MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP)

The MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP)external link icon seeks to promote the value of graduate education; to improve the research enterprise through increased diversity; and to prepare and recruit the best and brightest for graduate education at MIT.

MSRP began in 1986 as an institutional effort to address the issue of underrepresentation of African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Puerto Ricans in engineering and science in the United States. Today, this program seeks to identify talented sophomores, juniors, and non-graduating seniors who might benefit from spending a summer on MIT's campus, working in a research laboratory under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers who are MIT faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and advanced graduate students. In 2010, nine MSRP students did their research in the physics department.

Students who participate in this program will be better prepared and motivated to pursue advanced degrees in science and engineering.

Application Deadline

Only online applications will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by February 5, 2011. There will be no exceptions. We strongly encourage you to submit your application early.

Program Features

  • Supervision by an MIT faculty member, postdoctoral fellow or advanced graduate student
  • Weekly research presentation by MIT faculty
  • Weekly seminars on issues directly related to the academic, personal and professional growth of interns
  • Social outings (barbeques, boat cruise, visits to Boston area, etc.)
  • Preparation of an abstract, research paper and graduate school statement of purpose
  • Poster presentation at the end of the program
  • Individual counseling on academic careers
  • Constructive feedback on the need for further undergraduate courses and acquisition of additional laboratory skills
  • Opportunity to possibly co-author a scientific paper with the faculty mentor
  • Exposure to state of the art research laboratories in MIT departments and over 60 interdisciplinary centers on MIT’s campus
  • Hands-on training in active, “real-world” laboratories

Program Duration

9 Weeks (June 6 - August 7, 2011)

Program Eligibility

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, or international student at a U.S. institution on a F-1 visa.
  • Must not graduate before December 2011
  • Should have a B+ (3.5/4.0) GPA or higher
  • Must have genuine interest in research and in pursuing a Ph.D.

Program Application

A complete application consists of the following:

  • Completed on-line application
  • Resume
  • Three recommendations, at least two of which should be from current faculty within or related to your fields of interest
  • Official academic transcript(s), which must be mailed to:
    • Monica Orta
      Office of the Dean for Graduate Education
      77 Massachusetts Avenue
      Building 3-138
      Cambridge, MA 02139

For questions or for further information, contact the MSRP staff at mit-srp@mit.edu or see  http://msrp.mit.edu/index.php/site/about_msrp.