and Outcomes

• Major Qualifying Projects are professional quality work.
• Past winners' projects demonstrate the high standard of work expected from students.
• The projects are a testament to the students' ability to tackle real-world problems and present their findings in a professional manner.