Finding Subjects

Sometimes it can be overwhelming to sift through your subject options in a given term, but don't worry! In addition to your advisor, there are a number of resources to assist you with finding and evaluating subjects that will apply toward your academic program. To help you identify the most appropriate resource for your own needs, use these important tools:

• On-line Subject Listing and Schedule: This is probably the most important of all tools for accessing information on classes offered during a given semester. The listings not only provide you with subject descriptions, but also provide information on class schedules and class URLs, where available.
  
  
• MIT's Course Catalogue: The most comprehensive issue of the MIT Bulletin series, this edition is often referred to as the Bulletin. It contains extensive information on departmental degree programs, including degree charts of the required classes for a given major, as well as subject listings. With your ID, you're entitled to a free CD or printed copy at the start of each year. The on-line version of the Bulletin duplicates the first two parts of the print version; the subject descriptions are published elsewhere in the On-line Subject Listing and Schedule, which is updated by the Registrar's Office each semester.
  
  
• Departmental Web Sites: Academic Departments often post additional information about their subject offerings and schedules on their own web sites.
  
  
• The IAP Guide: If you are considering enrollment in a for-credit subject during IAP, this is the place to start. The IAP on-line guide contains a comprehensive listing and schedule of all IAP subjects, not to mention non-credit activities that you may consider as a means to supplement your class work and inject some fun into your Independent Activities period experience. Remember that you are restricted to a 12-unit credit limit during IAP, so don't load up your schedule.
  
  
• Undergraduate Seminars: Published twice per year for fall and spring semester, this publication lists all undergraduate seminars offered for a given term. A seminar is a great way for you to add a unique extra dimension to your program of studies. It's a chance to explore an area of interest or a style of learning not easily accessible to undergraduates in the MIT curriculum, and offers an opportunity for small-group discussions and/or hands-on learning. Seminars are always graded P/D/F and are offered for 6 units of elective credit.
  
  
• Summer Session Catalogue: If you plan to take classes at MIT this summer, this guide is an important resource and provides you with information on available subject offerings, as well as summer registration and tuition policies.
  
  
• The HASS Guide: This Guide to the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Requirement includes information on the requirement, HASS concentrations and minors, as well as descriptions of current HASS offerings.
  
  
• Physical Education Classes: Don't forget that you must meet the Physical Education Requirement as part of your General Institute Requirements. Check out the listings on the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation web site.
  
  
• First Year Academics and Freshman Advising Seminars: This publication is mailed to all incoming freshmen and describes the advising seminars which will be offered during their term of entrance. Information from this publication is on the First Year site.
  
  

To help you evaluate a given subject, the following sites will be very helpful:

• Subject Evaluations: Access subject evaluations to see what others are saying about a given class, subject content, style of instructor, level of homework, and more. Note: MIT web certificates are required to access this site.
  
  
• Class Web Sites: Many classes have their own sites devoted to providing you with information throughout the semester, from syllabi to homework assignments. Class pages can be found within the On-line Subject Listing and Schedule, may be provided by your instructor, and can be found using the MIT search engine. Class web sites offer additional insights into subject content that can assist you with making the appropriate registration decision for you.
  
  
• Degree Charts: These handy references appear both the print and on-line versions of the Course Catalogue within the descriptions of each Course. The charts provide a listing of the classes which are required for a given major, including REST subjects and Communications Intensive major subjects, along with the total number of units required beyond GIRs.
  
  
• OpenCourseWare: Materials from many subjects are available on this site, which is MIT's effort to distribute its course materials world-wide for free. Note: the syllabi here may not be the current versions, but should give you an idea of what to expect from a course.
  
  
• Sophomore Exploratory Subjects and Junior-Senior P/D/F Subjects: In looking for subjects, keep in mind these Class-Specific Grading Policies. By designating subjects to be graded under these options, you can reduce grading pressure, so that you can explore new fields or take on challenging subjects.
  
  

Back to top