Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Assumption University Launch Collaborative Accelerated Master’s Programs

Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Assumption University Launch Collaborative Accelerated Master's Programs

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Assumption University have announced a formal partnership and launch of the Collaborative Accelerated Master's Programs (CAMPs) Framework. The innovative framework allows undergraduate students from Assumption University to pursue a master's degree at WPI in an accelerated manner, fostering a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate education.

This partnership, which was celebrated during an official signing ceremony at WPI, marks a significant step towards enhancing academic collaboration and providing students with accelerated pathways to advanced degrees, further strengthening the academic excellence and career readiness of graduates from both institutions.

"WPI continues to grow and strengthen its graduate programs, and we're excited to offer a pathway that we believe will be very attractive to students with strong undergraduate training from Assumption University," said Andrew Sears, WPI's Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost. "This initiative adds to the numerous fruitful collaborations between our two universities that benefit students."

"We are excited and proud to offer Assumption students opportunities for accelerated advanced degrees at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, beginning with the innovative program in Neuroscience," said Assumption University Provost Marc Guerra. "The establishment of this dynamic program shows what is possible when our two schools lean into our respective strengths and collaborate in ways that benefit both our students and faculties.

Students participating in the CAMPs Framework must fulfill all the requirements of their undergraduate degree at Assumption University and of their master's degree at WPI. The framework, which has been approved by faculty at both institutions, allows these students to count up to two of their advanced senior-level undergraduate courses from a list of eligible Assumption University courses toward their master's degree at WPI.

"This initiative is a win for students, a win for WPI, and a win for Assumption University. It enables students to integrate their undergraduate and graduate studies in a way that is synergistic and mentored by collaborative academic and research advising at both universities," said Carolina Ruiz, WPI's Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences. "This CAMPs Framework creates pathways for students' success, fosters collaborations among our faculty, and leverages disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas of strength of our two institutions."

The first program under this framework is the CAMP in Neuroscience, through which Assumption University undergraduates can pursue their master's degrees in neuroscience at WPI upon completion of their bachelor's degrees. Students majoring in neuroscience, biology, biotechnology and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, health sciences, mathematics, and psychology, or those with the necessary coursework, may be eligible.

"It is an exciting time to study neuroscience," said Michele Lemons, director of Assumption's Center for Neuroscience. "Assumption students have strong interests in neuroscience, and their understanding of neuroscience fundamentals will serve as an asset to WPI's graduate program. Having a world-class local option for a graduate degree will poise these students well for future employment and entry into further advanced degree programs."

Assumption University students interested in the CAMP in Neuroscience are encouraged to consult with their undergraduate academic advisor and the Director of Neuroscience at Assumption University, as well as with the WPI Neuroscience Director, about course selection that would best prepare them for the program.

WPI and Assumption are working on establishing programs in other fields of study under this framework to augment student pathways in this partnership.