Advanced Study Program
FAQs
More FAQs about Academic Planning
Is the MIT Professional Education - Advanced Study Program a degree program?
No. The Advanced Study Program is a professional certificate program and does not offer degrees. All fellows receive a certificate of completion at the end of their programs.
Can I pursue an MIT degree after the Advanced Study Program?
Yes. Some fellows have later earned MIT degrees. To be admitted to a degree program, fellows must apply to the department of choice, which makes the acceptance decision.
Do I receive MIT credit?
Yes.
Is MIT credit transferable to degree programs at MIT or another school?
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.
How long can I stay in the program?
The needs of individuals and their organizations determine how long students remain at MIT. Some fellows come for a semester, others stay for a year or two. Some part-time fellows stay in the program for several years.
After I finish my program, can I come back later to take more courses?
Yes. You can return for additional courses if you completed your initial program satisfactorily. You will need to update information and provide sponsor verification and new educational goals.
How long is a semester?
A semester at MIT lasts 16 weeks. Fall semester begins in early September; spring semester begins in early February. Check the academic calendar for exact dates.
How do I find out what courses are available?
MIT’s courses are listed online at the MIT Subject Listing & Schedule.
Check the symbols help page for definitions.
How many courses may I take?
Quarter-time registration covers one course or up to 12 credits. Half-time registration covers two courses or up to 24 credits. Full-time registration covers three or four courses (36-48 credits) and/or research. MIT courses are very demanding and the MIT Professional Education office recommends not exceeding 48 units.
International students with student visas must be registered full time and must be enrolled in a minimum of 36 units.
What courses may I take?
Most MIT courses are open to fellows, including both graduate and undergraduate courses.
Can I take business courses at the Sloan School of Management?
There are limits on registration in Sloan courses (numbered 15.xxx). Some courses are restricted to Sloan’s degree students. Advanced Study Program fellows can take up to 50 percent of their program at Sloan. Please contact our office in advance if you are interested in taking management courses.
How do I preregister for courses?
Continuing students receive a preregistration notification, instructions, and deadlines by email. Additional information is available from our office. However, preregistration is not required; course selection may be made on registration day. Incoming fellows do not preregister; they register on registration day.
Are any courses restricted?
Most course are available on registration day. A number of courses require the professor’s permission, either because of high demand or because a specialized background is needed. You may email a professor to request permission to attend a course. The director also can help you with this process. In addition, some management courses are limited to Sloan’s degree students and thus are not available.
Who is my advisor?
The Advanced Study Program director is the graduate advisor and meets with fellows early each semester to discuss interests and program options and approve forms. Full-time students may also choose to work with a faculty advisor. Fellows are required to stay in touch with the director regarding their progress and in particular to notify the director of any change in study plan or other academic issues or difficulties.
What if I’m not sure which courses to take?
Fellows can email, call, or meet with the director at any time for advice on their programs. MIT allows students to add and drop courses during the first two weeks, so you may attend several courses before making a final decision.
Can I do research at MIT?
The Advanced Study Program supports small research projects for MIT credit. It does not arrange or support paid research assistantships. Research requires special arrangements and depends on the availability of a faculty member to supervise the research. It’s helpful if faculty in your field of interest are familiar with your work through coursework or other contacts. Interested fellows should discuss the process of setting up a research project with the director. Then, the fellow will need to recruit a faculty sponsor.
Does the Advanced Study Program offer online courses?
Not at this time. All courses are provided on campus.
