MIT offers the degrees of Doctor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in many fields. A complete list organized by School and the College is found in the MIT Bulletin. These degrees certify creditable completion of an approved program of advanced study in addition to a research dissertation of high quality based on original research.
Institute requirements
The two Institute requirements for a doctorate are completion of a program of advanced study, including a general examination, and completion and oral defense of a thesis on original research. The general examination in program of study must be taken at such time and in such manner as the departmental or interdepartmental committee approves. This examination consists of both oral and written parts.
The course of advanced study and research leading to the doctorate must be pursued under the direction of the departmental committee on graduate students for at least four academic terms. In some cases, the required period of residence may be reduced, but in no instance can it be reduced to less than two regular academic terms and one summer session.
A student is enrolled in a program of advanced study and research approved by the department. The thesis research is in this same area, but the program often includes subjects reaching into several departments. If the field requires substantial participation by two or more departments, an interdepartmental faculty committee, approved by the Office of Graduate Education via petition, should be appointed to supervise the student’s doctoral program. Outside of established joint degree programs and programs that require earning a Masters as a milestone en route to the doctorate, a doctoral student may not pursue a second degree program at the same time as their MIT doctoral course of study.
Although there is no Institute requirement of a minor for the doctoral degree, certain departments require that candidates take a number of subjects outside their major field.
Language proficiency
Information on language proficiency expectations in various departments
