Progress Toward the Degree: Normal Expectations

MIT expects you to complete the requirements for a single SB degree in four years.

Normal Load

This means passing an average of 48 units of credit per term for eight terms. With rare exceptions, registration during IAP or summer term is not required.

With the approval of your faculty advisor, you may follow a program leading to an SB degree in more or less than eight terms; you may also pursue a double major, minor(s), and/or a concurrent SB/MEng degree. In most cases this means taking more than 48 units per term.

Markers for Normal Progress

The Institute expects you to complete the following subjects and requirements in the time frame listed:

• Most of the Science Core subjects during the first year.
• Keep pace with the Communication Requirement—one CI subject each year, preferably CI-H in first and second year, CI-M in third and fourth.
• Both Restricted Electives in Science and Technology (REST Requirement) during the first two years.
• The Physical Education Requirement (eight points plus the swim test) during the first two years.
• The three HASS Distribution subjects (Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Requirement) during the first three years.
• Make satisfactory progress, as defined by your department, toward your major requirements during the second, third, and fourth years.