Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), abbreviated as MIT, was founded in 1861 and is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the Boston metropolitan area. Its main campus is built along the Charles River. MIT is a world-renowned private research university.
The MIT School of Architecture + Planning (SA+P) emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture, science, technology, and other fields. It progresses in both theoretical and design practice. At SA+P, students are part of the architecture department but are trained in a multidisciplinary, cross-field environment. After undergoing intensive basic architectural training in the Core Studio, students can enter Optional Studios and choose various research directions. Besides focusing on architectural design, students also explore construction, fabrication, mechanics, materials, energy, and other fields, drawing on the latest knowledge from these disciplines. Furthermore, all courses at MIT are free for students, and they are encouraged to take courses across the university. MIT has a partnership with Harvard University, allowing students to attend classes at Harvard as well.
Related Program List
The architecture fields at MIT include both architectural design and architectural technology, and these programs are offered within the Department of Architecture.
Commonly applied programs for architecture-related students:
- Master of Science in Architecture Studies - Duration: 2 years
- Master of Architecture - Duration: 2.5 / 3.5 years
- Master of Science in Art, Culture, and Technology - Duration: 2 years
- Master of Science in Building Technology - Duration: 2 years
- SMArchS in Architecture and Urbanism - Duration: 2 years
- SMArchS in Building Technology - Duration: 2 years
- SMArchS in Computation - Duration: 2 years
Admission Requirements
1. Admission Requirements for Each Program
SMArchS（Master of Science in Architecture Studies）
The Master of Science in Architecture Studies (SMArchS) is a two-year program of advanced study founded on research and inquiry in architecture as a discipline and as a practice. The program is intended both for students who already have a professional degree in architecture and those interested in advanced non-professional graduate study.
Master of Architecture
The three-semester Master of Science in Design with a concentration in Advanced Architectural Design [MSD-AAD] course of study is for architecture students with five-year professional bachelor’s deg
A Bachelor's degree with high academic standing from a recognized institution or, in the judgment of the department, the equivalent of this degree.
One semester of satisfactory study in college-level mathematics (such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus).
One semester of satisfactory study in college-level natural sciences (such as physics, biology, chemistry).
Two semesters of satisfactory study in college-level humanities and/or social sciences.
Students may be admitted with limited deficiencies in 2, 3, or 4 above, but this deficiency must be removed prior to entry into the second year of graduate study in the department.
SMBT（Master of Science in Building Technology）
The Master of Science in Building Technology (SMBT) provides a focus for graduate students interested in the development and application of advanced technology for buildings. Students in this program take relevant subjects in basic engineering disciplines along with subjects which apply these topics to buildings. The program accepts students with undergraduate degrees in a variety of engineering disciplines, in the physical sciences, or in architecture with a suitable background in technology. Students also come to the program with diverse job experiences, from the design of space-conditioning equipment for buildings to the Peace Corps. All share both a keen interest in buildings and a thorough education in mathematics, physics and other technical subjects.
2. Language Requirements
IELTS / TOEFL
Applicants must request that an official copy of their test results be sent directly to MIT by IELTS International or Educational Testing Service. IELTS and TOEFL Scores must be no older than two years as of the date of application. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your TOEFL scores sent to MIT:
Institutional Code: 3514
Department Code: 12
The minimum score required for the IELTS is 7 and the minimum TOEFL score is 600 (250 for computer-based test, 100 for Internet-based test). While either test score is accepted, the IELTS score is preferred.
All students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) prior to registration at MIT. Even students who satisfy the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for admission may be required to take specialized subjects in English as a Second Language (ESL), depending on their EET results. These subjects do not count toward the required degree credits.
GRE
Programs that require GRE:
- MArch
- SMBT (Master of Science in Building Technology)
- PhD in Building Technology
- PhD in History, Theory, and Criticism
Programs that do not require GRE:
- PhD in Computation
- SMArchS / SMACT (Master of Science in Architecture and Urbanism / Master of Science in Art, Culture, and Technology)
There is no minimum score. Only the General Test (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical sections) is required. Subject tests are not necessary.
Application Materials
- Online Application Form
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- IELTS/TOEFL scores
- GRE scores
- Portfolio
- Resume
- Statement of Objectives
- Proof of Enrollment/Graduation Certificate/Degree Certificate
- Portfolio
A digital portfolio is required for all MArch applicants, including those without a previous architecture degree or background. The portfolio file should be exported as a PDF for screen viewing. The file must contain no more than 30 pages, with a file size not exceeding 15MB. Two-page spreads are allowed, but each spread counts as one of the 30 pages. - Interviews
Skype interviews will only be arranged for candidates after the faculty has made an initial assessment of the applicant pool.
For detailed application instructions, please visit the official website:
MIT Graduate Application Instructions