What Can you Study at MIT? 

What can you study at MIT? Read on find out! The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is renowned for its rigorous academic programmes and cutting-edge research. With a commitment to advancing knowledge and educating students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship, MIT offers a diverse array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

Undergraduate Courses

MIT’s undergraduate education is structured to provide a solid foundation in science, mathematics, and the humanities, complemented by specialized study in a chosen field. All undergraduates must complete the General Institute Requirements (GIRs), which encompass: 

General Institute Requirements (GIRs)Description
Science CoreCourses in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS)Subjects that ensure a well-rounded education.
Laboratory RequirementHands-on experience in experimental science.
Communication RequirementDevelopment of writing and speaking skills.

After fulfilling the GIRs, students select a major from one of MIT’s five schools: 

School Disciplines 
School of Architecture and Planning Architecture, Urban Studies and Planning, Media Arts and Sciences. 
School of Engineering Aeronautics and Astronautics, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Science and Engineering. 
School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Anthropology, Comparative Media Studies/Writing, Economics, Global Languages, History, Linguistics and Philosophy, Literature, Music and Theatre Arts, Political Science, Science, Technology, and Society. 
MIT Sloan School of Management Management Science, Business Analytics, Finance, Information Technology, Operations Research. 
School of Science Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chemistry, Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Mathematics, Physics. 

Additionally, the Schwarzman College of Computing offers interdisciplinary programmes that integrate computing with other fields. Students have the flexibility to pursue double majors, minors, and interdisciplinary degrees to tailor their education to their interests. 

Postgraduate Courses 

MIT’s graduate education is characterized by its depth and interdisciplinary approach. The Institute offers a range of master’s and doctoral degrees across various departments. 

Master’s Degrees 

MIT offers a variety of master’s degree programmes across its schools, each designed to provide advanced education and research opportunities in specific fields. Below is a summary of these programmes: 

Degree Description School 
Master of Science (SM) Available in numerous disciplines, emphasizing research and advanced study. Various departments across MIT 
Master of Engineering (MEng) Focused on engineering disciplines, combining coursework with a significant project. School of Engineering 
Master of Architecture (MArch) A professional degree in architecture. School of Architecture and Planning 
Master in City Planning (MCP) For those pursuing urban studies and planning. School of Architecture and Planning 
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Offered through the Sloan School of Management, focusing on leadership and management skills. MIT Sloan School of Management 
Master of Finance (MFin) Concentrated on finance and quantitative methods. MIT Sloan School of Management 

These programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields. 

Doctoral Degrees 

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) are research-intensive programmes across various fields. 

MIT also provides interdisciplinary graduate programmes, allowing students to engage in research that spans multiple departments. For instance, the Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) program offers a dual degree in engineering and management. 

Research Opportunities at MIT

A hallmark of MIT’s educational approach is the integration of research into the curriculum. Undergraduate students can participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), collaborating with faculty on cutting-edge projects. Graduate students engage in research that often leads to significant advancements in their fields, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and resources. 

International Collaborations 

MIT maintains partnerships with institutions worldwide, offering students opportunities for global engagement. For example, the MIT-UK program enables students to study or conduct research in the United Kingdom, fostering cross-cultural academic experiences. 

Summary of Academic Offerings 

The table below provides an overview of the academic programmes available at MIT: 

School Undergraduate Majors Postgraduate Degrees 
School of Architecture and Planning Architecture, Urban Studies and Planning MArch, MCP, SM, PhD 
School of Engineering Aeronautics and Astronautics, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, etc. MEng, SM, PhD, ScD 
School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Economics, Political Science, Literature, etc. SM, PhD 
MIT Sloan School of Management Management Science MBA, MFin, PhD 
School of Science Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics SM, PhD, ScD 
Schwarzman College of Computing Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making SM, PhD 

For detailed information on specific programmes and admission requirements, prospective students should consult MIT’s official course catalogs and departmental websites. 

Looking to Study at MIT? 

If you’re looking to study at MIT, look no further than our comprehensive guide How to get into MIT in 2024

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FAQs 

What is the General Institute Requirements (GIRs) at MIT? 

The GIRs are a set of core courses that all undergraduates must complete, covering science, mathematics, humanities, arts, and social sciences, ensuring a well-rounded education. 

Can students pursue interdisciplinary studies at MIT? 

Yes, MIT encourages interdisciplinary studies, offering programmes that combine multiple fields, such as the Computation and Cognition major, which integrates computer science and neuroscience. 

What research opportunities are available for undergraduates? 

Undergraduates can participate in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), collaborating with faculty on diverse research projects across various disciplines. 

Does MIT offer online courses? 

Yes, through MIT OpenCourseWare and edX, MIT provides free online courses and materials accessible to learners worldwide. 

What international programmes does MIT offer? 

MIT has several international programmes, including the MIT-UK initiative, which allows students to study or conduct research in the United Kingdom. 

How competitive is admission to MIT? 

Admission to MIT is highly competitive, with a low acceptance rate. Applicants are evaluated based on academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities.