Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT’s graduate and doctoral students play a central role in the Institute’s wide-ranging research activities and make a vital contribution to the overall educational experience. 

While most universities have defined “graduate schools”, at MIT all of the university’s five schools (Architecture and Planning; Engineering; Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences; Management; Science) offer graduate programs. 

An MIT master’s degree is usually completed in one academic year of study, with the engineer’s degree requiring two years. Doctoral degrees require the satisfactory completion of an approved program of advanced study and original research of high quality. Most of the departments that offer master’s degrees also accept doctoral candidates. 

Master’s degrees are offered in most areas of study, from niche areas of science such as aeronautics and astronautics to architecture, engineering and media, as well as subjects such as urban studies and planning. 

The MIT Sloan School of Management is a popular choice with graduate students and offers a world-renowned MBA course as well as programs in finance, business analytics and management. More information about the MBA program can be found on our sister site, TopMBA.com, while Sloan was also featured in the QS Business Masters Rankings 2018 for finance and business analytics.

To become a graduate student at MIT, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Although the application process can vary depending on the subject, all applicants pay a US$75 application fee and submit university transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, a statement of objectives, GRE test scores and, for international students, TOEFL or IELTS English proficiency exam test scores. 

Fees and tuition for graduate students also vary depending on the program, but the base rate for fall and spring tuition is currently US$24,790 per term and US$$16,510 for the summer session. 

Graduate students can choose to live in residence halls, located a short distance off campus, or opt for off-campus housing. The residence halls include accommodation for families, and are said to be vibrant, collaborative places that meet the distinct needs of graduate students, allowing them to play a large role in shaping the Institute’s distinctive culture.