online phd programs mit

PhD Program

Year after year, our top-ranked PhD program sets the standard for graduate economics training across the country. Graduate students work closely with our world-class faculty to develop their own research and prepare to make impactful contributions to the field.

Our doctoral program enrolls 20-24 full-time students each year and students complete their degree in five to six years. Students undertake core coursework in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics, and econometrics, and are expected to complete two major and two minor fields in economics. Beyond the classroom, doctoral students work in close collaboration with faculty to develop their research capabilities, gaining hands-on experience in both theoretical and empirical projects.

How to apply

Students are admitted to the program once per year for entry in the fall. The online application opens on September 15 and closes on December 15.

Meet our students

Our PhD graduates go on to teach in leading economics departments, business schools, and schools of public policy, or pursue influential careers with organizations and businesses around the world. 

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PhD in Physics, Statistics, and Data Science

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Many PhD students in the MIT Physics Department incorporate probability, statistics, computation, and data analysis into their research. These techniques are becoming increasingly important for both experimental and theoretical Physics research, with ever-growing datasets, more sophisticated physics simulations, and the development of cutting-edge machine learning tools. The Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics (IDPS)  is designed to provide students with the highest level of competency in 21st century statistics, enabling doctoral students across MIT to better integrate computation and data analysis into their PhD thesis research.

Admission to this program is restricted to students currently enrolled in the Physics doctoral program or another participating MIT doctoral program. In addition to satisfying all of the requirements of the Physics PhD, students take one subject each in probability, statistics, computation and statistics, and data analysis, as well as the Doctoral Seminar in Statistics, and they write a dissertation in Physics utilizing statistical methods. Graduates of the program will receive their doctoral degree in the field of “Physics, Statistics, and Data Science.”

Doctoral students in Physics may submit an Interdisciplinary PhD in Statistics Form between the end of their second semester and penultimate semester in their Physics program. The application must include an endorsement from the student’s advisor, an up-to-date CV, current transcript, and a 1-2 page statement of interest in Statistics and Data Science.

The statement of interest can be based on the student’s thesis proposal for the Physics Department, but it must demonstrate that statistical methods will be used in a substantial way in the proposed research. In their statement, applicants are encouraged to explain how specific statistical techniques would be applied in their research. Applicants should further highlight ways that their proposed research might advance the use of statistics and data science, both in their physics subfield and potentially in other disciplines. If the work is part of a larger collaborative effort, the applicant should focus on their personal contributions.

For access to the selection form or for further information, please contact the IDSS Academic Office at  [email protected] .

Required Courses

Courses in this list that satisfy the Physics PhD degree requirements can count for both programs. Other similar or more advanced courses can count towards the “Computation & Statistics” and “Data Analysis” requirements, with permission from the program co-chairs. The IDS.190 requirement may be satisfied instead by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems, and Society, if that experience exposes the student to a diverse set of topics in statistics and data science. Making this substitution requires permission from the program co-chairs prior to doing the practical experience.

• IDS.190 – Doctoral Seminar in Statistics and Data Science ( may be substituted by IDS.955 Practical Experience in Data, Systems and Society )
• 6.7700[J] Fundamentals of Probability or
• 18.675 – Theory of Probability
• 6.S951 Modern Mathematical Statistics or
• 18.655 – Mathematical Statistics or
• 18.6501 – Fundamentals of Statistics or
• IDS.160[J] – Mathematical Statistics: A Non-Asymptotic Approach
• 6.C01/6.C51 – Modeling with Machine Learning: From Algorithms to Applications or
• 6.7810 Algorithms for Inference or
• 6.8610 (6.864) Advanced Natural Language Processing or
• 6.7900 (6.867) Machine Learning or
• 6.8710 (6.874) Computational Systems Biology: Deep Learning in the Life Sciences or
• 9.520[J] – Statistical Learning Theory and Applications or
• 16.940 – Numerical Methods for Stochastic Modeling and Inference or
• 18.337 – Numerical Computing and Interactive Software
• 8.316 – Data Science in Physics or
• 6.8300 (6.869) Advances in Computer Vision or
• 8.334 – Statistical Mechanics II or
• 8.371[J] – Quantum Information Science or
• 8.591[J] – Systems Biology or
• 8.592[J] – Statistical Physics in Biology or
• 8.942 – Cosmology or
• 9.583 – Functional MRI: Data Acquisition and Analysis or
• 16.456[J] – Biomedical Signal and Image Processing or
• 18.367 – Waves and Imaging or
• IDS.131[J] – Statistics, Computation, and Applications

Grade Policy

C, D, F, and O grades are unacceptable. Students should not earn more B grades than A grades, reflected by a PhysSDS GPA of ≥ 4.5. Students may be required to retake subjects graded B or lower, although generally one B grade will be tolerated.

Unless approved by the PhysSDS co-chairs, a minimum grade of B+ is required in all 12 unit courses, except IDS.190 (3 units) which requires a P grade.

Though not required, it is strongly encouraged for a member of the MIT  Statistics and Data Science Center (SDSC)  to serve on a student’s doctoral committee. This could be an SDSC member from the Physics department or from another field relevant to the proposed thesis research.

Thesis Proposal

All students must submit a thesis proposal using the standard Physics format. Dissertation research must involve the utilization of statistical methods in a substantial way.

PhysSDS Committee

• Jesse Thaler (co-chair)
• Mike Williams (co-chair)
• Isaac Chuang
• Janet Conrad
• William Detmold
• Philip Harris
• Jacqueline Hewitt
• Kiyoshi Masui
• Leonid Mirny
• Christoph Paus
• Phiala Shanahan
• Marin Soljačić
• Washington Taylor
• Max Tegmark

Can I satisfy the requirements with courses taken at Harvard?

Harvard CompSci 181 will count as the equivalent of MIT’s 6.867.  For the status of other courses, please contact the program co-chairs.

Can a course count both for the Physics degree requirements and the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible, as long as the courses are already on the approved list of requirements. E.g. 8.592 can count as a breadth requirement for a NUPAX student as well as a Data Analysis requirement for the PhysSDS degree.

If I have previous experience in Probability and/or Statistics, can I test out of these requirements?

These courses are required by all of the IDPS degrees. They are meant to ensure that all students obtaining an IDPS degree share the same solid grounding in these fundamentals, and to help build a community of IDPS students across the various disciplines. Only in exceptional cases might it be possible to substitute more advanced courses in these areas.

Can I substitute a similar or more advanced course for the PhysSDS requirements?

Yes, this is possible for the “computation and statistics” and “data analysis” requirements, with permission of program co-chairs. Substitutions for the “probability” and “statistics” requirements will only be granted in exceptional cases.

For Spring 2021, the following course has been approved as a substitution for the “computation and statistics” requirement:   18.408 (Theoretical Foundations for Deep Learning) .

The following course has been approved as a substitution for the “data analysis” requirement:   6.481 (Introduction to Statistical Data Analysis) .

Can I apply for the PhysSDS degree in my last semester at MIT?

No, you must apply no later than your penultimate semester.

What does it mean to use statistical methods in a “substantial way” in one’s thesis?

The ideal case is that one’s thesis advances statistics research independent of the Physics applications. Advancing the use of statistical methods in one’s subfield of Physics would also qualify. Applying well-established statistical methods in one’s thesis could qualify, if the application is central to the Physics result. In all cases, we expect the student to demonstrate mastery of statistics and data science.

Brain and Cognitive Sciences PhD Program

Graduate students in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences are among the sharpest, most innovative brain scientists to be found anywhere. In a given year the department admits less than 5 percent of applicants, and our PhD program is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Students work hard to get here, and they are highly valued in the BCS community.

Innovative:  Our students often take on riskier projects and pilot studies that probe the edges of our technical and scientific knowledge. They can move among projects more easily, and their successes lay the foundation for not only their careers but the future directions of their mentors’ labs.

Collaborative:  Our students bring bold, fresh thinking to the department, and exploring these potentially transformative ideas often means reaching across boundaries of lab, center, and department to build new collaborations. Graduate students help BCS mesh with the rest of MIT.

Supportive: Graduate students are the most frequent mentors of undergraduate students in UROPs , actively guiding and developing those who will become the next generation of top-tier graduate students. BCS graduate students also are helping make sure the department is a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community.

Overview of the Program

Graduate students in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences work with an advisor and advisory committee to pursue an innovative and rigorous program of original research. Students should aim to complete their PhD in five to six years.  

• Students take three to four of their required six courses
• Students complete required Responsible Conduct in Science training.
• Students complete a minimum of three lab rotations by March 31.
• Students select a thesis advisor by April 30.    
• Students complete the remaining two to three of their academic course requirements by the end of the Spring Term.
• Students complete teaching assistant training and their first teaching (TA) requirement.
• Students form their qualifying exam advisory committee, have their first committee meeting, and turn in the completed committee meeting form to BCS HQ by the end of the Spring Term. 
• Students should plan which activities they will participate in to fulfill the professional development requirement .
• Students complete the second teaching requirement.
• Students complete the written and oral qualifying exam in October or November.
• Students form a thesis committee, submit a written thesis proposal to their committee, orally present their proposal to the thesis committee, and receive committee approval, before the end of the Spring Term.
• Students fulfill their professional development requirement by the end of the Summer term of their fourth year.
• Students must meet with their thesis committee once per year.
• Students take the final steps to completing the PhD oral examination (also known as the thesis defense) and submission of the approved written dissertation.

For detailed information on courses, rotations, and other program requirements, see Program Details .

MEMP PhD Program

Hst’s memp phd program, is this program a good fit for me.

HST’s Medical Engineering and Medical Physics (MEMP) PhD program offers a unique curriculum for engineers and scientists who want to impact patient care by developing innovations to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. We're committed to welcoming applicants from a wide range of communities, backgrounds, and experiences.

How is HST’s MEMP PhD program different from other PhD programs?

As a MEMP student, you’ll choose one of 11 technical concentrations and design an individualized curriculum to ground yourself in the foundations of that discipline. You’ll study medical sciences alongside MD students and become fluent in the language and culture of medicine through structured clinical experiences. You’ll select a research project from among laboratories at MIT, Harvard, affiliated hospitals and research institutes , then tackle important questions through the multiple lenses of your technical discipline and your medical training. As a result, you will learn how to ask better questions, identify promising research areas, and translate research findings into real-world medical practice.

What degree will I earn?

You’ll earn a PhD awarded by MIT or by the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

What can I do with this degree?

Lead pioneering efforts that translate technical work into innovations that improve human health and shape the future of medicine.

How long will it take me to earn a PhD in HST’s MEMP program?

Similar to other PhD programs in MIT's School of Engineering, the average time-to-degree for MEMP PhD students is less than six years.

What are the degree requirements?

Science / engineering.

Choose one of the established concentration areas and select four courses from the approved list for the chosen area. Current MEMP concentration areas are:

• Aeronautics & Astronautics
• Biological Engineering
• Brain & Cognitive Sciences
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering

Harvard MEMPs fulfill Basic Science/Engineering Concentration and Qualifying Exam through their collaborating department (SEAS or Biophysics).

Biomedical Sciences and Clinical Requirements

Biomedical sciences core.

• HST030 or HST034: Human Pathology
• HST160: Genetics in Modern Medicine
• HST090: Cardiovascular Pathophysiology

Restricted Electives - two full courses required*

• HST010: Human Anatomy
• HST020: Musculoskeletal Pathophysiology*
• HST100: Respiratory Pathophysiology**
• HST110: Renal Pathophysiology**
• HST130: Introduction to Neuroscience
• HST162: Molecular Diagnostics and Bioinformatics*
•  HST164: Principles of Biomedical Imaging*
• HST175: Cellular & Molecular Immunology

*  May combine two half-courses to count as one full course **Must choose at least one of HST100, HST110

Clinical Core

• HST201: Intro. to Clinical Medicine I and HST202: Intro. to Clinical Medicine II
• HST207: Intro. to Clinical Medicine

PhD Thesis Guide

Letter of intent #1:.

Research advisor and topic. Due by April 30 of 2nd year.

Letter of Intent #2:

Tentative thesis committee. Due by April 30 of 3rd year.

Thesis proposal:

Defended before thesis committee. Due by April 30 of 4th year.

Final Thesis:

Public defense and submission of final thesis document.

Harvard MEMPs must an electronic copy of the final thesis including the signed cover sheet. Harvard MEMPs should not register for HST.ThG.

Qualifying Exam

TQE: Technical qualification based on performance in four concentration area courses and Pathology

OQE: Oral examination to evaluate ability to integrate information from diverse sources into a coherent research proposal and to defend that proposal

Professional Skills

Hst500: frontiers in (bio)medical engineering and physics.

Required spring of first year

HST590: Biomedical Engineering Seminar

Required fall semester of first year. Minimum of four semesters required; one on responsible conduct of research and three electives. Topics rotate.

Required for all MEMP students. (Biophysics students may substitute MedSci 300 for HST590 term on responsible conduct of research.)

Professional Perspectives 

Required once during PhD enrollment 

What can I expect?

You’ll begin by choosing a concentration in a classical discipline of engineering or physical science. During your first two years in HST, you’ll complete a series of courses to learn the fundamentals of your chosen area.

In parallel, you’ll become conversant in the biomedical sciences through preclinical coursework in pathology and pathophysiology, learning side-by-side with HST MD students.

With that foundation, you’ll engage in truly immersive clinical experiences, gaining a hands-on understanding of clinical care, medical decision-making, and the role of technology in medical practice. These experiences will help you become fluent in the language and culture of medicine and gain a first-hand understanding of the opportunities for — and constraints on — applying scientific and technological innovations in health care.

You’ll also take part in two seminar classes that help you to integrate science and engineering with medicine, while developing your professional skills. Then you’ll design an individualized professional perspectives experience that allows you to explore career paths in an area of your choice:  academia, medicine, industry, entrepreneurship, or the public sector.

A two-stage qualifying examination tests your proficiency in your concentration area, your skill at integrating information from diverse sources into a coherent research proposal, and your ability to defend that research proposal in an oral presentation.

Finally, as the culmination of your training, you’ll investigate an important problem at the intersection of science, technology, and medicine through an individualized thesis research project, with opportunities to be mentored by faculty in laboratories at MIT, Harvard, and affiliated teaching hospitals.

Interested in applying? Learn about the application process here.

HST MEMP grad Carmen Martin Alonso looks ahead to a bright future as a medical researcher

Academic Programs

• CSE PhD Overview
• Dept-CSE PhD Overview
• CSE Doctoral Theses
• Program Overview and Curriculum
• For New CCSE Students
• Terms of Reference

MIT Doctoral Programs in Computational Science and Engineering

The Center for Computational Science and Engineering (CCSE) offers two doctoral programs in computational science and engineering (CSE) – one leading to a standalone PhD degree in CSE offered entirely by CCSE (CSE PhD) and the other leading to an interdisciplinary PhD degree offered jointly with participating departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science (Dept-CSE PhD).

While both programs enable students to specialize at the doctoral level in a computation-related field via focused coursework and a thesis, they differ in essential ways. The standalone CSE PhD program is intended for students who intend to pursue research in cross-cutting methodological aspects of computational science. The resulting doctoral degree in Computational Science and Engineering is awarded by CCSE via the the Schwarzman College of Computing. In contrast, the interdisciplinary CSE PhD program is intended for students who are interested in computation in the context of a specific engineering or science discipline. For this reason, this degree is offered jointly with participating departments across the Institute; the interdisciplinary degree is awarded in a specially crafted thesis field that recognizes the student’s specialization in computation within the chosen engineering or science discipline.

For more information about CCSE’s doctoral programs, please explore the links on the left. Information about our application and admission process is available via the ‘ Admissions ‘ tab in our menu. MIT Registrar’s Office provides graduate tuition and fee rates as set by the MIT Corporation and the Graduate Admissions section of MIT’s Office of Graduate Education (OGE) website contains additional information about costs of attendance and funding .

Graduate Program

Pushing the Scholarly Frontier

PhD in Political Science

Our doctoral students are advancing political science as a discipline. They explore the empirical phenomena that produce new scholarly insights—insights that improve the way governments and societies function. As a result, MIT Political Science graduates are sought after for top teaching and research positions in the U.S. and abroad. Read where program alumni are working around the world.

How the PhD program works

The MIT PhD in Political Science requires preparation in two of these major fields:

• American Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Models and Methods
• Political Economy
• Security Studies

We recommend that you take a broad array of courses across your two major fields. In some cases, a single course may overlap across the subject matter of both fields. You may not use more than one such course to "double count" for the course distribution requirement. Keep in mind that specific fields may have additional requirements.

You are free to take subjects in other departments across the Institute. Cross-registration arrangements also permit enrollment in subjects taught in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and in some of Harvard's other graduate schools.

Requirements

1. number of subjects.

You will need two full academic years of work to prepare for the general examinations and to meet other pre-dissertation requirements. Typically, a minimum of eight graduate subjects are required for a PhD.

2. Scope and Methods

This required one-semester seminar for first-year students introduces principles of empirical and theoretical analysis in political science.

3. Statistics

You must successfully complete at least one class in statistics.

You must successfully complete at least one class in empirical research methods.

5. Philosophy

You must successfully complete at least one class in political philosophy.

6. Foreign language or advanced statistics

You must demonstrate reading proficiency in one language other than English by successfully completing two semesters of intermediate-level coursework or an exam in that language, or you must demonstrate your knowledge of advanced statistics by successfully completing three semesters of coursework in advanced statistics. International students whose native language is not English are not subject to the language requirement.

7. Field research

We encourage you to conduct field research and to develop close working ties with faculty members engaged in major research activities.

8. Second Year Paper/workshop

You must complete an article-length research paper and related workshop in the spring semester of the second year. The second-year paper often develops into a dissertation project.

9. Two examinations

In each of your two elected fields, you must take a general written and oral examination. To prepare for these examinations, you should take at least three courses in each of the two fields, including the field seminar.

10. Doctoral thesis

As a rule, the doctoral thesis requires at least one year of original research and data collection. Writing the dissertation usually takes a substantially longer time. The thesis process includes a first and second colloquium and an oral defense. Be sure to consult the MIT Specifications for Thesis Preparation as well as the MIT Political Science Thesis Guidelines . Consult the MIT academic calendar to learn the due date for final submission of your defended, signed thesis.

Questions? Consult the MIT Political Science Departmental Handbook or a member of the staff in the MIT Political Science Graduate Office .

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Discover & explore

Why choose MIT? Our own graduate students have asked this very same question, and have shared their insights through insightful blog posts . Diverse students explore topics from choosing an advisor to balancing mental health and wellness.

Incoming students

We’re excited to welcome you to MIT! As you prepare to come to Cambridge, lean on these important updates and helpful resources .

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Which program is right for you?

Through intellectual rigor and experiential learning, this full-time, two-year MBA program develops leaders who make a difference in the world.

Earn your MBA and SM in engineering with this transformative two-year program.

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A 12-month program focused on applying the tools of modern data science, optimization and machine learning to solve real-world business problems.

Combine an international MBA with a deep dive into management science. A special opportunity for partner and affiliate schools only.

A doctoral program that produces outstanding scholars who are leading in their fields of research.

Bring a business perspective to your technical and quantitative expertise with a bachelor’s degree in management, business analytics, or finance.

Apply now and work for two to five years. We'll save you a seat in our MBA class when you're ready to come back to campus for your degree.

Executive Programs

The 20-month program teaches the science of management to mid-career leaders who want to move from success to significance.

A full-time MBA program for mid-career leaders eager to dedicate one year of discovery for a lifetime of impact.

A joint program for mid-career professionals that integrates engineering and systems thinking. Earn your master’s degree in engineering and management.

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Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) embraces two areas: the organization, development, and commercialization of technology-based innovation in existing firms; and the formation, development, and growth of technology-based new enterprises. Students can integrate these areas in their studies or approach them as distinct elements.

For 40 years, MIT Sloan faculty and their graduate students have distinguished themselves with the breadth and depth of their managerial research and curriculum on all aspects of the management of research, development, technology-based innovation, and technological entrepreneurship. This group also initiated—and now runs—the  MIT Entrepreneurship Center . The E-Center, with its extensive multi-disciplinary curriculum and its wide-ranging program of student activities, also sponsors the nation's premier business plan competition, the  MIT $100K .

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Doctoral Programs in Computational Science and Engineering

Doctor of philosophy in computational science and engineering, program requirements.

Programs Offered by CCSE in Conjunction with Select Departments in the Schools of Engineering and Science

The interdisciplinary doctoral program in Computational Science and Engineering ( PhD in CSE + Engineering or Science ) offers students the opportunity to specialize at the doctoral level in a computation-related field of their choice via computationally-oriented coursework and a doctoral thesis with a disciplinary focus related to one of eight participating host departments, namely, Aeronautics and Astronautics; Chemical Engineering; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences; Materials Science and Engineering; Mathematics; Mechanical Engineering; or Nuclear Science and Engineering.

Doctoral thesis fields associated with each department are as follows:

• Aerospace Engineering and Computational Science
• Computational Science and Engineering (available only to students who matriculate in 2023–2024 or earlier)
• Chemical Engineering and Computation
• Civil Engineering and Computation
• Environmental Engineering and Computation
• Computational Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering and Computation
• Computational Nuclear Science and Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering and Computation
• Computational Earth, Science and Planetary Sciences
• Mathematics and Computational Science

As with the standalone CSE PhD program, the emphasis of thesis research activities is the development of new computational methods and/or the innovative application of state-of-the-art computational techniques to important problems in engineering and science. In contrast to the standalone PhD program, however, this research is expected to have a strong disciplinary component of interest to the host department.

The interdisciplinary CSE PhD program is administered jointly by CCSE and the host departments. Students must submit an application to the CSE PhD program, indicating the department in which they wish to be hosted. To gain admission, CSE program applicants must receive approval from both the host department graduate admission committee and the CSE graduate admission committee. See the website for more information about the application process, requirements, and relevant deadlines .

Once admitted, doctoral degree candidates are expected to complete the host department's degree requirements (including qualifying exam) with some deviations relating to coursework, thesis committee composition, and thesis submission that are specific to the CSE program and are discussed in more detail on the CSE website . The most notable coursework requirement associated with this CSE degree is a course of study comprising five graduate subjects in CSE (below).

Computational Concentration Subjects

Note: Students may not use more than 12 units of credit from a "meets with undergraduate" subject to fulfill the CSE curriculum requirements

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Doctoral Programs

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Prepare for Doctoral Programs

Pursuing a PhD is a big endeavor. Most programs take over five years to complete and the academic route frequently requires additional years of postdoctoral research before acquiring an assistant professorship. If you are interested in doctoral studies, there are a few things to keep in mind as your prepare.

• You will want to  illustrate an upward trend in your GPA  as you begin to take more specialized classes. Maintaining your GPA as you challenge yourself with upper level courses will also be important.
• Build relationships with professors, PIs, and advisors who can give you advice and later advocate for you in a letter of recommendation . One on one meetings are an ideal time for your future recommender to get to know you, your interests, and your abilities. Understand that it is critical to receive a recommendation from someone you have conducted research with.

Gain Research Experience

A key component of a strong application to doctoral programs is research experience . As an undergraduate at MIT, you can participate in the  Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) . Seek summer research programs beyond MIT at other universities or national labs. Research experience not only prepares you for graduate school, it’s also a good gauge for how much you will enjoy pursuing a PhD.

Take the GRE

Depending on your areas of study,  you may need to take the general GRE  and a subject area test. Your academic advisor will be able to give you more information about the graduate admissions standards of your discipline. ETS, administrators of the GRE, offers an official prep book that include full-length practice tests pulled from older exams.

•  Many students have found  taking practice tests to be the most helpful  method of preparation for standardized testing, but if you seek more structure, there are classes available through test prep companies.
• Kaplan has a  test prep tuition assistance program  which provides eligible students access to test prep courses. All students can access  free online practice tests  with  Kaplan  and  The Princeton Review .

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Below is a list of the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing’s graduate degree programs. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is awarded interchangeably with the Doctor of Science (ScD).

Prospective students apply to the department or program under which they want to register. Application instructions can be found on each program’s website as well as on the MIT Graduate Admissions website.

Center for Computational Science and Engineering

The Center for Computational Science and Engineering (CCSE) brings together faculty, students, and other researchers across MIT involved in computational science research and education. The center focuses on advancing computational approaches to science and engineering problems, and offers SM and PhD programs in computational science and engineering (CSE).

• Computational Science and Engineering, SM and PhD . Interdisciplinary master’s program emphasizing advanced computational methods and applications. The CSE SM program prepares students with a common core of computational methods that serve all science and engineering disciplines, and an elective component that focuses on particular applications. Doctoral program enables students to specialize in methodological aspects of computational science via focused coursework and a thesis which involves the development and analysis of broadly applicable computational approaches that advance the state of the art.
• Computational Science and Engineering, Interdisciplinary PhD. Doctoral program offered jointly with eight participating departments, focusing on the development of new computational methods relevant to science and engineering disciplines. Students specialize in a computation-related field of their choice through coursework and a doctoral thesis. The specialization in computational science and engineering is highlighted by specially crafted thesis fields. 

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The largest academic department at MIT, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) prepares hundreds of students for leadership roles in academia, industry, government and research. Its world-class faculty have built their careers on pioneering contributions to the field of electrical engineering and computer science — a field which has transformed the world and invented the future within a single lifetime. MIT EECS consistently tops the U.S. News & World Report and other college rankings and is widely recognized for its rigorous and innovative curriculum. A joint venture between the Schwarzman College of Computing and the School of Engineering, EECS (also known as Course 6) is now composed of three overlapping sub-units in electrical engineering (EE), computer science (CS), and artificial intelligence and decision-making (AI+D).

• Computation and Cognition, MEng*. Course 6-9P builds on the Bachelor of Science in Computation and Cognition to provide additional depth in the subject areas through advanced coursework and a substantial thesis.
• Computer Science, PhD
• Computer Science and Engineering, PhD
• Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science, MEng*. New in Fall 2022, Course 6-14P builds on the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science to provide additional depth in economics and EECS through advanced coursework and a substantial thesis.
• Computer Science and Molecular Biology, MEng*. Course 6-7P builds on the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology to provide additional depth in computational biology through coursework and a substantial thesis.
• Electrical Engineering, PhD
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MEng* , SM* , and PhD . Master of Engineering program (Course 6-P) provides the depth of knowledge and the skills needed for advanced graduate study and for professional work, as well as the breadth and perspective essential for engineering leadership. Master of Science program emphasizes one or more of the theoretical or experimental aspects of electrical engineering or computer science as students progress toward their PhD.
• Electrical Engineer / Engineer in Computer Science.** For PhD students who seek more extensive training and research experiences than are possible within the master’s program.
• Thesis Program with Industry, MEng.* Combines the Master of Engineering academic program with periods of industrial practice at affiliated companies. 

* Available only to qualified EECS undergraduates. ** Available only to students in the EECS PhD program who have not already earned a Master’s and to Leaders for Global Operations students.

Institute for Data, Systems, and Society

The Institute for Data, Systems, and Society advances education and research in analytical methods in statistics and data science, and applies these tools along with domain expertise and social science methods to address complex societal challenges in a diverse set of areas such as finance, energy systems, urbanization, social networks, and health.

• Social and Engineering Systems, PhD. Interdisciplinary PhD program focused on addressing societal challenges by combining the analytical tools of statistics and data science with engineering and social science methods.
• Technology and Policy, SM . Master’s program addresses societal challenges through research and education at the intersection of technology and policy.
• Interdisciplinary Doctoral Program in Statistics . For students currently enrolled in a participating MIT doctoral program who wish to develop their understanding of 21st-century statistics and apply these concepts within their chosen field of study. Participating departments and programs: Aeronautics and Astronautics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Economics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Political Science, and Social and Engineering Systems.

Operations Research Center

The Operations Research Center (ORC) offers multidisciplinary graduate programs in operations research and analytics. ORC’s community of scholars and researchers work collaboratively to connect data to decisions in order to solve problems effectively — and impact the world positively.

In conjunction with the MIT Sloan School of Management, ORC offers the following degrees:

• Operations Research, SM and PhD . Master’s program teaches important OR techniques — with an emphasis on practical, real-world applications — through a combination of challenging coursework and hands-on research. Doctoral program provides a thorough understanding of the theory of operations research while teaching students to how to develop and apply operations research methods in practice.
• Business Analytics, MBAn. Specialized advanced master’s degree designed to prepare students for careers in data science and business analytics.

• Online Professional Certificate Programs

Professional Certificate Programs offered by MIT Professional Education formally recognize your development and commitment to advancing your knowledge and skills in a particular field of interest. They provide an in-depth view of the elements that are reshaping our current world, preparing you to face the change with the latest knowledge and skills.

CHOOSE YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS—WE PREPARE YOU TO REACH IT

Digital transformation.

This Professional Certificate Program in Digital Transformation prepares participants to understand the new digital paradigm of the technological revolution in which we are immersed, as well as the most disruptive technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution.

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Industry 4.0

From leading technologies such as IoT and AI to understanding the fundamentals of smart manufacturing and product platforms, we prepare professionals to tackle these challenges head-on and provide them with the knowledge and tools to succeed in the digital age.

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MIT Professional Education collaborates with Esade Business School to deliver, 100% online, a Professional Certificate Program that covers the six key points in digital transformation for lawyers and legal professionals.

Strategic Technology Roadmapping and Innovation

This program is designed to equip professionals with the full range of tools, skills, and knowledge needed to successfully lead their organizations through the complexities of technology implementation, always keeping in mind the human factor of team management.

Learn more about MIT Professional Education’s full Professional Certificate Program portfolio here.

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in this fast-changing environment. 

To master the technical and human skills necessary

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MIT Professional Education offers a number of benefits for participants who successfully complete a Professional Certificate Program:

• 15% discount for MIT Professional Education online programs and short-duration in-person programs.
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Your place will be reserved for one week, starting from the moment your admission is confirmed.

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You will begin your journey towards MIT knowledge.

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How to Apply: Master of Science

To apply for the System Design and Management Master of Science degree in engineering and management, please register as an applicant and complete the online application. For information on applying for the Graduate Certificate in Systems and Product Design, visit this page .

The application for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle will open in September of 2024.

Deadlines and Important Dates

* International citizens are advised to apply by this date to allow adequate time for visa processing if admitted.

Before You Apply

Each year, SDM enrolls 50 to 55 high-potential, mid-career professionals who represent diverse academic and professional backgrounds. These individuals share two common goals: they want to be systems thinkers and they want to lead.

Successful SDM candidates also demonstrate:

• Strong leadership potential
• Systems thinking capability
• A propensity to excel in complex engineering and management situations

Candidate Qualifications

To qualify for the SDM master’s program, candidates must either:

• Hold a B.S. degree in engineering, science, or technology, and have five or more years of professional technical experience with increasing responsibility; or
• Hold an M.S. degree in engineering, science, or technology, and have three or more years of professional experience in a technical field, including some leadership experience.

You may apply while working towards the minimum amount of experience required. For example, an applicant who has a B.S. and four and a half years of work experience may apply, as long as they have completed five years of experience by the time they begin the program.

In addition, candidates should have experience contributing to a product or system development initiative and working with or leading groups.

Application Requirements

Transcripts.

Electronic copies of official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate institutions from which you have received a degree(s) or performed graduate work must be uploaded using our online application form. Uploads may be in the form of a single- or multi-page PDF, or individual JPEG or TIFF image files. 

Transcripts must be in English. Transcripts from international (non-US) institutions must be in English and certified.

Application Fee

The fee for applying to SDM is $90, payable by credit card online when you apply. You will be prompted for payment information after submitting your application.

Waivers for admissions fees are handled by the Office of Graduate Education. Please visit the OGE website to access the fee waiver form and find more information on the waiver process.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation (with the option of one additional letter submission) must be supplied with your application. During the online application process, you will be asked to provide contact information for your recommenders and may choose for them to submit their recommendations electronically.

Recommendations should be completed by individuals who can comment with some certainty about your intellectual and professional achievements and leadership potential. If possible, one recommendation should be completed by an academic source if you have attended a university within the last five years. We do not accept recommendations from family members.

Standardized Tests

Standardized test scores such as the GMAT or GRE are recommended but not required for application to the program. Applications submitted without test scores will be reviewed holistically and without negative inferences. SDM does not have minimum required GMAT or GRE scores for admission. We do have minimum acceptable scores for English proficiency exams; please see the section further down the page for more information.

Additionally, applicants are welcome to submit other pieces of evidence, such as expired test scores (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS), which may assist the Admissions Committee in its evaluation process.

We will accept self-reported test scores by the application deadline, and welcome either traditional or online version of exams.

Test codes for the SDM program*:  

• GMAT: X5X-QS-04 MIT Sloan School of Management-System Design and Management
• GRE: 3537-MASSACHUSETTS INST TECH SYS DE – Grad

If you are taking the GMAT/GRE after submitting your application, please provide the test date. We accept both the GMAT and GRE test results and have no preference for one over the other. 

*Note: SDM’s test codes are different from MIT’s. Please be sure to submit the correct codes to ensure we receive your scores.

All finalists for admission to the System Design & Management (SDM) program are required to attend an on-campus or video/virtual interview prior to receiving a final decision. These applicants will be contacted directly by the SDM Admissions Office.

Additional Requirements

The online application will additionally require you to submit a resume, a statement of objectives, and a leadership essay. You should have these ready at the time of completing the application.

The statement of objectives is a brief essay that asks why you are applying to graduate school and why you are applying to the SDM program. The leadership essay asks you to provide an example of your leadership experience.

Information for International Applicants

Non-native English speakers applying to the master’s program are required to demonstrate proficiency in English if they have not obtained a post-secondary degree at an English language institution. SDM requires the submission of scores on the Cambridge English, IELTS or TOEFL exam.

Cambridge English Qualifications

The Cambridge English Qualifications are English language proficiency exams. We accept the C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency assessments, which measure a student’s English language abilities for graduate studies and competitive professional environments. We expect a CEFR score of 185 or better, and it must be less than 5 years old.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam measures the ability to communicate in English across all four language skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.  We expect an IELTS score of 7.5 or better, and it must be less than 2 years old. No code is required; select “MIT Graduate Admissions” as the reporting option.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The TOEFL exam measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand the English language. 

We expect a TOEFL score of 90 or better, and it must be less than 2 years old. The program code for SDM is  3514 MIT/SDM .

Reapplying to SDM

Those reapplying to the program need to submit the following:

• New SDM online application
• $90 application fee
• Updated statement of objectives
• Updated resume
• One new letter of recommendation

All other information will be carried over from your previous application, including GRE or GMAT scores if they are still valid. You may also submit new scores if you have retaken the test since submitting your last application.

Questions and Concerns

We are here to support you. If you have any questions, please contact the admissions staff at [email protected] .

This page last updated on August 30, 2024.

Master’s Degrees

The master’s degree generally requires a minimum of one academic year of study..

Admission to MIT for the master’s degree does not necessarily imply an automatic commitment by MIT beyond that level of study.

In the School of Engineering, students may be awarded the engineer’s degree. This degree program requires two years of study and provides a higher level of professional competence than is required by a master’s degree program, but less emphasis is placed on creative research than in the doctoral program.

Below is a list of programs and departments that offer master-level degrees.

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