Worcester Polytechnic Institute

PhD in Executive

Worcester, United States Taught in English Open to international students

Introduction

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts, founded in 1865, is known for its project-based, interdisciplinary approach to science, engineering, technology and business education. Serving around 6,000 students, including more than 1,100 international scholars, WPI emphasizes experiential learning that challenges students to solve real-world problems. The institute's strong research culture and industry links provide robust opportunities for applied learning and graduate study preparation.

WPI's signature project curriculum places students in team-based projects with industry, community and global partners, allowing learners to develop technical depth, communication skills and project management experience. State-of-the-art labs, research centers and faculty mentorship support both undergraduate innovation and graduate research. The campus culture balances rigorous academics with collaborative problem-solving and entrepreneurship resources.

International students benefit from a tight-knit community, career services that connect graduates to employers, and extensive alumni networks across technology sectors. WPI supports mobility through exchange programs and global project sites, helping students build practical experience and professional connections. Graduates typically move into research, industry roles or further study with a strong record of employability.

About the Program

The PhD in Executive program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is for experienced business professionals seeking to apply their expertise in new ways. This PhD degree takes several years to complete and offers advantages like flexible coursework and close collaboration with peers.

The curriculum includes concentrations in Entrepreneurship, Information Technology, and Operations Management, where students develop skills in research methods and produce publishable research. Students work closely with faculty to master research-based approaches and increase their influence in their industry.

Graduates can pursue careers as Management Consultants, University Professors, Research Directors, or Industry Experts, working for top companies, universities, or research institutions. They can also work as independent consultants or start their own businesses, applying their knowledge to drive impact and growth.

Tuition in Context

This program's tuition is about the same as the typical PhD in the United States.

Median tuition for that cohort is 29,822 USD, across 2,296 programs in our catalog.

Compare United States PhD programs

English Test Requirement

This program asks for IELTS 6.5-7.5. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

TOEFL iBT
79–93
PTE Academic
58–64
Duolingo
105–120
CEFR level
B2
Convert your own score

Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

Similar Programs You Can Apply To

Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

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