Introduction

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is an academic community devoted to undergraduate education, graduate education, and research. We have fostered graduate study and research and awarded advanced degrees since 1872.

MIT has been a consistent national leader in the number of master's and doctoral degrees awarded, and ranks highly in the number of doctorates granted in the physical sciences, biological sciences, economics, and mathematics. In addition, other graduate programs in the social sciences and humanities, management, architecture, and urban studies and planning have gained significant prominence.

Approximately 6,000 graduate students are currently enrolled in degree programs. About 2,000 students enter graduate programs each year with baccalaureate degrees from nearly 250 American colleges and universities, and some 60 foreign countries and more than 190 foreign universities are typically represented. Total applications average about 14,000 per year.

MIT's long tradition of making contributions to knowledge has resulted in extensive resources for graduate study. Graduate students play central roles in all of the Institute's wide-ranging research activities, making a vital contribution to the educational experience of students and faculty and to the success of the research itself.