Resources: FAQ

  Academic Questions

• How do I sign up for classes?

• What are the class requirements for the S.M., E.A.A. and Ph.D./Sc.D. degrees?

• What are the math requirements in Aero/Astro?

• What is and when is the Technical Writing Examination?

Q:  How do I sign up for classes?

A:

1. Check out the Online Course Schedule to determine which classes interest you and are related to your prospective research.  You can also pick up a paper copy of the Course schedules for the academic year in September at an announced campus location (when you show your I.D.) or at the Aero/Astro graduate student office in 33-208.

2. When you arrive at MIT, you will need to contact the graduate student office in 33-208 to identify your academic advisor.  Make an appointment to register with this advisor on Registration Day (see Academic Calendar for specific date).  Often, the academic advisor will have a sheet posted on his or her door with slots for students to sign up to register on Reg Day.  If you are unable to contact your assigned academic advisor on Registration Day, contact the graduate student office in 33-208 to get an alternate to sign your registration form.

3. You will need to acquire your registration form (a 3-ply form) from either the graduate student office in 33-208 or from your academic advisor. 

4. Take your registration form and your class preferences with you to your advising appointment.  There your advisor will tell you what you need to take to meet your requirements (degree and/or research) and you can let him or her know what you would like to take.  After classes have been agreed upon by both of you, he or she will fill in these classes on the form and you will both sign the registration form. 

5. You keep one of the forms, the academic advisor keeps another, and you must take the WHITE form to Johnson Athletic Center to submit to the Institute. 

6. After about 1 month or so, check your registration at http://student.mit.edu under Academics to ensure that the classes were registered correctly.

Q:  What are the class requirements for the S.M., E.A.A. and Ph.D./Sc.D. degrees?

A:  The class and thesis requirements can be found on the Aero/Astro Website.  There is a math requirement for all Aero/Astro degree applicants, and then there is a minimum number of H level courses, depending on your degree.  You must also pass the Technical Writing Examination with a score of 75 or above.

Q:  What are the math requirements in Aero/Astro?

A:  Classes that currently satisfy the math requirements are listed on the Aero/Astro Website.  In general, you can take 2 subjects from the “A” and “B” list OR 1 subject from the “C” list.

Q:  What is and when is the Technical Writing Examination?

A:  More information on the TWE can be found on the Aero/Astro Website.  You should receive mailings from the Graduate Students Office about the date/time of the exam before you arrive at MIT in the fall.  If you are a student starting in the winter, you will be notified of (or will need to check on) the time of the Fall TWE.  It usually occurs during the 1st week of classes and is moderated by the English department NOT the Aero/Astro department.