social engineering phd

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Requirements: Students must complete their primary program’s degree requirements along with the IDPS requirements. Statistics requirements must not unreasonably impact performance or progress in a student’s primary degree program.

Grade Requirements:  B+ in all required courses (see options below)

PhD Earned on Completion: Social and Engineering Systems and Statistics

IDPS/SES Chair :  Ali Jadbabaie

MIT Statistics + Data Science Center Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 617-253-1764

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The mission of the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) is to advance education and research in state-of-the-art, analytical methods in information and decision systems; statistics and data science; and the social sciences, and to apply these methods to address complex societal challenges in a diverse set of areas such as energy systems, finance, healthcare, social networks, and urban science. Its mission also includes the creation of an MIT-wide focal point for advancing research and educational programs related to statistics and data science.

Technology advances in areas such as smart sensors, big data, communications, computing, and social networking are rapidly scaling the size and complexity of interconnected systems and networks and, at the same time, are generating massive data that can lead to new insights and understanding. Research at IDSS will aim to understand and analyze data from across these systems, which present unique and substantial challenges due to scale, complexity, and the difficulties of extracting clear, actionable insights.

Our ability to understand data and develop models across complex, interconnected systems is at the core of our ability to uncover new insights and solutions.

Spanning all five schools at MIT, IDSS embraces the collision and synthesis of ideas and methods from analytical disciplines including statistics, data science, information theory and inference, systems and control theory, optimization, economics, human and social behavior, and network science. These disciplines are relevant both for understanding complex systems and for presenting design principles and architectures that allow for the systems’ quantification and management. IDSS seeks to integrate these areas, fostering new collaborations, introducing new paradigms and abstractions, and utilizing the power of data to address societal challenges.

Undergraduate Study

Minor in statistics and data science.

The Minor in Statistics and Data Science provides students with a working knowledge base in statistics, probability, and computation, along with an ability to perform data analysis. For a description of the minor, see Interdisciplinary Programs .

Master of Science in Technology and Policy

Doctor of Philosophy Social and Engineering Systems

Graduate Study

IDSS provides educational programs anchored in the following intellectual pillars: statistics, information and decision sciences, and human and institutional behavior.

IDSS’s academic programs embrace the collision and synthesis of ideas and methods from analytical disciplines, including statistics, stochastic modeling, information theory and inference, systems and control theory, optimization, economics, human and social behavior, and network science. Each of these fields in isolation is an insufficient basis for a deep understanding of complex interactions and systems. However, the intersections of these disciplines provide new tools and perspectives for understanding complex systems, addressing overarching challenges (including sustainability and systemic risk), and presenting design principles and architectures that enable those systems’ quantification, management, and regulation.

Inquiries about IDSS academic programs may be directed to the Academic Office .

Admission Requirements for Graduate Study

Application forms for all programs are available online. Applicants whose first language is not English must offer evidence of written and oral proficiency in English by registering for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam , academic format, and achieving a score of 7.5 or better. Information about the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) can be obtained through the IDSS website. Applicants should refer to the details of each program concerning specific requirements for admission.

The Technology and Policy Program (TPP) educates students seeking leadership roles in the constructive development and use of technology—an area that is not well served by the traditional education of technical or social science specialists. TPP focuses on meeting the need for leaders who are engineers and scientists—people with not only strong technical foundations but also the skills and abilities to deal cogently and effectively with the economic, political, and administrative dimensions of the technological challenges of the 21st century.

The Master of Science in Technology and Policy is an engineering research degree with a focus on the increasingly central role of technology in the framing, formulation, and resolution of policy problems. Many students combine TPP's curriculum with complementary subjects to obtain dual degrees in TPP and either a specialized branch of engineering or an applied social science, such as political science or urban studies and planning.

TPP's coursework provides a solid grounding in technology and policy by combining advanced subjects in the student's chosen technical field with courses in economics, politics, modern quantitative methods, and social science. All students must complete a satisfactory research thesis that has a substantial technology and policy component. In order to prepare students for effective professional practice, TPP stresses leadership and communication. It also encourages students to participate in TPP's summer internship program, which places students in government and industry in the US and around the world.

The TPP curriculum consists of three blocks of subjects and a research thesis. The first block is a required integrative subject in technology and policy and a subject in applied quantitative methods. The second block focuses on training in formal frameworks for policy development and consists of subjects in microeconomics, political economy, and one core restricted elective that treats problems of technology and policy from a domain that is outside that of the students' area of research concentration and deepens the students' understanding of framings and rationales for governance in this area. The third block comprises a minimum of three coherent electives that fulfill professional and research objectives. The research thesis is the culmination of scholarship integrating technology and policy.

Completion of the academic and research requirements of the TPP SM typically takes four terms.

The TPP curriculum normally begins in September; applications are due by December 15. TPP seeks applicants with relevant work or research experience as well as the ability to demonstrate evidence of leadership and initiative in their professional or other activities. All applicants should have a strong basis in engineering or science. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the GRE General Test will be optional.

Contact the TPP program office , Room E17-373, 617-258-7295, for additional information.

Doctor of Philosophy in Social and Engineering Systems

The Doctor of Philosophy in Social and Engineering Systems (SES) is focused on addressing concrete and societally significant problems by combining methods from engineering and the social sciences. A student’s doctoral program includes coursework that prepares them for advanced, rigorous, and original research leading to a doctoral thesis. Both coursework and research must include breadth and depth in engineering and quantitative methods, as well as in the social sciences, and in a particular application domain.

Student research in SES is characterized by the following traits:

• It is driven by problems of societal interest, in areas such as energy, finance, health care, social networks, urban science, as well as in policy-related topics.
• It is application domain driven.
• It involves quantitative methods. The program is focused on problems that can be addressed through mathematical modeling and data analysis.
• It relies on real-world data. Research is expected to analyze data from the application domain of interest, and draw upon the training provided in statistics, etc., through the program’s coursework.
• It engages societal aspects of the problem. The research incorporates theories and tools from the social sciences.

The program’s subject requirements follow. Waivers for some of the requirements are possible in special circumstances.

Statistical Processing of Data Subjects

The program begins in September and applications are due by December 15 of the preceding year.

Further information about SES is available on the program website or by contacting the IDSS Academic Office , Room E17-375, or 617-253-1182.

Research Centers

Research in IDSS addresses overarching challenges, including the modeling and prediction of system behavior and performance; systems design and architecture; and issues including social welfare, monetization, and regulation, as well as sustainability and resilience, cascades and contagion phenomena, and systemic risk.

IDSS will sustain this research agenda by fostering and prioritizing several types of strong connections, including:

• A community of experts, at MIT and elsewhere, with demonstrated success performing impactful, multidisciplinary research in these domains.
• A close connection between research and domain expertise, to enable a contextually-informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities in complex systems.
• Educational and research methodologies, not considered in isolation, but  instead anchored in one or several of the cross-disciplinary fields of statistics, information and decision sciences, the science of interconnections, as well as the study of social and institutional behavior.

The Sociotechnical Systems Research Center (SSRC) is an interdisciplinary research center that focuses on the study of high-impact, complex, sociotechnical systems that shape our world.

SSRC brings together faculty, researchers, students, and staff from across MIT to study and seek solutions to complex societal challenges that span healthcare, energy, infrastructure networks, the environment, and international development.

For further information on SSRC and its programs , see the Research and Study section.

Faculty and Teaching Staff

Fotini Christia, PhD

Ford International Professor in the Social Sciences

Professor of Political Science

Director, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Dean Eckles, PhD

William F. Pounds Professor of Management

Associate Professor of Marketing

Associate Director, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Frank R. Field III, PhD

Senior Research Engineer

Lecturer of Data, Systems, and Society

Graduate Officer, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Ankur Moitra, PhD

Norbert Wiener Professor of Mathematics

Alberto Abadie, PhD

Professor of Economics

Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

Daron Acemoglu, PhD

Institute Professor

Saurabh Amin, PhD

Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Sinan Aral, PhD

David Austin Professor in Management

Professor of Information Technology and Marketing

Nicholas A. Ashford, JD, PhD

Professor of Technology and Policy

Hamsa Balakrishnan, PhD

William E. Leonhard (1940) Professor

Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Adam Berinsky, PhD

Mitsui Professor of Political Science

Dimitri P. Bertsekas, PhD

Jerry McAfee (1940) Professor Post-Tenure in Engineering

Professor Post-Tenure of Electrical Engineering

Robert C. Berwick, PhD

Professor Post-Tenure of Computer Science and Engineering and Computational Linguistics

Alessandro Bonatti, PhD

John Norris Maguire (1960) Professor

Professor of Applied Economics

Emery N. Brown, MD, PhD

Edward Hood Taplin Professor of Medical Engineering

Warren M. Zapol Professor of Anaesthesia, HMS

Professor of Computational Neuroscience

Core Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science

Victor V. Chernozhukov, PhD

Ford International Professor

Nazli Choucri, PhD

Munther A. Dahleh, PhD

William A. Coolidge Professor

Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Richard de Neufville, PhD

Professor of Data, Systems, and Society

Esther Duflo, PhD

Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics

Robert Michael Freund, PhD

Theresa Seley Professor in Management Sciences

Professor of Operations Research

David Gamarnik, PhD

Nanyang Technological University Professor

Polina Golland, PhD

Sunlin (1966) and Priscilla Chou Professor

Professor of Computer Science and Engineering

Stephen C. Graves, PhD

Abraham J. Siegel Professor Post-Tenure of Management

Professor Post-Tenure of Operations Management and Leaders for Global Operations

Professor Post-Tenure of Mechanical Engineering

D. Fox Harrell Jr, PhD

Professor of Digital Media

Daniel E. Hastings, PhD

Cecil and Ida Green Professor in Education

Anette E. Hosoi, PhD

Neil and Jane Pappalardo Professor

Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Professor of Mathematics

Tommi S. Jaakkola, PhD

Thomas M. Siebel Distinguished Professor

(On leave, spring)

Ali Jadbabaie, PhD

JR East Professor of Engineering

Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Patrick Jaillet, PhD

Dugald C. Jackson Professor in Electrical Engineering

Sertac Karaman, PhD

Christopher Roland Knittel, PhD

George P. Shultz Professor

Associate Dean for Climate and Sustainability, MIT Sloan School of Management

Andrew W. Lo, PhD

Charles E. and Susan T. Harris Professor

Professor of Finance

Youssef M. Marzouk, PhD

Breene M. Kerr (1951) Professor

Alexandre Megretski, PhD

Professor of Electrical Engineering

Eytan H. Modiano, PhD

Richard Cockburn Maclaurin Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics

Whitney K. Newey, PhD

Ford Professor

Dava Newman, PhD

Apollo Program Professor of Astronautics and Engineering Systems

Affiliate Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science

Member, Health Sciences and Technology Faculty

Kenneth A. Oye, PhD

Professor Post-Tenure of Political Science

Asuman E. Ozdaglar, PhD

MathWorks Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Head, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Deputy Dean of Academics, MIT Schwarzman College of Computing

Pablo A. Parrilo, PhD

Joseph F. and Nancy P. Keithley Professor in Electrical Engineering

Alex Pentland, PhD

Professor Post-Tenure of Media Arts and Sciences

Jaime Peraire, PhD

H. N. Slater Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics

Yury Polyanskiy, PhD

Hazhir Rahmandad, PhD

Schussel Family Professor of Management Science

Professor of System Dynamics

Alexander Rakhlin, PhD

Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences

(On sabbatical)

David Rand, PhD

Erwin H. Schell Professor

Professor of Marketing

Roberto Rigobon, PhD

Society of Sloan Fellows Professor

Philippe Rigollet, PhD

Deb K. Roy, PhD

Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Themistoklis Sapsis, PhD

William I. Koch Professor

Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering

Lawrence Sass, PhD

Professor of Computation and Design

Noelle Eckley Selin, PhD

Professor of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences

Devavrat Shah, PhD

Andrew (1956) and Erna Viterbi Professor

Yossi Sheffi, PhD

Elisha Gray II Professor

Susan S. Silbey, PhD

Leon and Anne Goldberg Professor of Humanities

Professor of Sociology and Anthropology

Professor of Behavioral and Policy Studies

David Simchi-Levi, PhD

Jean-Jacques E. Slotine, PhD

Professor of Information Sciences

John Sterman, PhD

Jay W. Forrester Professor of Management

Charles H. Stewart III, PhD

Kenan Sahin (1963) Distinguished Professor

Tavneet Suri, PhD

Louis E. Seley Professor in Applied Economics

Jesse Thaler, PhD

Professor of Physics

Jessika Trancik, PhD

John N. Tsitsiklis, PhD

Clarence J. LeBel Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Caroline Uhler, PhD

Martin J. Wainwright, PhD

Cecil H. Green Professor in Electrical Engineering

Roy E. Welsch, PhD

Eastman Kodak Leaders for Global Operations Professor of Management

Professor of Statistics

Michael Williams, PhD

Moe Z. Win, PhD

Robert R. Taylor Professor

Gregory W. Wornell, PhD

Sumitomo Electric Industries Professor in Engineering

Jinhua Zhao, PhD

Professor of Urban Planning and Transportation

Associate Professors

Guy Bresler, PhD

Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Tamara A. Broderick, PhD

Luca Carlone, PhD

Boeing Career Development Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics

Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Stefanie Sabrina Jegelka, ScD

In Song Kim, PhD

Associate Professor of Political Science

Rahul Mazumder, PhD

Associate Professor of Operations Research

Richard Nielsen, PhD

Ramesh Raskar, PhD

Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences

Suvrit Sra, PhD

Sarah E. Williams, MCP

Norman B. and Muriel Leventhal Professor

Associate Professor of Information Technologies and Urban Planning

Assistant Professors

Navid Azizan, PhD

Edgerton Career Development Professor

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Rahul Bhui, PhD

Class of 1958 Career Development Professor

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Crystal Lee, PhD

Assistant Professor of Comparative Media Studies

Sherrie Wang, PhD

Brit (1961) and Alex (1949) d’Arbeloff Career Development Professor

Cathy Wu, PhD

Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Research Staff

Senior research scientists.

Stan N. Finkelstein, MD

Senior Research Scientist of Data, Systems, and Society

Principal Research Scientists

Audun Botterud, PhD

Principal Research Scientist of Data, Systems, and Society

Mardavij Roozbehani, PhD

Kalyan Veeramachaneni, PhD

Professors Emeriti

Richard Charles Larson, PhD

Mitsui Professor Emeritus

Professor Emeritus of Data, Systems, and Society

Daniel Roos, PhD

Professor Emeritus of Civil and Environmental Engineering

IDS.012[J] Statistics, Computation and Applications

Same subject as 6.3730[J] Subject meets with 6.3732[J] , IDS.131[J] Prereq: ( 6.100B , ( 18.03 , 18.06 , or 18.C06[J] ), and ( 6.3700 , 6.3800 , 14.30 , 16.09 , or 18.05 )) or permission of instructor U (Spring) 3-1-8 units

Hands-on analysis of data demonstrates the interplay between statistics and computation. Includes four modules, each centered on a specific data set, and introduced by a domain expert. Provides instruction in specific, relevant analysis methods and corresponding algorithmic aspects. Potential modules may include medical data, gene regulation, social networks, finance data (time series), traffic, transportation, weather forecasting, policy, or industrial web applications. Projects address a large-scale data analysis question. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Enrollment limited; priority to Statistics and Data Science minors, and to juniors and seniors.

C. Uhler, N. Azizan

IDS.013[J] Statistical Thinking and Data Analysis

Same subject as 15.075[J] Prereq: 6.3700 or 15.069 U (Spring) 3-1-8 units. Institute LAB

See description under subject 15.075[J] .

M. Fazel Zarandi

IDS.014[J] Fundamentals of Statistics

Same subject as 18.650[J] Subject meets with 18.6501 Prereq: 6.3700 or 18.600 U (Fall, Spring) 4-0-8 units

See description under subject 18.650[J] .

Fall: P. Rigollet. Spring: A. Katsevich

IDS.045[J] System Safety

Same subject as 16.63[J] Prereq: None U (Fall) 3-0-9 units. REST

See description under subject 16.63[J] .

IDS.050[J] Cybersecurity

Same subject as 17.447[J] , MAS.460[J] Subject meets with 17.448[J] , IDS.350[J] , MAS.660[J] Prereq: None U (Spring) 3-0-9 units. HASS-S

See description under subject 17.447[J] .

N. Choucri, S. Pentland

IDS.055[J] Science, Technology, and Public Policy

Same subject as 17.309[J] , STS.082[J] Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: U (Fall) 4-0-8 units. HASS-S; CI-H Credit cannot also be received for 17.310[J] , IDS.412[J] , STS.482[J]

See description under subject 17.309[J] .

IDS.057[J] Data and Society

Same subject as 11.155[J] , STS.005[J] Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: U (Spring) 3-0-9 units. HASS-H

See description under subject STS.005[J] .

E. Medina, S. Williams

IDS.060[J] Environmental Law, Policy, and Economics: Pollution Prevention and Control

Same subject as 1.801[J] , 11.021[J] , 17.393[J] Subject meets with 1.811[J] , 11.630[J] , 15.663[J] , IDS.540[J] Prereq: None U (Spring) 3-0-9 units. HASS-S

Analyzes federal and state regulation of air and water pollution, hazardous waste, greenhouse gas emissions, and production/use of toxic chemicals. Analyzes pollution/climate change as economic problems and failure of markets. Explores the role of science and economics in legal decisions. Emphasizes use of legal mechanisms and alternative approaches (i.e., economic incentives, voluntary approaches) to control pollution and encourage chemical accident and pollution prevention. Focuses on major federal legislation, underlying administrative system, and common law in analyzing environmental policy, economic consequences, and role of the courts. Discusses classical pollutants and toxic industrial chemicals, greenhouse gas emissions, community right-to-know, and environmental justice. Develops basic legal skills: how to read/understand cases, regulations, and statutes. Students taking graduate version explore the subject in greater depth.

N. Ashford, C. Caldart

IDS.061[J] Regulation of Chemicals, Radiation, and Biotechnology

Same subject as 1.802[J] , 11.022[J] Subject meets with 1.812[J] , 10.805[J] , 11.631[J] , IDS.436[J] , IDS.541[J] Prereq: IDS.060[J] or permission of instructor U (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Focuses on policy design and evaluation in the regulation of hazardous substances and processes. Includes risk assessment, industrial chemicals, pesticides, food contaminants, pharmaceuticals, radiation and radioactive wastes, product safety, workplace hazards, indoor air pollution, biotechnology, victims' compensation, and administrative law. Health and economic consequences of regulation, as well as its potential to spur technological change, are discussed for each regulatory regime. Students taking the graduate version are expected to explore the subject in greater depth.

IDS.062[J] Global Environmental Negotiations

Same subject as 12.346[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units

Practical introduction to global environmental negotiations designed for science and engineering students. Covers basic issues in international negotiations, such as North-South conflict, implementation and compliance, trade, and historical perspective on global environmental treaties. Offers hands-on practice in developing and interpreting international agreements through role-play simulations and observation of ongoing climate change negotiating processes. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

N. E. Selin

IDS.063[J] People and the Planet: Environmental Governance and Science

Same subject as 12.387[J] , 15.874[J] Prereq: None U (Fall) 3-0-6 units

See description under subject 12.387[J] .

N. Selin, S. Solomon, J. Sterman

IDS.065[J] Energy Systems for Climate Change Mitigation

Same subject as 1.067[J] , 10.421[J] Subject meets with 1.670[J] , 10.621[J] , IDS.521[J] Prereq: ( Calculus I (GIR) , Chemistry (GIR) , and Physics I (GIR) ) or permission of instructor U (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Reviews the contributions of energy systems to global greenhouse gas emissions, and the levers for reducing those emissions. Lectures and projects focus on evaluating energy systems against climate policy goals, using performance metrics such as cost, carbon intensity, and others. Student projects explore pathways for realizing emissions reduction scenarios. Projects address the climate change mitigation potential of energy technologies (hardware and software), technological and behavioral change trajectories, and technology and policy portfolios. Background in energy systems strongly recommended. Students taking the graduate version complete additional assignments and explore the subject in greater depth. Preference to students in the Energy Studies or Environment and Sustainability minors.

IDS.066[J] Law, Technology, and Public Policy

Same subject as 11.122[J] Subject meets with 11.422[J] , 15.655[J] , IDS.435[J] Prereq: None U (Fall) 3-0-9 units. HASS-S

Examines how law, economics, and technological change shape public policy, and how law can sway technological change; how the legal system responds to environmental, safety, energy, social, and ethical problems; how law and markets interact to influence technological development; and how law can affect wealth distribution, employment, and social justice. Covers energy/climate change; genetic engineering; telecommunications and role of misinformation; industrial automation; effect of regulation on technological innovation; impacts of antitrust law on innovation and equity; pharmaceuticals; nanotechnology; cost/benefit analysis as a decision tool; public participation in governmental decisions affecting science and technology; corporate influence on technology and welfare; and law and economics as competing paradigms to encourage sustainability. Students taking graduate version explore subject in greater depth.

IDS.075[J] Transportation: Foundations and Methods

Same subject as 1.041[J] Subject meets with 1.200[J] , 11.544[J] , IDS.675[J] Prereq: ( 1.010 and ( 1.00 or 1.000 )) or permission of instructor U (Spring) 3-1-8 units

See description under subject 1.041[J] .

IDS.131[J] Statistics, Computation and Applications

Same subject as 6.3732[J] Subject meets with 6.3730[J] , IDS.012[J] Prereq: ( 6.100B , ( 18.03 , 18.06 , or 18.C06[J] ), and ( 6.3700 , 6.3800 , 14.30 , 16.09 , or 18.05 )) or permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-1-8 units

Hands-on analysis of data demonstrates the interplay between statistics and computation. Includes four modules, each centered on a specific data set, and introduced by a domain expert. Provides instruction in specific, relevant analysis methods and corresponding algorithmic aspects. Potential modules may include medical data, gene regulation, social networks, finance data (time series), traffic, transportation, weather forecasting, policy, or industrial web applications. Projects address a large-scale data analysis question. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments. Limited enrollment; priority to Statistics and Data Science minors and to juniors and seniors.

IDS.136[J] Graphical Models: A Geometric, Algebraic, and Combinatorial Perspective

Same subject as 6.7820[J] Prereq: 6.3702 and 18.06 G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Provides instruction in the geometric, algebraic and combinatorial perspective on graphical models. Presents methods for learning the underlying graph and inferring its parameters. Topics include exponential families, duality theory, conic duality, polyhedral geometry, undirected graphical models, Bayesian networks, Markov properties, total positivity of distributions, hidden variables, and tensor decompositions.

IDS.140[J] Reinforcement Learning: Foundations and Methods

Same subject as 1.127[J] , 6.7920[J] Prereq: 6.3700 or permission of instructor G (Fall) 4-0-8 units

See description under subject 6.7920[J] .

C. Wu, M. Dahleh

IDS.145[J] Data Mining: Finding the Models and Predictions that Create Value

Same subject as 15.062[J] Subject meets with 15.0621 Prereq: 15.060 , 15.075[J] , or permission of instructor G (Spring; second half of term) 2-0-4 units

See description under subject 15.062[J] .

R. E. Welsch

IDS.147[J] Statistical Machine Learning and Data Science

Same subject as 15.077[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 4-0-8 units

See description under subject 15.077[J] .

IDS.160[J] Mathematical Statistics: a Non-Asymptotic Approach

Same subject as 9.521[J] , 18.656[J] Prereq: ( 6.7700[J] , 18.06 , and 18.6501 ) or permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 9.521[J] .

S. Rakhlin, P. Rigollet

IDS.190 Doctoral Seminar in Statistics and Data Science

Prereq: None G (Fall) 1-0-2 units

Interdisciplinary seminar explores diverse topics in statistics and data science. Restricted to students in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics.

Consult D. Shah

IDS.250[J] The Theory of Operations Management

Same subject as 1.271[J] , 15.764[J] Prereq: ( 6.7210[J] and 6.7700[J] ) or permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units Can be repeated for credit.

See description under subject 15.764[J] .

IDS.305[J] Business and Operations Analytics

Same subject as 1.275[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring; first half of term) 2-0-4 units

Provides instruction on identifying, evaluating, and capturing business analytics opportunities that create value. Also provides basic instruction in analytics methods and case study analysis of organizations that successfully deployed these techniques.

D. Simchi-Levi

IDS.332 System Design and Management for a Changing World: Combined

Engineering School-Wide Elective Subject. Offered under: 1.146 , 16.861 , EM.422 , IDS.332 Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units Credit cannot also be received for EM.423[J] , IDS.333[J]

Practical-oriented subject that builds upon theory and methods and culminates in extended application. Covers methods to identify, value, and implement flexibility in design (real options). Topics include definition of uncertainties, simulation of performance for scenarios, screening models to identify desirable flexibility, decision analysis, and multidimensional economic evaluation. Students demonstrate proficiency through an extended application to a system design of their choice. Complements research or thesis projects. Class is "flipped" to maximize student engagement and learning. Meets with IDS.333[J] in the first half of term. Enrollment limited.

R. de Neufville

IDS.333[J] System Design and Management for a Changing World: Tools

Same subject as EM.423[J] Prereq: None G (Fall; first half of term) 3-0-3 units Credit cannot also be received for 1.146 , 16.861 , EM.422 , IDS.332

Focuses on design choices and decisions under uncertainty. Topics include identification and description of uncertainties using probability distributions; the calculation of commensurate measures of value, such as expected net present values; Monte Carlo simulation and risk analysis; and the use of decision analysis to explore alternative strategies and identify optimal initial choices. Presents applied analysis of practical examples from a variety of engineering systems using spreadsheet and decision analysis software. Class is "flipped" to maximize student engagement and learning. Meets with IDS.332 first half of term.

IDS.334[J] System Design and Management for a Changing World: Projects (IDS.330)

Same subject as EM.424[J] Prereq: IDS.333[J] or permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring) 3-0-3 units

Focuses on implementation of flexibility (real options) in the design of products, start-ups, ongoing management of operations, or policy plans. Applies the methods presented in IDS.333[J] : recognition of uncertainty, identification of best opportunities for flexibility, and valuation of these options and their effective implementation. Students work on their own project concept, for which they develop a dynamic business plan for design, deployment, and most beneficial implementation of their system over time. Useful complement to thesis or research projects. Class is "flipped" to maximize student engagement and learning. Subject meets in second half of term in the fall and first half of term in the spring.

IDS.336[J] Systems Architecting Applied to Enterprises

Same subject as 16.855[J] , EM.429[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Focuses on understanding, designing and transforming sociotechnical enterprises using systems principles and practices. Includes discussions and reading on enterprise theory, systems architecting, transformation challenges and case studies of evolving enterprises. Covers frameworks and methods for ecosystem analysis, stakeholder analysis, design thinking, systems architecture and evaluation, and human-centered enterprise design strategies. Students engage in interactive breakout sessions during class and participate in a selected small team project to design a future architecture for a real-world enterprise. Selected projects are based on student interests in enterprises such as small, medium, or large companies, government agencies, academic units, start-ups, and nonprofit organizations.

IDS.337[J] Aerospace Biomedical and Life Support Engineering

Same subject as 16.423[J] , HST.515[J] Prereq: 16.06 , 16.400 , or permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 16.423[J] .

D. J. Newman

IDS.338[J] Multidisciplinary Design Optimization

Same subject as 16.888[J] , EM.428[J] Prereq: 18.085 or permission of instructor Acad Year 2024-2025: Not offered Acad Year 2025-2026: G (Fall) 3-1-8 units

See description under subject 16.888[J] .

IDS.339[J] Space Systems Engineering

Same subject as 16.89[J] Prereq: 16.842 , 16.851 , or permission of instructor G (Spring) 4-2-6 units

See description under subject 16.89[J] .

E. F. Crawley

IDS.340[J] System Safety Concepts

Same subject as 16.863[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 16.863[J] . Enrollment may be limited.

N. G. Leveson

IDS.341[J] Concepts in the Engineering of Software

Same subject as 16.355[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 16.355[J] . Enrollment may be limited.

IDS.350[J] Cybersecurity

Same subject as 17.448[J] , MAS.660[J] Subject meets with 17.447[J] , IDS.050[J] , MAS.460[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 17.448[J] .

IDS.405 Critical Internet Studies (CMS.867)

Subject meets with 21W.791[J] , CMS.614[J] , WGS.280[J] Prereq: None G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Focuses on the power dynamics in internet-related technologies (including social networking platforms, surveillance technology, entertainment technologies, and emerging media forms). Theories and readings focus on the cultural, social, economic, and political aspects of internet use and design, with a special attention to gender and race. Topics include: online communication and communities, algorithms and search engines, activism and online resistance, surveillance and privacy, content moderation and platform governance, and the spread of dis- and misinformation. Instruction and practice in written and oral communication provided. Students taking the graduate version complete additional readings and assignments.

IDS.410 Modeling and Assessment for Policy

Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-0-6 units

Explores how scientific information and quantitative models can be used to inform policy decision-making. Develops an understanding of quantitative modeling techniques and their role in the policy process through case studies and interactive activities. Addresses issues such as analysis of scientific assessment processes, uses of integrated assessment models, public perception of quantitative information, methods for dealing with uncertainties, and design choices in building policy-relevant models.

IDS.411 Concepts and Research in Technology and Policy

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-0-6 units

Core integrative subject, with substantive participation from a series of guest faculty lecturers, examines key technology-policy concepts. Explores alternative framings of roles of technology in policy, emphasizing the implications of these alternatives upon problem-solving in the area. Exercises prepare students to apply these concepts in the framing of their thesis research. Preference to first-year students in the Technology and Policy Program.

IDS.412[J] Science, Technology, and Public Policy

Same subject as 17.310[J] , STS.482[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 4-0-8 units Credit cannot also be received for 17.309[J] , IDS.055[J] , STS.082[J]

See description under subject 17.310[J] .

IDS.435[J] Law, Technology, and Public Policy

Same subject as 11.422[J] , 15.655[J] Subject meets with 11.122[J] , IDS.066[J] Prereq: None G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Examines how law, economics, and technological change shape public policy, and how law can sway technological change; how the legal system responds to environmental, safety, energy, social, and ethical problems; how law and markets interact to influence technological development; and how law can affect wealth distribution, employment, and social justice. Covers energy/climate change; genetic engineering; telecommunications and the role of misinformation; industrial automation; effect of regulation on technological innovation; impacts of antitrust law on innovation and equity; pharmaceuticals; nanotechnology; cost/benefit analysis as a decision tool; public participation in governmental decisions affecting science and technology; corporate influence on technology and welfare; and law and economics as competing paradigms to encourage sustainability. Students taking graduate version explore subject in greater depth.

IDS.436[J] Technology, Law, and the Working Environment

Same subject as 10.805[J] Subject meets with 1.802[J] , 1.812[J] , 11.022[J] , 11.631[J] , IDS.061[J] , IDS.541[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-6 units

Addresses relationship between technology-related problems and the law applicable to work environment. National Labor Relations Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act. Toxic Substances Control Act, state worker's compensation, and suits by workers in the courts discussed. Problems related to occupational health and safety, collective bargaining as a mechanism for altering technology in the workplace, job alienation, productivity, and the organization of work addressed. Prior courses or experience in the environmental, public health, or law-related areas.

N. A. Ashford, C. C. Caldart

IDS.437[J] Technology, Globalization, and Sustainable Development

Same subject as 1.813[J] , 11.466[J] , 15.657[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Investigates sustainable development, taking a broad view to include not only a healthy economic base, but also a sound environment, stable and rewarding employment, adequate purchasing power and earning capacity, distributional equity, national self-reliance, and maintenance of cultural integrity. Explores national, multinational, and international political and legal mechanisms to further sustainable development through transformation of the industrial state. Addresses the importance of technological innovation and the financial crisis of 2008 and the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and inflation, as well as governmental interventions to reduce inequality.

IDS.448 Professional Development: Policy Hackathon

Prereq: None G (Fall) 2-0-4 units

Bridges knowledge to action for student organizers of the MIT Policy Hackathon. Students work with stakeholders to define needs for information and analysis, identify appropriate data sets, and craft problem statements that aim to provide actionable outputs for decision-making. Builds competence in management and organization, networking, presentation, and fundraising. Restricted to the student organizers for the MIT Policy Hackathon.

F. Field, N. E. Selin

IDS.449 Technology Policy Internship and Professional Perspectives Seminar

Prereq: IDS.411 or permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring) 1-1-1 units Can be repeated for credit.

Seminar examines what technology policy is in practice. Considers the question of "Who achieves what, when, how, and why?" regarding technology and policy. Students who completed summer internships present and dissect their experiences with special reference to specific cases in which they participated. Develops perspectives on practice in the field through sessions with alumni, other practitioners, and development professionals within MIT.

IDS.505[J] Engineering, Economics and Regulation of the Electric Power Sector

Same subject as 15.032[J] Prereq: None G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

Presents an in-depth interdisciplinary look at the electric power sector, with regulation providing the link among engineering, economic, legal and environmental viewpoints. Topics include electricity markets, incentive regulation of networks, service reliability, renewable energy sources, network issues, retail competition, tariff design, distributed generation, rural electrification, multinational electricity markets, environmental impacts, and the future of utilities and strategic sustainability issues under traditional and competitive regulatory frameworks. Covers engineering, economic and legal basis to evaluate worldwide regulatory instruments. Regulatory approaches apply in other industrial sectors such as fuel gases, telecoms, transportation, water supply. Provides the basis for research or professional activities in energy sectors in industry, government, and consulting. Permission of instructor required for undergraduates wishing to take the class.

C. Batlle-Lopez, T. Schittekatte

IDS.521[J] Energy Systems for Climate Change Mitigation

Same subject as 1.670[J] , 10.621[J] Subject meets with 1.067[J] , 10.421[J] , IDS.065[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Reviews the contributions of energy systems to global greenhouse gas emissions, and the levers for reducing those emissions. Lectures and projects focus on evaluating energy systems against climate policy goals, using performance metrics such as cost, carbon intensity, and others. Student projects explore pathways for realizing emissions reduction scenarios. Projects address the climate change mitigation potential of energy technologies (hardware and software), technological and behavioral change trajectories, and technology and policy portfolios. Background in energy systems strongly recommended. Students taking the graduate version complete additional assignments and explore the subject in greater depth.

IDS.522 Mapping and Evaluating New Energy Technologies

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Project-based seminar reviews recent developments in energy conversion and storage technologies. Merits of alternative technologies are debated based on their environmental performance and cost, and their potential improvement and scalability. Project teams develop qualitative insights, quantitative models, and interactive visualization tools to inform the future development of technologies. Models may probe how the impact of a technology depends on assumptions about future advancements in performance, and how quantitative performance targets can be estimated to inform investment and design decisions. Other projects may develop models to inform rational investments in a portfolio of technologies based on economic and environmental performance and scalability constraints. Both information-based (e.g., software and codified practices) and physical technologies will be discussed.

IDS.524[J] People and the Planet: Environmental Histories and Engineering

Same subject as 11.204[J] Subject meets with 11.004[J] , STS.033[J] Prereq: None G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-3-6 units

See description under subject 11.204[J] .

A. Slocum, R. Scheffler, J. Trancik

IDS.526[J] Sustainability Science and Engineering

Same subject as 12.845[J] Prereq: None G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-6 units

Introduces and develops core ideas and concepts in the field of sustainability science and engineering from an engineering systems perspective. Takes an interdisciplinary approach to discuss case studies of sustainability systems research. Exposes students to techniques for sustainability research across engineering, natural and social science disciplines. Term projects focus on applying techniques.

IDS.540[J] Environmental Law, Policy, and Economics: Pollution Prevention and Control

Same subject as 1.811[J] , 11.630[J] , 15.663[J] Subject meets with 1.801[J] , 11.021[J] , 17.393[J] , IDS.060[J] Prereq: None G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

IDS.541[J] Regulation of Chemicals, Radiation, and Biotechnology

Same subject as 1.812[J] , 11.631[J] Subject meets with 1.802[J] , 10.805[J] , 11.022[J] , IDS.061[J] , IDS.436[J] Prereq: IDS.540[J] or permission of instructor G (Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

Focuses on policy design and evaluation in the regulation of hazardous substances and processes. Includes risk assessment, industrial chemicals, pesticides, food contaminants, pharmaceuticals, radiation and radioactive wastes, product safety, workplace hazards, indoor air pollution, biotechnology, victims' compensation, and administrative law. Health and economic consequences of regulation, as well as its potential to spur technological change, are discussed for each regulator regime. Students taking the graduate version are expected to explore the subject in greater depth.

N. Ashford, C.Caldart

IDS.620[J] Principles and Practice of Drug Development

Same subject as 10.547[J] , 15.136[J] , HST.920[J] Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-6 units

See description under subject 15.136[J] .

S. Finkelstein, A. J. Sinskey, R. Rubin

IDS.670[J] Planning and Design of Airport Systems

Same subject as 1.231[J] , 16.781[J] Prereq: None Acad Year 2024-2025: G (Spring) Acad Year 2025-2026: Not offered 3-0-9 units

Focuses on current practice, developing trends, and advanced concepts in airport design and planning. Considers economic, environmental, and other trade-offs related to airport location, as well as the impacts of emphasizing "green" measures. Includes an analysis of the effect of airline operations on airports. Topics include demand prediction, determination of airfield capacity, and estimation of levels of congestion; terminal design; the role of airports in the aviation and transportation system; access problems; optimal configuration of air transport networks and implications for airport development; and economics, financing, and institutional aspects. Special attention to international practice and developments.

R. de Neufville, A. R. Odoni

IDS.675[J] Transportation: Foundations and Methods

Same subject as 1.200[J] , 11.544[J] Subject meets with 1.041[J] , IDS.075[J] Prereq: 1.000 , ( 1.00 and 1.010 ), or permission of instructor G (Spring) 3-1-8 units

See description under subject 1.200[J] .

IDS.700[J] Applied Probability and Stochastic Models

Same subject as 1.203[J] , 15.073[J] Prereq: 6.3700 or 18.600 G (Fall) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 15.073[J] .

IDS.730[J] Logistics Systems

Same subject as 1.260[J] , 15.770[J] , SCM.260[J] Subject meets with SCM.271 Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject SCM.260[J] .

C. Caplice, D. Correll

IDS.735[J] Supply Chain Analytics

Same subject as 1.273[J] , 15.762[J] Prereq: 15.761 or SCM.260[J] G (Spring) 3-0-9 units

See description under subject 15.762[J] .

N. Trichakis, S. Willems

IDS.736[J] Supply Chain: Capacity Analytics

Same subject as 1.274[J] , 15.763[J] Prereq: 15.761 , 15.778 , or SCM.260[J] G (Spring; second half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department 2-0-4 units

See description under subject 15.763[J] .

S.  Graves, N. Trichakis, S. Willems

IDS.900 Doctoral Seminar in Social and Engineering Systems

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall) 2-0-1 units

Introduces doctoral students to IDSS research areas. Preference to first-year students in SES.

A. Jadbabaie

IDS.910 Leadership Development

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall; partial term) Not offered regularly; consult department 1-1-1 units

Seminar environment created to develop leadership capabilities, and to take advantage of leadership opportunities. An initial Outward Bound experience builds trust, teamwork and communications. Readings and assignments emphasize the characteristics of desired leadership skills. Global leaders participate in the Leadership Lunch series to share their experiences and recommendations. Discussions explore leadership development. Culminates in a personal leadership plan. Restricted to entering students in the Technology and Policy program or instructor permission.

IDS.950 Independent Study in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: Permission of IDSS Academic Office G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For graduate students in IDSS. Individual study in data, systems, and society. Intended to expose student to expert-level domain material. Supervised by a member of MIT's teaching staff.

Consult IDSS Academic Office

IDS.951 Independent Study in Technology and Policy

Prereq: Permission of TPP Education Office G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For graduate students in TPP. Individual study in technology and policy. Intended to expose student to expert-level domain material. Supervised by a member of MIT's teaching staff.

Consult TPP Education Office

IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: None G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For IDSS doctoral students participating in off-campus practical experiences in data, systems, and society. Before registering for this subject students must have a training offer from a company or organization, must identify a research advisor, and must receive prior approval from the IDSS Academic Office. Upon completion of the experience students must submit a letter from the company or organization describing the goals accomplished and a substantive final report to the MIT advisor.

IDS.956 Practical Experience in Technology and Policy

Prereq: None G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F]

For TPP students participating in off-campus internship experiences in technology and policy. Before registering for this subject, students must have an employment offer from a company or organization, must identify a research advisor, and must receive prior approval from the TPP Education Office. Upon completion of the internship, student must submit a letter from the employer describing the work accomplished, along with a substantive final report from the student approved by the MIT advisor.

Consult TPP Education Office

IDS.957 Practical Experience in Data Analysis

For doctoral students in the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics participating in off-campus practical experiences in data analysis in programs where practical experience is accepted. Before registering for this subject students must have a training offer from a company or organization, must identify a research advisor, and must receive prior approval from the IDSS Academic Office. Upon completion of the experience, students must submit a letter from the company or organization describing the goals accomplished and a substantive final report to the MIT advisor discussing how data science and statistical tools were used during their experience and any interesting problems, applications, or results.

IDS.960 Teaching in Data, Systems, and Society

For Teaching Trainees in IDSS. Laboratory, tutorial, or classroom teaching under supervision of a faculty member. Restricted to doctoral students in IDSS who have completed requisite modules and training.

IDS.961 Teaching in Technology and Policy

Prereq: None G (Fall, IAP, Spring) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For Teaching Assistants in TPP, in cases where teaching assignment is approved for academic credit. Laboratory, tutorial, or classroom teaching under supervision of a faculty member. Credit for this subject may not be used for any degree granted by IDSS.

Consult TPP Academic Office

IDS.970 Pre-Thesis Research in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: None G (Fall, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

For doctoral students defining their dissertation topic in IDSS. Covers all activities leading to an acceptable thesis proposal and approved for academic credit by the student's academic program. Includes identifying a research advisor and program planning. Culminates in a thesis proposal, approved by a complete doctoral committee, with working title, abstract, problem summary, significance, literature review, approach, timeline, and references. Academic advisor monitors student progress until a research advisor is identified. Restricted to doctoral students in IDSS.

IDS.971 Research in Technology and Policy

Prereq: None G (Fall, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

For research assistants in TPP when assigned research is not used for thesis, but is approved for academic credit. Credit for this subject may not be used for any degree granted by IDSS.

IDS.C57[J] Optimization Methods (New)

Same subject as 6.C57[J] , 15.C57[J] Subject meets with 6.C571[J] , 15.C571[J] Prereq: 18.C06[J] or permission of instructor G (Fall) 4-0-8 units

See description under subject 15.C57[J] .

A. Jacquillat

IDS.S00 Special Undergraduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Opportunity for study of topics in Data, Systems, and Society not otherwise included in the curriculum. Offerings initiated by faculty on an ad hoc basis subject to IDSS approval.

IDS.S01 Special Undergraduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Opportunity for study of topics in Data, Systems, and Society not otherwise included in the curriculum at MIT. Offerings are initiated by faculty on an ad-hoc basis subject to IDSS approval.

IDS.S10 Special Undergraduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: Permission of instructor U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

IDS.S11 Special Undergraduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

IDS.S20 Special Graduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Opportunity for study of advanced topics in Data, Systems, and Society not otherwise included in the curriculum at MIT. Offerings are initiated by faculty on an ad-hoc basis subject to IDSS approval.

IDS.S21 Special Graduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Information: Consult IDSS Academic Office

IDS.S22 Special Graduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Ids.s23 special graduate subject in data, systems, and society, ids.s24 special graduate subject in data, systems, and society.

Prereq: Permission of instructor G (Fall, Spring) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

IDS.S30 Special Graduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: None G (Summer) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

Opportunity for study of advanced topics in Data, Systems, and Society not otherwise included in the curriculum. Offerings are initiated by faculty on an ad-hoc basis subject to IDSS approval.

IDS.S31 Special Graduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Opportunity for individual or group study of advanced topics in Data, Systems, and Society not otherwise included in the curriculum at MIT. Offerings are initiated by faculty on an ad-hoc basis subject to IDSS approval.

IDS.S32 Special Graduate Subject in Data, Systems, and Society

Prereq: None G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Not offered regularly; consult department Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

IDS.THG Graduate Thesis

Prereq: IDS.970 or permission of instructor G (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

Program of research, leading to the writing of an SM or PhD thesis to be arranged by the student with a member of the IDSS faculty. A minimum of 24 thesis units are required for the SM degree. Doctoral students must first complete IDS.970 .

IDS.UR Undergraduate Research

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged [P/D/F] Can be repeated for credit.

Undergraduate research opportunities in Data, Systems, and Society.

IDSS Academic Office

IDS.URG Undergraduate Research

Prereq: None U (Fall, IAP, Spring, Summer) Units arranged Can be repeated for credit.

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The PDF includes all information on this page and its related tabs. Subject (course) information includes any changes approved for the current academic year.

• External Advisory Board
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• SES Admissions

SES seeks applicants with diverse backgrounds, preparation, and experiences. An ideal candidate will demonstrate academic excellence in engineering, applied math, or a quantitative social science. They will be motivated to solve concrete and complex societal problems with technological aspects, and they will have sought out research or applied work with these types of systems. Master’s degree and work experience are not required.

Applications open September 15 and are due December 15. In addition to the material available here, the SES Admissions Webinar provides a thorough overview of the doctoral program.

Frequently Asked Questions about Admissions

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Get to Know Us

• SES News includes examples of current student research and impact.
• The Data Nation podcast features IDSS faculty research.
• IDSS News covers current research by faculty and students.
• Research groups’ and faculty members’ websites can also be good sources of information about research happening at MIT and IDSS.
• MIT Division of Student Life
• Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life
• cost of attendance estimates
• on-campus or off-campus housing
• MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and MIT Health
• MIT Spouses and Partners
• MIT Student Disability and Access Services (DAS)
• And many, many more communities and networks , including: international students, women, LGBTQ+, students of color, first-generation students, low-income students, veterans, …

Additionally, admitted applicants who are new to MIT are matched with a student mentor who can provide first-hand insight about student life.

• Schedule a meeting with the SES Admissions Coordinator, Arlyn Hertz, by writing to idss_academic_office ‘at’ mit.edu.
• Schedule a campus tour with the MIT Undergraduate Admissions Office .
• Attend an Admissions Virtual Q&A session. These are a follow-up session for the pre-recorded SES Admissions Webinar .

My Background

• Students with a background in engineering or applied mathematics. These applicants should be interested in learning about the social sciences and translating their skills to a particular domain, or interested in incorporating the social or economic aspects of their research problem into their work.
• Students with a background in social science – particularly those with a background in quantitative analysis. These applicants should be interested in learning advanced quantitative methods, and in applying their skills to domains of interest, while also taking into account engineering aspects.

The MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science is a separate, stand-alone, professional certificate offered by MITx and delivered by edX.

While the MicroMasters program is not required to apply to SES, it can be beneficial for applicants who do not have previous, substantial coursework in statistics and data science at the undergraduate or graduate level. The MicroMasters program credential demonstrates preparation in the statistics and data science fundamentals expected of SES students. MicroMasters learners admitted to SES can expect that their MicroMasters program coursework will be recognized with credit for corresponding SES core classes and requirements.

Note that the MicroMasters program is not a degree-granting program and therefore cannot satisfy the SES requirement for a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• computer programming
• ability to communicate technical material
• for social science backgrounds: preliminary experience in engineering and/or quantitative methods is desirable
• for engineering backgrounds: preliminary experience in social science is desirable

The Application

• Background: (300 words max) Relate how your personal background has influenced your choice to pursue SES and how your experience and perspective would enhance the IDSS community.
• Research Interests: (500 words max) Explore one or two areas of overlap between your interests and IDSS-related work. You are encouraged to mention specific research and researchers whose work interests you.
• Purpose: (300 words max) Describe your motivations and goals for pursuing an SES doctoral program.
• Transcripts from all the universities, colleges, junior colleges, and other institutions of higher-learning that you have attended.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons who know you and are in the best position to evaluate your research and academic potential. (When possible, it is recommended that at least two of these are from faculty members.)
• Proof of English proficiency . (see ‘How do I demonstrate that my English is at the required level?’ for details below.)
• A curriculum vitae or resume

Applicants to SES have the option to submit GRE scores. Ultimately, whether or not to do so is a judgement call applicants must make for themselves. If applicants are able to submit GRE scores and believe it enhances their application, then it is recommended to meet or surpass the following minimum Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores (in the current scoring format):

• 157 on the Verbal section (150 for non-native English speakers) For older testing formats this translates to roughly the 75 th percentile for native English speakers, and the 45 th percentile for non-native English speakers.
• 159 on the Quantitative section For older testing formats, this translates to roughly the 75 th percentile.
• and 4.0 on the Analytical Writing section.

Note that these are minimal expectations and admission to SES is competitive.

Electronic reporting, using the MIT reporting code: 3514, is preferred. Paper score reports may be sent to:

MIT IDSS–DOC 77 Massachusetts Ave., E17-375 Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 USA

Applicants who submit GRE scores should supply recent scores . If you believe you have previous GRE scores on file with MIT (e.g., from an application to another MIT department) you may write to idss_academic_office ‘at’ mit.edu to verify that your scores are available.

Subject tests are not required.

It is possible to arrange accommodations for test-takers with documented disabilities or health needs.

• Completing their entire secondary education (e.g., high-school), or four consecutive years of post-secondary education (university, college, junior college, etc.), at an accredited school where the official language of instruction is exclusively English. or
• Taking the International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ) exam, academic format . The minimum IELTS score expected is 7.5. Online exam administration is OK. Accommodations can be arranged by test-takers with documented disabilities or health needs. or
• Only if IELTS and Cambridge English Qualification are not accessible, will TOEFL iBT scores be accepted. The expected minimum is 100. Accommodations can be arranged by test-takers with documented disabilities or health needs. MIT reporting code: 3514. Please briefly explain the constraint in the ‘Additional Information’ essay. E.g., ‘IELTS and Cambridge English are not available in [my country].’
• IELTS or Cambridge English Qualification are strongly preferred when possible.

Electronic score reports are preferred. Where electronic reporting is not available, paper score reports may be sent to:

Once an applicant is admitted, only then will they be required to send official, final transcripts (with certified translations, as applicable) to:

Decisions and Beyond

Next section > ses program and resources.

MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 617-253-1764

• Accessibility
• Initiative on Combatting Systemic Racism
• IDSS COVID-19 Collaboration (Isolat)
• Energy Systems
• Health Care
• Social Networks
• Urban Systems
• SES Program and Resources
• SES Funding
• SES + Statistics
• SES Graduates
• Data Science and Machine Learning: Making Data-Driven Decisions
• Online Programs and Short Courses
• Conferences and Workshops
• IDSS Distinguished Seminar Series
• IDSS Special Seminars
• Stochastics and Statistics Seminar Series
• Research to Policy Engagement
• IDS.190 – Topics in Bayesian Modeling and Computation
• Online Events
• Other Events
• Great Learning
• Partnerships in Education
• Partnerships in Research

We have 5 Social Work (social engineering) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Social Work (social engineering) PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Extending social perception theories to advertising context, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Self-Funded PhD Students Only

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Improving the effectiveness of social advertising

Ucl secret: the international training centre for security and crime research degrees, funded phd programme (uk students only).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students may receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.

Using interpersonal touch as a means to improve carer and patient relationship

Advancing inclusive and equitable approaches for anticipatory climate change actions.

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