Frequently Asked Questions: Academics and research

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• FAQ / Academics and research

  Is the Sloan School of Management for undergrads, too?

  MIT Sloan School of Management will challenge undergraduates to expand their analytical and quantitative skills and apply a business perspective that harnesses their technical expertise. An education at MIT Sloan prepares…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What’s the School of Science like?

  The six departments in the MIT School of Science are consistently rated among the best in the world. They include: Biology, Brain and Cognitive Sciences; Chemistry; Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences;…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What is the HASS Requirement?

  100% of MIT undergraduates study the humanities, arts, and social sciences. At MIT, we consider the humanities, arts, and social sciences essential—for educating young engineers, scientists, thinkers, and citizens; for…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Where can I find info on the School of Engineering?

  The MIT School of Engineering is world renowned. Covering everything from ocean engineering to aeronautics, there’s something exciting going on in every department, lab, and classroom. There’s way too much…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What programs fall under the School of Architecture & Planning?

  Architecture was one of the four original departments at MIT, and it was the first signal that MIT would not be narrowly defined in science and technology. Through recognition of…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can first-year students conduct research?

  Research at MIT aims to develop innovative solutions to the world’s most daunting challenges. From addressing the energy needs of tomorrow to improving cancer therapies, MIT’s research efforts are enhanced…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can anyone join the Experimental Study Group (ESG)?

  Experimental Study Group (ESG) offers instruction in the core first-year subjects of biology, chemistry, math, and physics through small, discussion-based classes designed for students who are interested in taking an active…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What type of first-year learning communities are available?

  MIT undergrads come from every state in the country and approximately 75 countries across the globe. Every student brings something special to the community, and each learns in their unique…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What schools can I cross-register with?

  If you find something that you’re interested in studying that isn’t available at MIT, you have the option to cross-register at Harvard, Wellesley College, and MassArt.
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What are GIRs?

  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…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  How many Nobel Prize Laureates are affiliated with MIT?

  MIT is affiliated with 104 Nobel Prize Laureates. You could be taking a class with one of the 12 current Nobel Laureate faculty members at MIT very soon!
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can I test out of some classes by taking Advanced Standing Exams?

  Advanced Standing Examinations are one way to earn credit for MIT subjects outside of the classroom itself. If you’re confident that you’ve already mastered introductory coursework at MIT, then you can take an…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  How does pass/no record work?

  Here’s something else to love about MIT! The first semester at MIT is graded on a pass/no record basis: if you pass the class you get a “pass” on your…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can I join the Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change?

  You may! Understanding the complex, long-term changes in our land, air, and water requires breakthroughs in measurement, modeling, and prediction. Responding to these changes requires innovative policies that comprehend agriculture,…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can I study Global Change Science/Climate?

  The MIT Center for Global Change Science (CGCS) at MIT was founded to address fundamental questions about climate processes with a multidisciplinary approach. The Center’s goal is to improve the…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What kind of things can I do during IAP?

  If you think MIT is all work and no play, let us take you for a spin in the big, wacky, comfortable chair called IAP. Sandwiched between the spring and…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Can I join the IDEAS Social Innovation Challenge?

  One of the highlights of MIT’s yearly academic challenges and competitions, the IDEAS Social Innovation Challenge, connects students with the passion and talent to improve the world with the experience…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  Is there really a Game Lab?

  Can you believe we have a GAME LAB? The MIT Game Lab brings together scholars, creators, and technologists to teach, conduct research, and develop new approaches for applied game design…
• FAQ / Academics and research

  When was MIT founded?

  Ok, this is probably more info than anyone wants regarding the founding of MIT, but you asked!
• FAQ / Academics and research

  What is the Media Lab?

  The MIT Media Lab is known for its bold innovations that help invent the future, and fosters an “antidisciplinary research community” that mixes and matches seemingly disparate research disciplines to pioneer…