In the typical MS path, a student will be here for four semesters. Depending on the department's staffing situation, the student will be a teaching assistant (T.A.) for the first two semesters, and a research assistant (R.A.) for the last two.

1st Semester

2nd semester:

Note that describing the thesis work at this early stage also provides protection for the student: since the thesis proposal will define the work that needs to be finished, there will be a basis for the student and advisor(s) to agree that the project is "done." This prevents the nightmare scenario of advisor(s) always tacking on one more thing to at the end of the thesis process.

Summer:

3rd semester:

4th semester:


Benefits

The outline shown above is just one possibility. The flexibility allowed by WPI's graduate program allows for many other options depending on the student's particular situation. Students entering the program with some graduate credit may want to explore options such as completion of the degree in less than two years, or working as a summer intern at one of the Center sponsor companies.