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Doctoral degree
Minor Program
| Language proficiency
MIT offers the degrees of Doctor of Science and Doctor of
Philosophy interchangeably in the engineering and science
departments (except biology and brain and cognitive sciences)
and in the fields of medical engineering and medical physics.
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded in architecture,
biology, brain and cognitive sciences, economics, history
and social study of science and technology, linguistics, management,
media arts and sciences, philosophy, political science, technology
and policy, bioengineering and environmental health, urban
studies and planning, and from Whitaker College. These degrees
certify creditable completion of an approved program of advanced
study in addition to a research dissertation of high quality
based on original research.
The two Institute requirements for a doctorate are completion
of a program of advanced study, including a general examination,
and completion and oral defense of a thesis on original research.
The course of advanced study and research leading to the
doctorate must be pursued under the direction of the departmental
committee on graduate students for at least four academic
terms. In some cases, the required period of residence may
be reduced, but in no instance can it be reduced to less than
two regular academic terms and one summer session.
A student is enrolled in a program of advanced study and
research approved by the department. The thesis research is
in this same area, but the program often includes subjects
reaching into several departments. If the field requires substantial
participation by two or more departments, an interdepartmental
faculty committee, approved by the Dean for Graduate Education,
should be appointed to supervise the student's program.
Each doctoral candidate must take a general examination in
his or her program of study at such time and in such manner
as the departmental or interdepartmental committee approves.
This examination consists of both oral and written parts.
Minor Program
Although there is no Institute requirement of a minor for
the doctoral degree, certain departments require that candidates
take a number of subjects outside their major field.
Language proficiency
There is no Institute language requirement; however, several
departments require that a candidate be able to read or speak
one or two foreign languages with intermediate competence.
A student may satisfy the requirement in one of three ways:
by fulfilling the requirement before entrance by passing one
or more intermediate or advanced subjects with a grade of
C or better; through examination by the Foreign Languages
and Literatures Section; or by taking a two-term subject in
a language or languages offered by the Foreign Languages and
Literatures Section. Normally, introductory courses in a foreign language cannot be used to satisfy a requirement for language proficiency.
Depending on student demand, the Section offers a choice
of two-term language subjects, stressing the ability to read
or speak in French, German, or Spanish. For the purpose of
the second alternative, the section gives written examinations
in French, German, and Spanish twice a year at the end of
each term. Examinations in other approved languages, such
as Chinese or Japanese, are arranged individually upon request.
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