Advanced Study Program
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about the MIT Professional Education - Career Reengineering Program
Program Overview
Educational Elements
Application, Costs, and Logistics
Contact Career Reengineering Program
Program Overview
What is the time commitment for this program?
The program is structured as a part-time program, requiring about 20 hours 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?
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 both semesters 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?
No. 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?
No. The Career Reengineering Program 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 Advanced Study Program which does support full-time study at MIT.
Who will be my peers?
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?
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, program 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?
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?
Students register for one regular MIT course during the fall semester. Some students do opt to take two courses for an additional charge. Students who wish to take even 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 MIT Professional Education office in advance if you are interested in taking management courses.
Are there prerequisites for MIT courses?
Some advanced courses have prerequisites such as another 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 Career Reengineering office.
Are credits offered?
Yes. 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 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*?
Tuition for 2009-2010 is $10,750 + $272 Student Life fee which will cover both the Fall and Spring semesters ($136 / semester x 2 semesters). Tuition covers the entire ten-month program including MIT registration (one course) for the fall semester.
What is the application deadline? When will I be informed if I am accepted?
The deadline to submit an application is July 15. Qualified applicants may be accepted on a space-available basis up to July 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 MIT Professional Education 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
Who can I talk to about this program?
The Career Reengineering Program has been developed by the MIT Professional Education office in conjunction with MIT faculty. Contact the Career Reengineering Program office to discuss how this program can meet your professional goals.
Information Sessions in 2010: Dates are pending. Please submit your information session request if you are interested in being notified about upcoming information sessions.
