All MIT undergraduates must complete General Institute Requirements (GIRs). Basically, you must take two semesters of math, two semesters of physics, a semester of biology, a semester of chemistry, and a selection of courses from the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. During your first semester, most of your program will involve the GIRs, which will lay the foundation for study in your major. In your second semester, you might add subjects to help you explore your anticipated major.
MIT’s GIRs ensure that all of our students are broadly educated in the physical, natural and social sciences to getting rigorous training within their area of professional specialization and expertise.