Frequently Asked Questions about the Midcareer Acceleration Program (MAP)
Program Overview
Educational Elements
Application, Costs, and Logistics
Contact MAP
Program Overview
What is the time commitment for this program?
MAP is structured as a part-time program, requiring about one-quarter-time effort most weeks. Internships and research projects conducted with MIT faculty may have a different schedule and may be negotiable.
Will all the program elements be on MIT campus in Cambridge MA?
MAP’s career development and skills training sessions will be conducted on campus as are all MIT courses and lab projects. In the spring, students will travel to company worksites of their choosing for internships.
What MIT resources can I access?
During the fall semester you will be registered as an MIT student and have full access to resources including MIT email, athletic membership, libraries, and career and academic services. During the entire ten-month program you will be welcome at seminars, conferences, lectures, performances, and events on campus. You will have many opportunities to learn about emerging science and technology and related industries and to network with current and future leaders in many fields.
Is there a distance learning option for MAP?
No. MAP students need to live within commuting distance of MIT so they can take advantage of both formal and informal learning and networking opportunities on campus.
Can international students apply to MAP?
MAP is a part-time, 10-month academic program and does not sponsor student visas. International students traveling to the US to study at MIT must enroll in a full-time program (at least 36 credits per semester) in order to be eligible for a student visa.
International students are encouraged to consider the MIT Advanced Study Program which does support full-time study at MIT. Another alternative is to enroll in a week-long short course at the MIT Professional Institute and travel on a tourist visa.
Who will be my peers in MAP?
Students include a range of women and men who have strong educational backgrounds in science and technology fields plus some professional experience. Some had left their jobs for family reasons or to pursue a personal or professional goal. They are committed to returning to the workforce in roles that are professionally challenging and personally satisfying.
Does the program help me find an internship position?
MAP advisors will work with you to apply for internships in your field. You will also have access to the MIT Career Office, which has a wealth of information about area companies that welcome MIT interns.
Is the internship paid or unpaid?
Some companies pay interns, others do not. You will have the widest possible choice of internships if you can accept an unpaid opportunity.
Educational Elements
How do I select a course for the fall semester?
During the orientation period in August, MAP advisors will help you select a course. You may take a course in your original field, explore an advanced topic in a similar area, or explore a new field.
What course may I take during the fall semester?
Most MIT courses will be open to you. You must, however, have sufficient background in the subject matter to successfully complete the course. Your professional experience or education may be acceptable as prerequisites for an advanced course. A few courses are limited to degree students in the department. Information on all MIT courses is available in the online course catalog.
When do I have to make a final decision on a course?
MAP students enroll on registration day. They do not pre-register for courses. MIT has a liberal add/drop policy and students will be encouraged to ‘shop around’ by attending several courses before finalizing their registration to ensure a good educational fit between the course and the student’s goals and background.
May I take more than one course?
MAP students register for one regular MIT course during the fall semester. Students who wish to take more MIT courses should apply to the Advanced Study Program.
Can I take a management course from the Sloan School of Management?
There are limits on registration in Sloan courses. Some courses are restricted to Sloan’s degree students. Please contact the MAP office in advance if you are interested in taking management courses.
Are there prerequisites for MIT courses?
Some advanced courses have prerequisites such as an MIT course. You may request that the professor accept your professional experience or education to meet the prerequisite.
Will I have difficulty enrolling in my first choice?
A few MIT courses have limited enrollments or other restrictions, but most do not. You simply join the course on the first day. Courses with limited enrollment or other restrictions generally require advance faculty permission to enroll. For help with this process, contact the MAP office.
Are credits offered?
Yes. MAP students earn credit for the MIT course taken in the fall semester. At the end of the program, each student receives an MIT certificate of completion. If you are interested in earning more MIT academic credits, consider the MIT Advanced Study Program.
Can I transfer my credits?
Many other schools and programs accept MIT credit. However, each institution or program determines whether that credit is accepted and how it may be used.
Admission, Cost, and Logistics
What are the criteria for admission?
You must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, the ability to do MIT-level coursework, and a commitment to workforce reentry. Due to limited admission, the most qualified candidates will be selected for the program.
What is the tuition*?
Regular tuition for 2008-2009 is $9,850 + $125 Student Life fee. Tuition for MIT Alumni is $7,880 + $125 Student Life fee. Tuition covers the entire ten-month program including MIT registration (one course) for the fall semester. There is an additional fee of $5,000 + $125 Student Life fee if the student elects to stay at MIT to do research in the spring. This fee covers spring semester registration of up to 9 units, and applies to all students, including MIT alumni.
What is the application deadline? When will I be informed if I am accepted?
The deadline to submit an application is August 15. Qualified applicants may be accepted on a space-available basis up to August 15. You may submit an application by filling out the form online or by printing the form (PDF) then faxing or mailing it to the MAP office.
What is the cancellation policy?
Accepted students who must withdraw before orientation may receive a refund minus a $250 processing fee. Partial refunds are possible for students who withdraw during the fall semester. Students who have completed the MIT course are not eligible for refunds.
Can I arrange to park on campus?
Parking on campus and in Cambridge is extremely limited. Contact the MIT Parking Office to learn about student parking permits and costs. Cambridge has excellent public transportation served by several MBTA bus lines MBTA Red Line stations MIT/Kendall Square and Central Square are closest to campus.
Contact MAP
Who can I talk to about this new program?
MAP, has been developed by the MIT Professional Education Program (PEP) office in conjunction with MIT faculty. Contact the PEP office to discuss how this new program can meet your professional goals. Call 617-258-6438 or email midcareer@mit.edu to learn more.
Information Sessions: Informal Information Sessions will be scheduled for potential MAP participants on the following dates in 2008: July 2, August 5, and August 13. If you are interested in attending, please let us know by submitting your information session request for details.
