Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Professors are chosen for their contributions to their professions, and their potential contributions to the intellectual life of MIT. The Program is open to individuals of any minority group, with an emphasis on the appointment of African Americans.

Appointments are for no less than one academic term and no longer than two academic years. Appointments can be made at the Assistant, Associate and Full Professor levels in any department. These departments are located in the schools of Science, Engineering, Architecture and Planning, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and the Sloan School of Management.

Nominations are made by the academic departments, and applications, including a nomination letter, a plan of engagement, and a curriculum vitae of the nominee, should be directed to the Department or Section Head of the appropriate department. The Provost, who will accept nominations at any time, makes appointments.