master thesis mit interview

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Thesis Preparation & Submission

The following information is provided to assist Chemistry graduate students as they prepare for degree completion. If graduate students have any questions that are not answered by this guide, they should email the Chemistry Education Office (questions about department policies) or MIT Libraries (for questions about thesis formatting, etc.)

Degree candidates must fill out the Degree Application via WebSIS at the start of the term. Important dates and deadlines (including late fees) for the upcoming academic year are listed below.  It is strongly advised that degree candidates apply for the degree list even if there is uncertainty about completing the thesis defense and submission by the  deadline, as there are no penalties for being removed from the degree list.

Students must successfully complete the thesis defense before submitting their final, signed thesis.

**Please note that the Specifications for Thesis Preparation were updated in November 2022. Please make sure you use these new guidelines.**

Important Dates & Deadlines

September 2024 degree list.

• Degree Application Deadline: June 14, 2024 ($50 late fee if submitted after this date, $85 late fee if submitted after July 21, 2024)
• Thesis Title Deadline:July 19, 2024 ($85 late fee if submitted after this date. If your thesis title is not finalized by this date, please enter your current working title and the final title can be updated later)
• Thesis Submission Deadline: August 16, 2024
• Last day of work in the lab: on or before August 31, 2024. If you plan to end your RA appointment earlier than August 31st, please contact Jennifer to review your timeline.
• Your degree will officially be conferred by MIT on September 18, 2024
• Information about the MIT Health Plan and graduation will be available online here.

February 2025 Degree List

• Degree Application Deadline: September 6, 2024 ($50 late fee if submitted after this date, $85 late fee if submitted after December 13, 2024)
• Thesis Title Deadline: December 13, 2024 ($85 late fee if submitted after this date. If your thesis title is not finalized by this date, please enter your current working title and the final title can be updated later)
• Thesis Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025
• Last day of work in the lab: on or before January 15, 2025. If you plan to end your RA appointment earlier than January 15th, please contact Jennifer to review your timeline.
• Your degree will officially be conferred by MIT on February 19, 2025

May 2025 Degree List

• Degree Application Deadline:February 7, 2025 ($50 late fee if submitted after this date, $85 late fee if submitted after April 11, 2025)
• Thesis Title Deadline: April 11, 2025 ($85 late fee if submitted after this date. If your thesis title is not finalized by this date, please enter your current working title and the final title can be updated later)
• Thesis Submission Deadline: May 9, 2025
• Last day of work in the lab: on or before May 28, 2025. If you plan to end your RA appointment earlier than May 28th, please contact Jennifer to review your timeline.
• Your degree will officially be conferred by MIT on May 29, 2025

Scheduling your Thesis Defense

All PhD candidates must have a Thesis Defense. As soon as your defense is finalized, please email the Chemistry Education Office with the date, time, location, and thesis title . Thesis defenses are strongly encouraged to be in-person.  If there are questions or concerns about an in-person defense, please reach out to Jennifer Weisman. When thesis defenses are on campus, we recommend reserving a room once the defense date is finalized, student can reserve department rooms through the online scheduling system or request a classroom via this form .

Degree candidates should provide their advisor with a copy of the thesis at least two weeks before the defense and provide their thesis committee chair and member with a copy at least one week before the defense. However, degree candidates should talk with their advisor, committee chair, and committee member to find out if they need the thesis further in advance or if there are preferred formats. Degree candidates should allow time in between their thesis defense and the submission deadline to make edits and submit the final copies.

Please note that most receiving a PhD degree are required to present a seminar as part of the thesis defense. This seminar is open to the department. The degree candidate is responsible for providing the Chemistry Education Office with information about their thesis defense at least two weeks ahead of time. Following the seminar, the candidate will meet privately with the thesis committee.

Thesis Formatting

The Institute has very specific requirements for thesis preparation, which were updated in November 2022. Specifications for Thesis Preparation is available on the library’s website and should be read very carefully. The MIT Thesis FAQ may answer additional questions and a helpful checklist is also provided. The specifications also include information about copyright and use of previously published material in a thesis . Do  not  rely on any templates or prior theses from your research group – they may not reflect the most current guidelines. We have highlighted some especially important points below.

Font & Spacing

Title page & committee signature page.

• The title page of the first copy will be digitally signed by the author, advisor, and Professor Adam Willard. The title page should contain the title, name of the author, previous degrees, the degree(s) to be awarded at MIT, the date the degree(s) will be conferred (May, September, or February only), copyright notice, and appropriate names and signatures. Degrees are awarded in Chemistry, regardless of your specific research area. Regardless of when you defend or submit your thesis, the date of degree conferral must be May/June, September, or February.
• As noted above, the title page will be signed by you, your advisor, and Professor Willard. You do not need to have Professor Willard digitally sign the thesis before you submit it, we will arrange to have him sign it. If your advisor has a title (ex., Firmenich Professor of Chemistry) it should also be included under their name. If you are not sure if they have a title, you can consult the Faculty Directory . Professor Willard should have the following listed under his name, on two separate lines: Professor of Chemistry; Graduate Officer
• Each student should place the appropriate copyright notice on the thesis title page. Copyright notice consists of four elements: the symbol “c” with a circle around it © and/or the word “copyright”; the year of publication (the year in which the degree is to be awarded); the name of the copyright owner; the words “All rights reserved” or your chosen Creative Commons license. All theses should have the following legend statement exactly: The author hereby grants to MIT a nonexclusive, worldwide, irrevocable, royalty-free license to exercise any and all rights under copyright, including to reproduce, preserve, distribute and publicly display copies of the thesis, or release the thesis under an open-access license. Please carefully review the copyright information to determine the appropriate copyright ownership.
• The date under Signature of Author should be the date the final thesis is signed and submitted to the department.
• The title page is always considered to be page 1, and every page must be included in the count regardless of whether a number would be physically printed on a page. We recommend that you do not include the page number on the title page.
• There is also a signature page that will be digitally signed by your entire thesis committee. Your advisor will digitally sign your thesis twice, on the title page and signature page. The signature page is right after the title page.
• More details about digital signatures are provided below.

Table of Contents

Final thesis submission, general submission process.

Please carefully review the details below, including the file naming format . There are two steps to the final submissions process:

1. Submit the following documents to the Department of Chemistry:

• An electronic copy of your thesis in PDF/A-1 format (with no signatures)
• A PDF of the digitally signed title page and committee signature page (using DocuSign to obtain signatures)

Please send an email to your advisor, Jennifer Weisman, and Rebecca Drake, which includes the 2 PDFs above and the following text:

“Dear Professor/Dr X: Attached is the final version of my thesis. Please use reply-all to this message to indicate your acceptance of my thesis document and your recommendation for certification by my department.”

**Note: if your thesis document is too large to send via email, your email can include a link to access the document via Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.**

2. Submit your thesis information to MIT Libraries here . Choose to opt-in or opt-out of ProQuest license and publication.  Include the same copyright and license information that is on your thesis title page. Note: this does not involve submitting your actual thesis.

Details for Thesis Submission Process

• After the defense, the student and thesis committee reach agreement on the final thesis document.
• Students should follow the format specifications as stated in the Specifications for Thesis Preparation . Do not print or physically sign pages.
• Students will have the thesis signed electronically through DocuSign. This process is described in detail in the section below.
• The title page is always considered to be page 1, and every page must be included in the count regardless of whether a number is physically printed on a page. The entire thesis (including title page, prefatory material, illustrations, and all text and appendices) must be paginated in one consecutive numbering sequence. Your committee signature page should be page 2. Please see the  Sample Title Page and committee signature page for reference.
• You will still include the title page and committee signature page in the full thesis PDF, they just won’t have any signatures.
• The digitally signed title page and committee signature pages should be in one PDF, separate from the thesis document. This avoids a DocuSign tag at the top of each page of the full thesis. Please use the following naming convention: authorLastName-kerb-degree-dept-year-sig.pdf (ex., montgomery-mssimon-phd-chemistry-2021-sig.pdf).
• Students should save their final thesis document as a PDF using the following file naming convention: authorLastName-kerb-degree-dept-year-thesis .pdf (ex., montgomery-mssimon-phd-chemistry-2021-thesis.pdf).
• Students should not deposit the PDF of their thesis via the Libraries Library’s voluntary submission portal.
• Please send an email to your advisor, Jennifer, and William which includes the final thesis document and file with the digitally signed title/committee signature pages with the following text:

Please also complete the MIT Doctoral Student Exit Survey and your Laboratory Safety Clearance Form .

Digital Signatures

Please see here for a full guide (with screenshots) to using DocuSign to obtain digital signatures

Required Signatures:

These should be everyone’s uploaded digital signatures in their own handwriting, not one of the pre-formatted signatures created by DocuSign.

• Your signature on the thesis title page
• Your advisor’s signature on both the title page and committee signature page
• Your thesis committee chair’s and member’s signatures on the committee signature page
• You do not need to have Adam Willard sign your title page, the Chemistry Education Office will take care of that
• Full thesis with no signatures (including unsigned title page and thesis committee signature page)
• Title page and committee signature page with signatures via DocuSign

Accessing DocuSign

Thesis Hold Requests

Details about requesting a thesis hold are available here and the requests are made to different offices based on the type of request.

Written notification of patent holds and other restrictions must reach the Institute Archives before the thesis in question is received, as under normal circumstances, all theses are open and available for public inspection once they have been received by the Institute Archives.

Graduate Student Exit Interviews

In order to best serve the educational, scientific, and social needs of graduate students in the Chemistry Department, it is critically important that Departmental leadership be appropriately informed of issues of importance to graduate students, ideally on an ongoing basis. Graduate student exit interviews provide information that alert the Department to acute issues that affect graduate students and provide data for longitudinal assessments of graduate student experience within the program.Graduate exit interviews are administered to all graduate students departing the Chemistry Department. The exit interview applies equally to graduate students departing with completed degrees (Ph.D. and M.S.) and without degrees.

• Graduating students will be sent a list of interview questions by the Chemistry Education Office when the student joins the degree list. Instructions about scheduling a time for the in-person or virtual discussion will be included with other informational correspondence from the Chemistry Education Office regarding degree completion. Graduating students will perform their exit interview after the thesis defense so as to avoid making the interview an additional burden.
• For students departing the program without a degree, the interview questions and instructions for scheduling an in-person discussion will be sent by the Chemistry Education Office at the point in time that a date for termination of their appointment in Chemistry is determined.
• For the majority of departing students, this interview coincides with the end of the semester, but a rolling schedule of surveys is anticipated.

Postdoctoral/Research Specialist Appointments

If you plan to transition to a postdoctoral/research specialist appointment within the Department of Chemistry at MIT, please contact Jennifer Weisman and  Chemistry HR as soon as possible. If you are an international student, it is extremely important that you start this process early to allow sufficient timing for visa processing. In addition to talking with Jennifer and HR, please consult with the International Students Office .Your final signed thesis must be submitted before a postdoc appointment can start. IMPORTANT: If you need to enroll in the MIT employee health plan, then your appointment will need to last at least 90 days in order for you to remain benefits eligible. If your appointment were to last less than 90 days, MIT will retroactively cancel your health insurance, and any medical expenses you have during this time will be rebilled to you.

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Master of Finance

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers here.

Our goal is to make the Master of Finance admissions process straightforward. To help you along the way, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from applicants. If you don’t see the answer to your specific question below, feel free to send us an  email !

About the Program

What is the MFin class size at MIT Sloan?

Each year, we look to seat a class of approximately 120 students. 

Where can I learn more about the demographics of the MFin class?

Our MFin  Class Profile contains all of the statistics we have for our current class. It is a snapshot of the students’ academic and demographic backgrounds. The diversity of our students both shapes and drives the opportunities for collaboration and learning. Together, we benefit from the many perspectives our students from all over the world bring to the community.

Can students complete the MFin program part-time?

No. The MFin program is a full-time, residential program completed in 18 months. Applicants have an option to accelerate the program and complete the degree in 12 months.  

How busy is the program’s schedule?

MIT Sloan’s MFin program features a rigorous STEM curriculum, emphasizing a foundation in how markets work and engineered around the most advanced financial theories, quantitative models, and industry practices. You will have flexibility with your schedule, but you can expect to take between four to six classes each week. Each class has two lectures and a recitation.

What’s the difference between the Chartered Financial Analyst and the MFin program?

There are a number of differences between the CFA program and the MIT Sloan MFin program. First, the CFA program is focused on investment management, whereas the MFin program is broader and prepares students for careers across a variety of finance functions including investment banking, investment management, quant research, quant trading, risk management, private equity, venture capital, finance-related consulting, portfolio management, sales and trading, impact finance and fintech.

Second, the CFA program, while focused on investment management, is a generalist program. That is, the level of depth at which it treats any given topic is determined by the question, “What does an investment professional who is not an expert on this topic need to know about the topic?” The MFin program, while providing this generalist perspective, also goes into considerable depth. 

Third, the CFA program is a distance learning program, whereas the MFin program is residential. This allows for a more intensive, total immersion experience, including significant peer learning. Finally, the CFA is a professional designation that involves becoming a member of a professional society, including subscribing to a code of ethics. The MFin program is a degree program that ends when you graduate; while there are opportunities for alumni to stay connected to the school and to one another, this is not the same as being a member of a professional society.

What is the difference between the MFin program and a finance-focused MBA from MIT Sloan?

The MFin program is geared towards early professionals who are looking for a finance-specific program that includes a deep dive into quantitative courses using modeling and computer programming skills. While MBA students can pursue a finance certificate at MIT Sloan, the program also equips graduates with a broader general management skill set and knowledge base. The applicant's career goals will largely determine which type of program to choose.

What career services are provided to MFin students?

All incoming MFin students participate in Career Core during summer term. MFin students are able to use both MIT Sloan and MIT career resource centers, a huge bonus for MFin students. MIT Sloan offers dedicated MFin career advisors who offer 1:1 sessions for individual students in their search for summer internships and full-time opportunities upon graduation.

Curriculum and Program Timeline

How long does it take to complete the program? Is there an option to accelerate the degree requirements?

The MFin program is delivered in 18 months with the option to accelerate the degree requirements and complete it in 12 months. If you are interested in the 12-month format only, you must select that in the “Additional Questions” section of the application and briefly explain why you are interested in the 12-month format.

What’s the difference in timeline for the 18-month format versus the 12-month format? Are the degree requirements the same?

The degree requirements are the same for each format, the only difference is timing. The 18-month format consists of four academic terms (summer, fall, spring, fall) and the opportunity to complete a summer internship and graduate in February. Students who choose to accelerate in 12 months spend the summer, plus two academic terms (fall and spring) in residence, and graduate in June. MIT undergraduates who have fulfilled specific Course 15 work may be able to complete the program requirements during the fall and spring terms. MIT undergraduates will be required to get approval from the MFin Program Office to confirm their time spent in the program.

When is the MFin program start date?

The MFin program typically starts on July 1. The summer term is  required and an integral part of the core degree requirements. MIT undergrads who have taken specific Course 15 credits, or MFin applicants who have completed the MITx MicroMasters in Finance full credential by December of the year prior to MFin enrollment, may be eligible to waive some of the summer term with prior MFin Program approval.

Would the summer session occupy the full summer term?

The summer term is a rigorous program that begins the first week in July and ends in late August. Over the summer term, all students take intensive courses in finance theory and financial mathematics. Students will also participate in the MFin Career Core.

How does the MITx MicroMasters® program credential in Finance   relate to the MFin degree program ?

If you’ve earned the MIT MicroMasters in Finance credential and are interested in the MFin degree program, you must apply to the MFin degree program separately. Upon admission to the MFin program, you must have completed the MicroMasters in Finance credential by December of the year prior to enrolling in MFin. The credential credits earned through the MicroMasters will count towards your MFin degree requirements, and will require approval from the MFin Program Office prior to matriculation. Additional information about the MicroMasters in Finance credential and email contact is available here . If you have completed the MicroMasters in Finance, please be sure to include details in the Additional Questions section of your application.

What are the classes like? Are they individually driven or team-based?

The  curriculum  is team driven in homework, projects, and case studies. The midterms and exams, however, are individual. You can typically customize the number of classes you attend between four and six each week. Each class has two lectures and a recitation.

What’s the MFin curriculum like? Are courses quantitative?

The MFin curriculum is comprehensive and rigorous in quantitative disciplines – think stochastic calculus, financial economics, and simulation, as well as, foundations of finance theory and methodologies. The MFin program also offers students flexibility in the curriculum and allows you to tailor the program to your specific interests. Take a look at the  MFin Curriculum page  for more information.

Are there any limitations on how many courses I can take?

Yes, there are unit limits per term, which is consistent with our practice today, and with all MIT Sloan degree programs. The maximum number of units per term is 66. This includes all courses taken for credit regardless of department.

Is it possible to write a thesis while enrolled in the MFin program?

Yes, the thesis is optional. The degree is the same (Master of Finance) for all graduates, whether they choose to write a thesis or not.

From the Classroom to the Field: Action Learning

What are the Action Learning opportunities available for MFin students?

Throughout their time in the MFin program, students have opportunities to apply the knowledge and theory learned in the classroom to practical situations.

Action Learning is an integral component of the MFin experience and the Finance Lab (Fin-Lab)  is offered during the month of January. In this graduate-level finance course, students work in teams on substantive projects proposed by external sponsors. Our goal is to provide students with a meaningful opportunity to partner with leading industry practitioners on important topical finance problems while helping them to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and introducing them to the broader financial community.

Additionally, the Finance Proseminars either in Corporate Finance or Capital Markets are one-semester Action Learning courses that offer students experience in the complex task of developing and communicating solutions to the challenging financial problems facing businesses today. Students work in teams to tackle issues posed by company sponsors and present findings to the company sponsor and their fellow classmates. 

Is it possible to do an internship during the program?

Practical training is an important component of a student’s preparation. In the 18-month format, MFin students are expected, when possible, to take advantage of the many practical learning opportunities offered at MIT Sloan. During the summer between the spring and second fall terms, students have the option to obtain a summer internship.  

Optional Concentrations

Does the MFin program offer any concentrations?

Students are able to complete concentrations in  financial engineering, impact finance, capital markets, or corporate finance . Completing a concentration is optional and is not a degree requirement. Students interested in completing a concentration should discuss their program plan with their program advisor.

If I choose to pursue a concentration, can those credits be applied towards completing the MFin program?

The  concentration requirements  are in addition to the MFin degree requirements. Courses counted toward your MFin degree requirements may not be counted toward your concentration. Some exceptions apply, visit the Optional Concentrations page for more information.

When should I decide whether or not to choose a concentration?

We will ask if you have an interest in pursuing a concentration in the MFin application, which is not binding at that time. However, if you are considering a concentration, you should plan your courses accordingly before the first fall term bidding process. But don’t worry, dedicated MFin program advisors can help you navigate this process! Remember, pursuing a concentration is optional.

What are the course requirements for each concentration?

You can find a document detailing the concentration requirements on the Optional Concentrations website.

Are 18-month program students eligible to participate in Action Learning opportunities in their last semester?

Students are not eligible to take Action Learning Labs that extend into the Independent Activities Period (IAP.)

Can MFin students enroll in any of the MIT Sloan Certificates?

Yes, students are able to enroll and earn a certificate in the following options while pursuing the MFin degree: Business Analytics, Healthcare or Sustainability.

The Admissions Process

What are your admissions criteria and what do you look for in a candidate?

Our Admissions Committee looks for applicants with demonstrated academic excellence, proven personal achievement, excellent communication skills, and strong commitment to pursue the field of finance and make an impact. We believe high academic potential and personal achievement are typically reflected in academic records, internship or work experiences and recommendations that go beyond a polite endorsement.

Who evaluates the applications?

The applications are evaluated by the Admissions Committee, composed of staff on the admissions, career, and program teams, along with members of the finance faculty. Students and alumni are not part of the evaluation process.

Are some parts of the application weighted more than others?

Our Admissions Committee will carefully consider all application materials you submit. No single component is more or less important than another.

Is there a minimum GPA?

There is no minimum GPA. We understand this is one component of your application and will review it alongside any other relevant coursework you’ve completed. View our Class Profile to see the average GPA of our current MFin class.

Is there a rolling admission for the MFin program?  

The MFin program does not have rolling admissions. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline.

Is it possible to waive the application fee?

We offer fee waivers to the following applicants:

You may be eligible for a fee waiver if any of the following apply:

• Current Teach for America Members or Alumni
• Current Peace Corps Members
• Veteran or Active Duty U.S. Military Personnel
• Paying the application fee will result in insurmountable financial hardship

Participants from the following list of programs, conferences, and fellowships are also eligible for an application fee waiver:

MIT Sponsored Programs

• MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP General)
• MIT Summer Research Program (MSRP Biology/BCS/CBMM)
• On-Campus MIT ACCESS Program
• MIT Media Lab Open House Travel Grant Recipients
• MIT OME Laureates and Leaders
• MIT OME The Standard
• MIT Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems (EBICS)
• Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology (HST) Summer Institute

Fellowship Programs

• APSA Diversity Fellowship Program (APSA DFP)
• Emergent Behaviors of Integrated Cellular Systems Research Experience for Undergraduates (EBICS REU)
• Gates Millennium Scholars Program
• Leadership Alliance Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP)
• Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
• Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC)
• McNair Scholars Program
• Mellon Mays Minority Undergraduate Fellowship Program (MMUF)
• Morehouse College Dr. John H. Hopps Jr. Defense Research Scholars Program Hopps (HOPPS)
• National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP)
• Questbridge
• Ralph Bunche Summer Institute (RBSI)
• Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement Program (RISE)
• The National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science (GEM)
• University of Baltimore Maryland County Meyerhoff Scholars Program
• Woods Hole Partnership Education Program

Events and Conferences

• ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing
• American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)
• California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education
• Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM (ERN)
• FIU McNair Scholars Research Conference
• Georgia Tech Virtual Graduate Showcase
• Grace Hopper Celebration Conference
• Howard University Research Month
• Institute on Teaching and Mentoring (SREB)
• Ivy Plus Puerto Rico
• MC-STEMP Graduating Engineering Minorities (GEM) GRADLab
• National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
• National Organization of Minority Architects
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP)
• Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Spelman College Research Day
• The National GEM Consortium

In addition to the list above, attendees of some recruitment events and conferences where MIT Sloan is present may qualify for an application fee waiver. If you are in attendance at one of these events, you will be notified at the conclusion of the event and the payment section of your application will reflect the waiver automatically.

Please note that we cannot grant retroactive fee waivers if the application fee has already been paid online. If you are submitting a request, please wait to hear back from us.

Will the Admissions Committee expedite my application if it is submitted before the application deadline?

The Admissions Committee will begin reviewing all applications immediately after the application deadline. Unfortunately, we are not able to conduct any application reviews prior to the application deadline.

Can you provide feedback on my chances of being admitted?

Each year we receive a high volume of applications, making it difficult to provide individual feedback on every application submitted.

Test Scores

Is the GRE/GMAT required?

Submission of a standardized test, such as GMAT (Focus Edition or 10th Edition) or GRE is optional when applying for the MFin program. If you have a GMAT or GRE score, you are encouraged to submit it as an additional data point to be considered by the Admissions Committee. Those without a test score will be reviewed as is, with no negative inferences.

We will accept self-reported test scores by the application deadline, and welcome either the traditional or online version of exams.

Do I need a TOEFL/IELTS score to apply to the MFin Program?  

No. This is not required to apply to the MFin program.

Since a TOEFL score is not required, how do you measure English speaking ability?

We assess English language ability during our interviews.

Do you require a minimum acceptable GRE/GMAT score?

No. MIT Sloan does not require a minimum test score on either test. Please view the MFin C lass Profile  to view the GRE and GMAT test scores of our students.

My test score is below the average range for the MFin class. Should I still apply?

We will consider all parts of your application and we welcome you to apply. If you did not score high on the GRE or GMAT, we will look for evidence of academic success, as demonstrated on your transcripts and quantitative coursework as well as significant internships or full-time professional experiences.

Transcripts

If my transcript is not in English, should I get it translated?

Yes! We require all transcripts to be submitted in the original language, accompanied by a certified English translation. We accept translations issued by an institution or professional translating service, such as World Education Services (WES). If you are currently earning a degree, please submit your most up-to-date transcript.

If I have an international transcript, do I need to have an outside credential service evaluate it and provide you with a report?

We don’t have a preference! While some applicants choose to have an outside credential service evaluate their transcript, it is not mandatory.

If I studied abroad, do I need to submit that transcript as well?

Yes! We want to see all of the grades you received during your undergraduate degree. If you have a second transcript from a study abroad institution, please upload that transcript as well.

Recommendation Letters

Who should I ask to write my recommendation letters?

We have some guidelines, but it’s ultimately up to you who you ask. One letter must come from someone who can speak to your quantitative abilities, like a math professor. If you are a current student, you should submit two academic letters of recommendation and one professional letter, preferably from a recent internship. If you are working full-time, one letter of recommendation should come from your recent employer and another letter of recommendation from an academic source, preferably a previous professor. 

What if I can’t get a letter of recommendation from a direct supervisor?

We want to learn more about the impact you have made in a professional setting. If your direct supervisor is not able to submit a letter on your behalf, consider asking another manager or supervisor (not a peer) who can speak to the contributions you have made and share substantive examples of your strengths.

One of my recommenders doesn’t speak or write in English . Should I translate their recommendation letter to English myself?

You should not translate the recommendation letter to English yourself. If your recommender writes a letter in a language other than English, the letter should be translated by a third-party service.

Can my recommenders submit their letters of recommendation after the application deadline?

Your complete application, including letters of recommendation, should be submitted by the application deadline.

How do I submit letters of recommendation?

Your letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically through our online application. We do not accept recommendation letters via email or mail. For more information, please  visit the How to Apply  website.

Work Experience and Background

Does the MFin program prefer applicants with specific undergraduate majors?

We don’t have a preference! We accept candidates from various academic disciplines and diverse backgrounds. Take a look at the MFin Class Profile to learn more about our MFin students’ backgrounds and experiences.

Are there any required courses students have to take in order to be admitted?

We do not require that you’ve taken certain courses, but a background in calculus, statistics, linear algebra, probability, and programming, specifically Python is highly beneficial. While candidates may be admitted without Python, it is expected that admitted students will need to demonstrate proficiency in Python prior to matriculation.

If I already have an advanced degree (MBA, PhD, etc.) may I still apply?


Of course! If you hold a previous advanced degree, you are eligible to apply. You should, however, detail on your application why you are pursuing an MFin degree at this time. We consider those with advanced degrees the same as other applicants. Advanced degrees are additional evidence toward academic success, but we do not consider them over undergraduate transcripts.

Do I need to complete my bachelor’s degree before I apply to the MFin program?

All applicants to the program must hold a four-year undergraduate degree or three-year equivalent undergraduate degree from outside of the U.S, by time of matriculation. This means that you’re welcome to apply as a graduating college senior but you must have completed all of your degree requirements prior to matriculation in the MFin Program.

Is an internship considered work experience?

Yes, an internship is professional work experience and will be considered in your application. Your internship may either be paid or unpaid, as long as you were hired  directly  from the Human Resources department at that company. Internships that are offered by employees of a company but not officially through an HR department should be listed on resumes only and not in the Employment section of the application.

Do I need work experience in order to apply?

The short answer is no. While some MFin applicants have up to three years of experience, this is not a requirement for admission. A significant number of our students are recent university graduates who have completed an internship before enrolling in the MFin program.

May I apply to the MFin and Master of Business Analytics programs concurrently?

You are welcome to apply to both programs at the same time, but you must submit separate applications to each program. Students may attend only one program at a time. If you apply to both MFin and MBAn, please create both applications with the same email address. 

Can I apply credits I earned in another university’s master’s program towards the MFin program?

No. We do not accept credits from another program. Upon enrolling in the program, you are required to complete the MFin degree requirements.

Is an interview required and what are you looking for when interviewing candidates?

Yes! The interview is an important and required component of the admissions process. Our goal with the interview is to get to know you better and understand the strengths you will bring to the MIT Sloan community. During the interview, we also look for professional presence and communication, as well as English language proficiency.

What is the format of the interview?

The MFin interview has two parts: a quantitative assessment and a behavioral interview. The assessment does not require preparation, and we will share more details in the interview invitation email. During the behavioral interview, you will meet one-on-one with a member of the Admissions Committee and answer questions that help us to learn more about how you work with a team, make decisions, and solve problems. Each part of the interview will last about 30 minutes. All interviews will be conducted virtually.

Reapplication

What constitutes a reapplicant?

Any applicant who has applied to our MFin program before.

When I reapply, will the Admissions Committee review both my current and past applications?

Yes. If you reapply, the Admissions Committee will review both your current and prior applications in full. Carefully consider the content of your new application. Make sure you update us with what has changed since you last applied, but please don’t repeat everything included in your past application. Give us the new highlights.

What is the most common mistake reapplicants make?

The most common mistake reapplicants make is submitting the same application materials they submitted the last time. If you are reapplying, make sure you examine your past application to see how you could do a better job of presenting your strengths this time.

How can reapplicants explain how their candidacy has evolved since they last applied?

Ideally, you should use every part of your application to highlight how your candidacy has changed from your prior application. You will also provide a summary or highlight what’s new in 200 words or less. We’re ready to learn about what you’ve been up to!

Do you evaluate a reapplicant’s submission differently than a first-time application?

Not really. In a reapplication, we look for all of the same characteristics we do in a first-time applicant.  This includes examples of your professional and academic accomplishments, your ability to lead and influence others, and your ability to collaborate as part of a community. But keep in mind, as a reapplicant, you will give us twice as much information to draw on (your previous application and this year’s application) as we consider you.

Should I highlight my strongest experiences in my reapplication, even if it means retelling a story?

The most important thing you can do is be clear on what you’ve been doing since the last time you applied, so be sure to highlight your new accomplishments and experiences.

Do you have any advice for a reapplicant who was invited to interview the prior year and was rejected? Is it fair to assume that I did not do well in the interview?

We have to make many difficult decisions after interviewing candidates. If you were rejected after interviewing, do not assume it was necessarily due to your interview performance. We recommend reflecting on how you can strengthen any of the materials you submitted in your application in addition to the responses you shared during your interview.

Tuition & Financial Aid

What is the MFin tuition charge?

Visit here for information about MFin Tuition and Financial Aid .

How do MFin students finance their education?

The majority of MFin students use loans to finance their education. These come from two government programs, from MIT directly, or through an alternative lending source. Some students supplement their tuition expenses with fellowships and research assistantships. You can find more information here .

Are Research Assistantships (RA) or Teaching Assistantships (TA) available to MFin students?

Students enrolled in the MFin program are expected to be self-funded. There are a small number of MFin TA positions available, and you are welcome to seek and apply for RA or TA opportunities in other programs or departments across MIT.

Are fellowships or scholarships available to Master of Finance students?

The MFin program offers a limited number of merit-based fellowships. All admitted students are automatically considered for a fellowship and no additional application components are required.

How are applicants evaluated for fellowships?

The Admissions Committee reviews admits and awards merit-based fellowships to exceptional students who have shown academic excellence, professional achievements and potential to enhance the MIT Sloan community.

When are applicants notified if they have been awarded a fellowship?

We notify fellowship recipients of their awards at the time of admission. There are times when additional funds do become available after decisions have been released and we are able to notify recipients at that time.

What are the first steps in the financial aid application process for U.S. applicants? 


The first step is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is required of all U.S. citizens and permanent residents who wish to apply for federal student loans. To expedite the processing of your federal loan applications, we recommend that you complete the FAFSA as early as possible. The FAFSA School Code for MIT is 002178. Please visit the U.S. Department of Education homepage for more information on the FAFSA, or write to:

FAFSA Information Center P.O. Box 84, 
Washington, DC, 20044


Or call FAFSA at: 1-800-433-3243

All other aspects of the financial aid application process do not begin until students have been formally admitted into the program.

What support systems exist for admits who need financial aid?

The MIT Sloan Student Funding Office will share additional information about financial aid options and timelines if you are admitted. As an admit, you will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a member of the Student Funding Team to discuss your specific situation and learn more about options that are available to you.

Career Development

What is the Career Development Office?

The CDO offers career advising and coaching, curated resources, and a calendar of career events. As an enrolled student, you benefit from the guidance of dedicated career advisors and coaches who know their programs and can assist in all stages of career management, from deciding what’s next, to developing a plan, making connections, preparing for interviews, and negotiating offers. Your career advisor will help you discover the many resources that are part of the MIT and MIT Sloan ecosystem, including alumni, clubs, certificates, and centers and initiatives. Learn more about the CDO via the career portal  Your CDO .

Career Activities + Outcomes

What career management activities are offered at MIT Sloan?

We have a deep offering of career programs to support you. After you enroll in the MFin program, you’ll receive access to career resources to help you hit the ground running. When classes begin, we kick off Career Core, a series of tailored career education classes to advance your career development and prepare you for recruiting. You’ll learn about building a strong résumé and cover letter, crafting your career story, networking techniques, interview preparation, offers, and negotiations. Complementary to Career Core, you’ll have access to individual and small group career advising sessions.

Are there networking events available during the fall term? Are these exclusive to MFin students, or do they cater to MIT Sloan as a whole? 

Yes, the majority of networking events are in the fall — our recruiting partners typically select which programs are invited to attend each event. MFin Networking Night is an event that takes place each fall where employers are seeking to connect exclusively with MFin students. There are also networking events that are open to students across programs.

How many career fairs do you have each year? Are they for MFin students only, or are they for all MIT Sloan students?

MIT offers several career fairs, including a large event for all MIT students in the fall semester. The largest event attracts up to 300 companies, and is an opportunity for students to learn about potential opportunities at companies and to interact with company representatives. The main campus also leads specialized career fairs (e.g., the European Career Fair, Non-Technology Career Fair).

In the Spring, the CDO organizes the MIT Sloan Career Fair for companies seeking to hire students for summer internships or full-time roles, and features only employers with specific roles they are seeking to fill. Students may have an opportunity to interview with the company later that day or at another time organized with the company representative. 

Does MIT Sloan encourage alumni mentors to help students in finding jobs? How does career services encourage communication between alumni and current MFin students?

We certainly urge our students to connect with both MIT and MIT Sloan alumni. We provide a database by which students can research alumni and connect themselves. This aligns with our broader career philosophy around teaching students how to get a job—both now and for the rest of their careers. The expanded CDO community includes alumni:  through the MIT Sloan Industry Advisors program, students seeking roles in emerging industries can connect with a select group of alumni. Students can also engage in the MIT Advisors Hub to receive advice, insight, and prep directly from alumni from both MIT and MIT Sloan.

What are the employment outcomes and statistics for the MFin Class?

The 2023 MFin Employment Report can be found  here . The February 2024 MFin Employment Report, will be available by fall 2024.

When does the recruiting process start for MFin students?

The start of the recruiting season varies based on your career interests. Some industries begin recruiting in early summer, but the majority of recruiting activity starts in September and continues throughout the academic year. A couple of points to consider: The Career Development Office has thoughtfully designed a summer term career curriculum, called Career Core, which provides students with the career tools and resources to prepare for a successful job search. In addition, the CDO shares career development and research resources online even before classes begin. Still, it is a very intensive process combining job search and study—one that requires a strong work ethic and good time management skills to be successful.

What is the recruiting schedule and timeline?

Students will be recruited for internship opportunities during their first year in the program. Students may choose to look for full-time positions in their second fall term (after returning from their summer internships), while some may secure and accept returning full-time offers from their internship employers.

Note: Students in the accelerated 12-month option will interview for full-time positions, typically starting in the fall semester.

A large amount of recruiting is done early in the year. How can the MFin program prepare me for recruiting if I haven't had enough professional experience at that time?

The Career Development Office provides you with the necessary resources to prepare you for recruiting (i.e., networking, cover letter, résumé, interview workshops, etc.). Networking and alumni connections here are simply the best. You can connect with students across all graduate degree programs, including MBAs and PhDs. Also, you will have access to the MIT Sloan alumni network, which has many alumni who are very involved in the recruiting process.

Many international students seek employment in the U.S. through CPT, OPT, and additional long-term working visas such as the H1B visa. Landing long-term permanent employment in the US is a challenge due to government visa quotas. Still, many of the top companies that recruit at Sloan are interested in the best and brightest candidates they can find, regardless of their country of origin. It's also worth remembering that while most of our students are from outside the U.S., most are successful in finding jobs here. 

International students often require work authorization. Does this make recruiting difficult?

Since the MFin program is STEM-approved, MFin graduates are eligible for an OPT extension, allowing up to 3 years of work authorization in the U.S. post-graduation. While the majority of MFin students are international, the majority of our students secure jobs in the U.S. post-graduation. That said, there are some recruiting challenges for international students. It can be hard for international students to secure employment in the U.S., and some companies from outside the U.S. find it difficult to travel here just to recruit.

Internships

What tools and resources are available to help students secure summer internships?

MFins are in a unique position to access both MIT Sloan and MIT main campus career resources and job postings. MFins also have dedicated career advisors to help them navigate their career exploration process.

Will the same career advisors provide full-time and internship job search support?

As an MFin student, you will work with a dedicated CDO career advisor throughout the program. Your career advisor will work closely with you to provide a truly personalized advising experience.

Is an internship guaranteed, and will it be paid?

Students conduct a summer internship search with the support of the CDO and its employer partners. Internships are typically paid, but the remuneration of an internship will depend on the opportunity. Nearly all students secure internships, but they are not guaranteed.

Will MFin students compete with MBA students who are also looking for summer internships?

Typically, no. The profile for MFin students differs from that of MBAs in terms of work experience and background. It is up to the hiring company to select which MIT Sloan population(s) it is targeting through internship postings.

What impact does completing an internship have on securing a full-time position after the program concludes? 

The opportunity to conduct an internship gives students additional practical experience, which in turn helps with the full-time job search. Some industries and companies focus on internships as a feeder pool for their full-time hiring requirements. For example, the majority of investment banking full-time hiring needs are typically filled from their internship class. If you are considering the accelerated option, we strongly encourage you to research your target industry to understand how important having an internship is to that industry.

Is there an internship option in January?

In January, you have an option to take the Finance Lab. It is somewhat similar to an internship where teams of four students fulfill an academic project while working hand in hand with companies (many times on-site), solving real and rigorous problems agreed upon by the professors.

Full-Time Employment

Do employers that come to campus look to recruit for analyst-level jobs or associate-equivalent level jobs?

Both! The level for which MFins apply depends upon their previous work experience. As an MFin student, you have access to Campus Recruiting at both the main MIT campus and the business school at MIT Sloan.

Do MFin students get job offers in the spring or in the fall? Is the spring career fair only looking for a small number of people since most have already found jobs?

Typically 50 percent of MFin students accept their offer in the fall, and 50 percent in the spring. In fairness, the career fair is not a major source of jobs. Most students secure their jobs through networking which includes making connections with contacts in a target sector, and demonstrating persistence while building relationships with hiring managers. Campus recruiting certainly yields jobs, but students are encouraged to be prepared for months of networking to generate opportunities in the job market.

How do students from outside the U.S. find jobs? Is recruiting difficult for them?

Students from outside the U.S. find jobs the same way students who are U.S. citizens do – by taking advantage of the many resources the Career Development Office has to offer, taking a proactive approach to networking, and staying on top of job opportunities posted on various MIT-affiliated and external job sites. While the majority of MFin students are international, the majority of our students secure jobs in the U.S. post-graduation. That said, there are some recruiting challenges for international students. It can be hard for international students to secure employment in the U.S., and some companies from outside the U.S. find it difficult to travel here just to recruit. 

If a student receives a full-time offer to start before February graduation, is he or she allowed to work before the program ends?

MFin students may not begin full-time employment before the program ends. You will be eligible to start work in January or February of the year of graduation, pending work authorization in the country of your employment.

Career Paths

Do any of your MFin students seek employment outside of the pure-play finance fields?

Yes. While the majority of MFin students pursue careers within the financial services industry, some students seek and secure roles outside of pure-play finance. MFin graduates have accepted data science roles at tech companies, corporate finance and strategy roles at non-financial companies, management consulting roles, and opportunities within the public policy, non-profit, and business development fields.

If I am interested in a highly quantitative job, would MIT Sloan’s MFin program be appropriate for me? 

Yes! Many MFin students land in quantitative roles after graduation, and there are plenty of courses available to meet their needs. In addition to the classes offered specifically by MIT Sloan, students are also able to enroll in any class at MIT, including the other graduate departments, such as engineering, computing, mathematics, statistics, etc., as well as PhD level courses. Many MFins also complete the Financial Engineering concentration. Employers recognize the strong technical and quantitative skills of our MFin students.

If I were to concentrate in financial engineering, what level of expertise would I be able to achieve?

The financial engineering concentration curriculum provides MFins with a deep level of expertise and positions them to be successful in highly quantitative careers. Students interested in quantitative finance have always found more than enough hard-core courses at MIT Sloan and at the broader MIT campus and have been successful in finding competitive quant roles upon graduation.

My research experience is mostly mathematical. I do not have work experience, but I really enjoy analyzing complex datasets. What do you suggest?

We do have students coming into the program with primarily research backgrounds (and limited professional experience), and we feel the program can be a very good fit for someone with your credentials. In the end, it really depends on what you want to get out of the program and the kind of position you are looking to get at the end of the program. Many companies value strong researchers.

MFin Accelerated Option

What is the recruiting schedule and timeline for the MFin accelerated option?

Students in the 12-month program will interview for full-time positions, typically starting in the fall semester.

Does the lack of an internship period in the 12-month accelerated option make it difficult to find jobs?  

It is beneficial to have a financial internship on your resume. However, even though a formal internship is not part of the program, typically students can find a suitable job through a combination of displaying a real passion for finance, having a clear explanation of how they can contribute to their employer, and a diligent approach to their job search throughout the year. 

I am an international student. Will choosing the accelerated format make my job search more challenging, especially when it comes to a job search in the United States? 

Each student comes with a different background and career goals so there isn't a standard answer to this question. Students who are not in the accelerated option will have an opportunity to gain additional practical training during the summer, but whether or not this is the right path for you depends on your current level of experience and career goals. You should also consider whether the typical career path in your chosen industry usually starts with a summer internship.

Are full-time career opportunities comparable for all MFin graduates, given that the general recruiting cycle targets a summer start?

This really depends on the employer industry, job function, and geography. Some of the larger employers with structured training programs may have two intakes to accommodate different academic schedules (mostly in Asia). Many MFin students also go into the asset management industry, which tends to recruit in the spring. Students completing a summer internship are well-positioned to join an industry where a summer internship would be beneficial to secure a full-time offer.

MFin versus MBA

What distinguishes the MFin from an MBA career-wise?

From a career perspective, employers will have a greater expectation of your depth of technical expertise with respect to the concepts of modern finance, since MFin students typically take twice as many finance courses as compared to their MBA peers. MFin students are perhaps showing a greater commitment to learning about the tools of finance, as opposed to learning about the tools of management in an MBA. The difference in degrees is important, but the level of work experience of each individual candidate is a huge factor, too.

What are the career prospects for MFin graduates as opposed to MBA graduates?

Generally speaking, MFin students accept roles within the finance industry, while MBAs secure roles across industries. Additionally, MFins have on average less than 18 months of work experience, including internships, while MBAs typically start the program with 4 or more years of full-time work experience. If I am planning for a complete career change, which degree program would you recommend?

Your MFin degree is an effective way to kick-start or accelerate your career in the finance industry. For applicants with more than four years of full-time work experience who are looking to enhance their management skills and advance their career, the MBA program may be more suitable.

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How to turn a lousy job into a good one

Zeynep Ton talks bad jobs and better strategy on Retail Dive podcast.

MIT Thesis FAQ: Student Frequently Asked Questions

• New Degree Candidates
• Thesis Checklist
• Creating an Accessible Thesis
• Saving Your Thesis as a PDF/A-1
• Student Frequently Asked Questions
• Access and Availability Questions

Preparing my thesis

Starting with February 2022 degrees, students no longer need to pay a thesis fee to MIT Libraries.

Journal publishers usually acquire the copyright to scholarly articles through a publication agreement with the author. Their policies then determine what authors can do with their work. Visit Theses and Article Publishing to see if your publisher's policy is already listed.  If your publisher is not listed or if you have any questions about a listed publisher, contact [email protected]  

Each student is responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions for including previously published materials as part of the thesis. Visit Scholarly Communications for additional information.  If permission is given, published material can be used in its original typeset form as long as the thesis formatting requirements are met.  

Styles of quotations, footnotes, and bibliographic references may be prescribed by your department. If your department does not prescribe a style or specify a style manual, choose one and be consistent.

Listing thesis readers is not a thesis requirement. If you would like to list thesis readers or extra committee members, you can do so on the second page of your thesis like in this example.

Supplemental material that may be submitted with your thesis is the materials that are essential to understanding the research findings of your thesis, but impossible to incorporate or embed into a PDF. Contact [email protected] early in your thesis writing process to determine the best way to include supplemental materials with your thesis.

You may also have other research data and outputs related to your thesis research that are not considered supplemental material and should not be submitted with your thesis. Research materials should be deposited in appropriate research data repositories and cited in your thesis. You may consult the MIT Libraries’ Data Management Services website for guidance or reach out to Data Management Services (DMS)( [email protected] ), who can help answer questions you may have about managing your thesis data and choosing suitable solutions for longer term storage and access.

Students can use this Overleaf Template . Please contact [email protected] with any questions about the template.

There are nuances to accessibility with different thesis formats, and there often isn't one perfect solution. If your thesis is in the form of a graphic novel or comic strip and alt text for images feel cumbersome, you could forgo alt text in favor of an Appendix with transcripts or long descriptions for the story(ies) depicted in graphics. Here are a couple of resources you can view for more information:

"Accessible Comics???" by Abby Kingman, LastCallMedia.

"Alternative Descriptions for Graphic Novels" from the University of Illinois, Accessible IT.

Starting with the June 2023 degree period and as reflected in the MIT Thesis Specifications , all students retain the copyright of their thesis.

For theses prior to 2023, MIT generally holds ownership of the copyright to MIT theses. To request permission to republish contact [email protected]

You may optionally choose to apply a Creative Commons License to your thesis. The Creative Commons License allows you to grant permissions and provide guidance on how your work can be reused by others. If you choose to apply a CC license to your MIT thesis please follow these guidelines .

The copyright year on the thesis title page is the same year your degree is issued. For example, if you are graduating in February 2014 but submit your thesis to the Institute Archives and Special Collections during the fall of 2013, your copyright date will be 2014.

The student is authorized to post electronic versions of the student’s own thesis, in whole or in part, on the internet. If it is an older thesis where the copyright is held by the Institute, students and third parties should contact the [email protected] to obtain permission to reuse thesis content in other publications.

Access to my thesis

The two offices authorized to temporarily restrict access to theses are the Office of Graduate Education (for government restrictions, privacy and security) and Technology Licensing Office (for patent claims).

For information about requesting a temporary publication hold on your thesis from the OGE:  https://oge.mit.edu/gpp/degrees/thesis/restrictions-on-thesis-publication/

Request for temporary holds must be submitted prior to graduation

There is currently no policy on removing theses from public view after degrees are granted. Thesis publication online is considered part of the process of completion of the MIT degree. Each thesis is part of the legal and scholarly record of work completed at MIT, and neither the paper copy nor the electronic copy can be removed from public viewing.

If your thesis is available in DSpace here , you can download the thesis free of charge. Otherwise, a request can be made through the Distinctive Collections Request System here , or contact the Department of Distinctive Collections [email protected]

Holds, errata, and page substitutions

Request for temporary holds must be submitted prior to graduation.

Thesis holds are temporary restrictions on the distribution of theses, which may be granted from the Technology Licensing Office (TLO) or the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC). Holds can be authorized by the TLO for MIT-initiated patent applications. The Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) can grant holds for student-initiated patents, business pursuits, government restrictions, organization reviews, privacy and security, and scholarly journal and book publication.

For more information on requesting OGE temporary thesis publication holds:   https://oge.mit.edu/gpp/degrees/thesis/restrictions-on-thesis-publication/

Once certified by your thesis supervisor, accepted by the chair, and transferred to the MIT Libraries, all thesis content becomes part of the formal record. Changes, including the excision of content or the correction of significant errors in content, must be approved by the thesis supervisor or department chair and by the Vice Chancellor or their designee, in consultation with the Vice President for Research & Associate Provost.

Both errata and page substitutions require approval. When the purpose is to correct significant errors in content, the student should create an errata sheet using the form and instructions and obtain approval from both thesis supervisor or program chair and the Vice Chancellor or their designee.

If the purpose of change is to excise classified, proprietary, or confidential information, the student should fill out the application form and have the request approved by the thesis supervisor or program chair and the Vice Chancellor or their designee. Students and supervisors should vet thesis content carefully before submission to avoid both scenarios whenever possible.

Types of questions

Preparing your thesis

Access to your thesis

Holds and changes to your thesis

Access and availability

Scanned theses in DSpace@MIT

Quick links

• Thesis Specifications
• Distinctive Collections
• Scholarly Publishing@MIT
• About DSpace@MIT
• Dissertation/Theses
• Official Overleaf Thesis Template

Have questions?

Contact us at [email protected] .

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Thesis Defense

The completion of the thesis is the culmination of the graduate program. The thesis is expected to represent original research at a standard required for publication in a high-level research journal. The thesis must conform to MIT specifications for thesis preparation .

When the thesis approaches completion, a Thesis Examination Committee of three or four faculty members in related fields is formed. At least two members of the committee should be MIT math faculty from within the student's program (Pure or Applied), and one of these must be selected as Examination Committee Chair. Typically the thesis advisor serves as the chair, except when the advisor is external to the department.

By the middle of their final semester, students must obtain approval of their Thesis Examination Committee as follows:

• Submit by email to Davesh Maulik & Zhiwei Yun (for Pure Mathematics) or Jonathan Kelner (for Applied Mathematics) the proposed composition of the Thesis Examination Committee
• Having obtained approval by return email, students should submit the Proposal for Thesis Examination Committee Form , complete with signatures from all examiners, to Math Academic Services .
• The student presents his/her work at a public Thesis Defense. The student's successful defense of the thesis, along with the submission of final copies and paperwork, completes the doctoral program. All members of the Thesis Examination Committee must sign the Thesis Approval Form , which the candidate brings to the defense.

The members of the committee should receive a copy of the thesis two weeks before the defense presentation, and the presentation should be announced on the web and department bulletin boards one week in advance. The defense usually takes place in an Institute classroom. The Math Academic Services Office will assist degree candidates in scheduling a room and posting notices announcing the event.

Master of Architecture (MArch) Thesis

Fall term 2024 theses deadlines (february 2025 degree candidates), friday, february 9, 2024: registration day (penultimate term).

• Petition must include approved pdf of dual degree coursework plan and indication of co-thesis advisor in secondary department (some dual degrees require additional paperwork)

Tuesday, September 3, 2024: Registration Date

• Deadline to Submit Thesis Committee Members: Email  [email protected]  with names and email addresses of Thesis Committee members
• You and your committee will then be sent a DocuSign version of the Thesis Proposal Form to fill in and collect esignatures
• Each DocuSign form must be generated separately and cannot be created until all email addresses are collected

Friday, September 6, 2024

• Registration: 4.THG, 24 units
• Degree list: Put yourself on the February degree list by  applying for a degree
• All signatures must be on a single form (this includes a working thesis title and signatures; it does not include an abstract)
• Joint Thesis writers must also submit an  OGE General Petition   to  [email protected] , including a statement of contribution from each writer (see  Joint Thesis  for details)

September 9–13, 2024: Proposal Review (scheduled in conjunction with  Thesis Coordinator )

Wednesday, september 25, 2024: 10–11am.

• STOA  equipment reservation system
• MIT AV  pricing
• Scaled version of Media Lab 6th floor

September 30 – October 4, 2024 (exact date TBD): Critic Requests due to  Thesis Coordinator

Friday, october 4, 2024 – add date, week 7 of term: international students only.

• Earliest date to begin  OPT  authorization process
• It is important to plan ahead as processing times for F-1 Post-Completion OPT, by application with USCIS, can take on average 90 days for USCIS to process.  J-1 Academic Training requires that a student secure a training position/job that begins within 30 days of degree completion in order to apply for AT authorization.

Week 7: (October 17-18, 2024, 9am-noon): Midterm Reviews, Long Lounge and adjacent dome spaces

• With invited internal critics

Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Floor Plans due to Student Services

• Needs to include furniture requests, MIT AV requests, catering requests, and most importantly floor plans (map of where pin up boards, tables, etc. will be placed) 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

• Lord Jim visits MArch Thesis

Friday, November 1, 2024: Thesis need requests due to this GoogleForm

• 3 iPads without tripods (STOA)
• 4: 65”, 2: 70”, 2: 55”, 1: 47” from studios (7-434 65” * 2 70” 55” 47”  7-403 65”  3-415 70” 55”  10-485 65”)
• TV Wall in Silverman Room (Media Lab)
• 1 Projector in Lecture Hall (Media Lab)
• 4 projectors in the Multi-Purpose Room (2 each on 2 walls adjacent to each other) (Media Lab)
• Banquet tables ( Media Lab )
• Notes on space:  We are unable to pinup anywhere except on the pinup boards specifically rented for the event and nothing may be placed on the glass floor in the Winter Garden:  Media Lab Space Restrictions . We work to accommodate accessibility principles (no less than 36” between doorways or around presentations to allow for access, etc.):  ADA compliance .  Scaled version of Media Lab 6th floor
• There are 48 pinup panels and 42 lights, which can be attached to the top of individual panels

Week 10 of term: Website Materials due to cohort’s Dropbox

• 1. A text document (Word, Pages, txt, or rtf), including Thesis Title (exact formatting), Name(s) as you would like it/them displayed on the thesis website (i.e. Jim or James), Committee (advisor and readers indicated), Thesis statement (200-500 words)
• 2. Media 5 – 10 images (JPEG or PNG), each file as compressed as possible, Thesis PNG ‘icon’ or ‘logo’ (i.e. a ‘cut out’ image without a background, maximum dimension 250px for main page), Audio recording (MP3) of you reading your thesis statement

Wednesday, November 6, 2024 – TBD

• STOA visits MArch Thesis

November 18-22, 2024: Penultimate Review (scheduled in conjunction with Thesis Coordinator )

Monday, december 2, 2024.

• Submit digital information and images about your thesis for the Final Review Pamphlet via Dropbox folder (provided to you by Communications Team) by 9am

Wednesday, December 4, 2024: noon

• Review pamphlet proof due. This is for typos only: this will not be a time to switch images or content
• Final pamphlet link

Week 15 of term (exact date TBD)

• Final website ( https://marchthesis.mit.edu/ ) submissions due via cohort’s Dropbox
• Note video files are not compatible with the platform, so moving media is restricted to GIF-type files
• Please include any images, thesis statement, and roles/names of thesis advisor and readers

Friday, December 13, 2024

• Last date to change thesis title via WebSIS
• You must return to the online site of your application and  add or make a change to your thesis title  by this deadline. The title on your final thesis must be an  exact match  of the one you submit on your Application for Degree. If you add your title after this date, you will be charged a late fee.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024: late afternoon/evening

• The “All clear” to start bringing your materials over will probably be after 2pm (may be as late as 5pm!).
• MIT ID card will allow you to swipe your way through the main doors to E14 at any hour and use any E14 elevator card reader. There is a freight elevator by the loading dock at the rear of the 1 st  floor.
• A representative sample  only  of Long Lounge model bases will be brought over by truck. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in E14 6 th  floor. If you have some special requirement or need for a particular shape or size base, then contact Lord Jim well in advance.
• If you have a large, heavy model that would be best transported by truck, please contact Lord Jim well in advance. It must be ready for pickup on (date TBD), at 8:00am in one of the thesis studios.
• Anything that we transport will be returned by truck on (date TBD).
• PLEASE NOTE: OUR TRANSPORTATION OF YOUR MODEL IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE WILL NOT BE REPSONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS.  We will make every effort to move your work carefully, but these are movers, not art conservators.
• The E14-670 catering kitchen will be used as a storage area for your materials. Do not block the circulation path or the rear door of the freight elevator.

Thursday, December 19, 2024: Final Review & Load-Out

• With invited external critics
• From Lord Jim: ALL MATERIALS MUST BE REMOVED FROM E14 BY 8:00AM ON 12/22. We are under a lot of pressure to return these rooms promptly to a clean and empty condition.  YOUR COOPERATION IS EXPECTED AND APPRECIATED.
• Studio Clearout notes from Lord Jim: MArch thesis students to use the designated space in 5-414 for storage *** BUT   only until the day of the thesis review Thursday, 19 December***.    All must be removed by 19 December.  I will be cleaning out the 5-414 studio for the end of the semester and anything left behind will be disposed of without exception.   Remember that the 11.360 class will have ended by then and you will also have one-half of the 7-403 thesis studio available to store your models after the E14 review.
• Lord Jim will post the updated assignment plan to the studio door.  PLEASE DO NOT place any thesis materials elsewhere in the 5-414 studio.

Friday, December 20, 2024:

• Please arrive 15 mins early to the space. Outside, you will find a table and brushes for dusting off your model.  Please clean and assemble your model (including the bottom) outside of the space before you enter the room.
• A single speck of dust on the camera lens can trigger the sensors and ruin not only your photos, but those of your colleagues.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please email  [email protected] .

TBD – either mid fall term or early January

• Thesis Formatting Q&A via Zoom

Monday, January 6, 2025: 9am deadline to submit theses to the Department Thesis Submission Portal

(choose “Single Sign On” and login with your MIT email address)

• Note: Your final thesis book must be reviewed and approved by thesis advisor(s) via eSignature pdf before submission to the Department Thesis Submission Portal.
• This is for the purpose of making certain the document is in compliance with MIT archive requirements. You will be contacted quickly if adjustments are needed. Please do not email separately.
• Dual degree candidates must abide by their home department’s deadlines and protocols (for example, Architecture cannot accept digital copies of the thesis with signatures).

Friday, January 17, 2025

• All theses must be cleared by each department (multiple departments for dual degrees) and submitted to the Institute.
• If a thesis is not approved by both thesis advisor and the Department this point, the student may be pulled from the February degree list.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

• Degree award date.

Last week of May 2025

• Wednesday, May 28, 4 – 6pm (expected) – Architecture Department’s End of Year Celebration / Awards Ceremony on Walker Lawn
• Spring 2025 Thesis students’ degree award date
• SA+P Advanced Degree Ceremony in Kresge Auditorium
• OneMIT Ceremony on Killian Court for all graduates
• More details, as they become available, will be posted on https://commencement.mit.edu/

Formatting, Specifications & Thesis Submission

Important: Consult the  Formatting, Specifications and Thesis Submission  information page.

Friday, September 6, 2024: Registration Day (Penultimate Term)

• Attachments must include dual degree coursework plan and indication of co-thesis advisor in secondary department (some dual degrees require additional paperwork)

Wednesday, November 20, 2024: Drop Date (Penultimate Term)

Friday, december 13, 2024: end of reading period (penultimate term).

• All signatures must be on a single form
• Joint Thesis writers must also submit an OGE General Petition to [email protected] , including a statement of contribution from each writer (see Joint Thesis )

Monday, December 2, 2024 – Monday, January 6, 2025

• Pre-Registration: 4.THG, 24 units

Friday, February 7, 2025

• Registration deadline. Note: You will be unable to register until your completed Thesis Proposal Form has been received with all e-signatures
• Degree list: Put yourself on the May degree list by applying for a degree
• Please note the Institute requires joint thesis writers to graduate on the same degree list (September, February, or June). So, if joint thesis writers decide to unjoin their thesis, each writer must submit a wholly separate thesis to the Institute.
• It is filled out by one student (but includes both students’ information), then is esigned by the thesis advisor(s) as “Academic Advisor,” then comes to Kateri as “Graduate Administrator,” and it includes a pdf attachment with a 1- or 2-page proposal (see https://archthesis.mit.edu/joint for guidelines).

Monday, February 10–Friday, February 14, 2025

• Proposal Reviews (scheduled by each student with thesis committee)
• Week 2 of term: International Students Only
• Earliest date to begin OPT authorization process: It is important to plan ahead as processing times for F-1 Post-Completion OPT, by application with USCIS, can take on average 90 days for USCIS to process.  J-1 Academic Training requires that a student secure a training position/job that begins within 30 days of degree completion in order to apply for AT authorization.

Friday, March 7, 2025: Add Date

Week 7 or week 8 (monday, march 17–friday, april 4): mid reviews (scheduled by each student with thesis committee), spring break: monday, march 24–friday, march 28, 2025.

• GoogleForm for May Review requests open (remaining open until 4/11)
• May Review Schedule Draft emailed

Friday, April 11, 2025

• You must return to the online site of your application and add or make a change to your thesis title by this deadline. The title on your final thesis must be an exact match of the one you submit on your Application for Degree. If you add your title after this date, you will be charged a late fee.

Monday, April 14–Friday, April 18, 2025: Penultimate Reviews (scheduled by each student and committee)

Monday, april 21–friday, april 25, 2025.

• Tuesday, April 22: Drop Date
• Tuesday, April 22: Submit digital information and images about your thesis for the Final Review Pamphlet via Dropbox by 9am: Dropbox link (please reach out to Joél Carela for access issues)

Monday, April 28, 2025–Friday, May 2, 2025

• Review pamphlet proof 5/1–5/2 (due 5pm 5/2). This for typos only: this will not be a time to switch images or content.
• (choose “Single Sign On” and log in with your MIT email address)
• Note: Your final thesis book must be reviewed and approved by thesis advisor(s) before submission to the department portal
• If you are having difficulty when logged into Office 365 or Sharepoint under a different log in, try clearing your cache on your browser so that you can log in to the form with your MIT Kerberos account
• This is for the purpose of making certain the document is in compliance with MIT archive requirements. You will be contacted quickly via the portal if adjustments are needed. Please do not email separately
• Dual degree candidates must abide by their home department’s deadlines and protocols (for example, Architecture cannot accept digital copies of the thesis with signatures)

Friday, May 16, 2025

• If a thesis is not approved by this point, the student may be pulled from the May degree list.

Wednesday, May 14 or Thursday, May 15, 2025: Final Reviews

Friday, may 23, 2025: studio cleanup deadline.

• Wednesday, May 28, 4–6pm (expected)– Architecture Department’s End of Year Celebration / Awards Ceremony on Walker Lawn

Important: Consult the  Formatting, Specifications and Thesis Submission  information pag

Approved summer extension

If your thesis advisor(s) approve a summer extension, you would still present in May, but your thesis committee would decide whether that presentation is more of a meeting to discuss your progress or if it will be open to the public and/or have external critics, as we do not have public reviews/external critics over the summer. Some thesis committees request their students to present (usually via Zoom) their final work over the summer, and if this is what is decided, it would be up to the student + thesis committee to schedule. Some thesis committees may just ask the student to submit the final book to be reviewed and graded when it’s complete, without a final presentation of the work.

• Monday, June 2, 2025: Summer registration for 4.THG
• Around Friday, August 1, 2025: 9am department thesis deadline via the Department Thesis Submission Tool
• Around Friday, August 8, 2025: All theses must be cleared by each department (multiple departments for dual degrees) and submitted to the Institute. If a thesis is not approved by this point, the student may be pulled from the September degree list.
• Around Wednesday, 9/17, 2025: Degree award date

MArch Thesis Contacts

• MArch degree administrator: Kateri Bertin
• MArch thesis coordinator (Fall only): Rania Ghosn
• MArch thesis reviews event coordinator: Tessa Haynes
• MArch thesis submission: Kateri Bertin and Tonya Miller
• MArch presentation booklet coordination: Joél Carela

Prior MS Theses

Here is a sampling of MS theses.

It is a good idea to have models on which to base your thesis. All theses are measured both by thoroughness, references, and novelty. Also extensibility. It should teach and be a basis on which others build.

In general, there are several types: engineering, science, design, art, etc. (After Bill Mitchell) An engineering thesis describes a solution to a problem and is evaluated by whether it works and improves the art. A science thesis proves a theorem. Design is evaluated by critique and iteration by experts. For example, redesigning the signage at an airport ought to show how it works better and is elegant as determined by peers in the field. 

Note that when choosing a model it is tempting to pick a thesis that is not the best. If you want a model, chose the best. I have supervised over 50 theses, many stand out. Sometimes the thesis is the full picture of a student's graduate career, other times it is just one component.  Discuss your model with me.

The most important thing about a thesis is that it be done. The statistical mode of thesis readership is 2—you and me (A paper gets a far larger audience.) We have broad latitude in what goes into it. (A PhD thesis, on the other hand, is perfect; time is the free variable.) You have to define a hypothesis that can be shown/proven in the allotted time. "In the fullness of time" is not an evaluation. E.g., I don't endorse a thesis that is based on the inevitability of VR.

Remember, a thesis is not a memoir. Your personal journey can be an organizing thread but not a theme. Posterity doesn't care about you—it cares about what you contributed.

Finally, all of these students left a positive imprint on the lab. Every student in the group or lab did better as a result of their contributions.

Countering Source Bias In News

Spatial news: exploring augmented reality as a format for content production, organization, and consumption, cybernetic maintenance: exploring infrastructure legibility of waste systems at mit, medrec: blockchain for medical data access, permission management and trend analysis, salient movies, encoding data into physical objects with digitally fabricated textures.

Rich, T. "Encoding Data into Physical Objects with Digitally Fabricated Textures." Thesis. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2013.

Recast: An Interactive Platform for Personal Media Curation and Distribution

Sawada, D. " Recast: An Interactive Platform for Personal Media Curation and Distribution"

Social Information Filtering for Music Recommendation

Worldlens: exploring world events through media.

Speiser, J. "WorldLens: Exploring World Events Through Media"

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Graduate Theses

Theses by department.

• Comparative Media Studies
• Computation for Design and Optimization
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Department of Architecture
• Department of Biological Engineering
• Department of Biology
• Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
• Department of Chemical Engineering
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
• Department of Economics
• Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
• Department of Humanities
• Department of Linguistics and Philosophy
• Department of Materials Science and Engineering
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
• Department of Ocean Engineering
• Department of Physics
• Department of Political Science
• Department of Urban Studies and Planning
• Engineering Systems Division
• Harvard-MIT Program of Health Sciences and Technology
• Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
• Media Arts & Sciences
• Operations Research Center
• Program in Real Estate Development
• Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
• Science Writing
• Sloan School of Management
• Supply Chain Management
• System Design & Management
• Technology and Policy Program

Recent Submissions

Measurement of the characteristics of small waves 

Adversarial robustness without perturbations 

Score Distillation via DDIM Inversion 

Show Statistical Information

Curriculum and Thesis

In their first and second years, PhD students are required to complete a series of core classes, coursework in their major and minor fields of study, and an advanced research methods course before proceeding to the thesis-writing stage.

Core courses

Students must satisfy the requirements in at least 10 of 12 half-semester first-year core courses (14.384 and 14.385 are considered second-year courses). The requirements can be met by earning a grade of B or better in the class or by passing a waiver exam.

Waiver exams are offered at the start of the semester in which the course is offered and graded on a pass-fail basis. Students who receive a grade of B- or below in a class can consult the course faculty to determine whether to take the waiver exam or re-take the course the following year. These requirements must all be satisfied before the end of the second year.

Course list

• 14.121: Microeconomic Theory I
• 14.122: Microeconomic Theory II
• 14.123: Microeconomic Theory III
• 14.124: Microeconomic Theory IV
• 14.380: Statistical Methods in Economics
• 14.381: Estimation and Inference for Linear Causal and Structural Models
• 14.382*: Econometrics
• 14.384*: Time Series Analysis (2nd year course)
• 14.385*: Nonlinear Econometric Analysis (2nd year course)
• 14.451: Dynamic Optimization Methods with Applications
• 14.452: Economic Growth
• 14.453: Economic Fluctuations
• 14.454: Economic Crises

*Courses 14.382, 14.384, and 14.385 are each counted as two half-semester courses.

Most students will also take one or more field courses (depending on whether they are waiving core courses) during their first year. Feel free to ask your graduate research officer, field faculty, and advanced students for advice on how you structure your first-year coursework.

Second year students must also successfully complete the two-semester course 14.192: Advanced Research Methods and Communication. The course, which is graded on a pass-fail basis, guides students through the process of writing and presenting the required second-year research paper.

Major field requirement

By the end of year two, PhD students must complete the requirements for two major fields in economics. This entails earning a B or better in two designated courses for each field. Some fields recommend additional coursework or papers for students intending to pursue research in the field.

Major fields must be declared by the Monday following the spring break of your second year. Your graduate registration officer must approve your field selections.

Minor field requirement

PhD students are also required to complete two minor fields, taking two courses in each field and earning a grade of B or better. Your graduate registration officer must approve your field selections.

Minor coursework is normally completed by the end of year two, but in some cases students can defer the completion of one field until after general exams. Students must consult with their graduate registration officer before making a deferment.

Options for minor fields include the eleven economics major fields, plus computation and statistics (from the interdisciplinary PhD in Economics and Statistics).

Students who wish to satisfy one of the minor field requirements by combining two courses from different fields–for example, environmental economics and industrial organization II–can petition the second-year graduate registration officer for permission.

At least one minor field should be from the department’s standard field list.

The fields in which the Department offers specialization and the subjects that will satisfy their designation as a minor field are given in the chart below. Some fields overlap so substantially that both cannot be taken by a student. In any event, the same subject cannot be counted towards more than a single minor field. Students must receive the approval of their Graduate Registration Officer for their designated major and minor fields.

List of fields

Behavioral economics.

• Development
• Econometrics
• Industrial organization
• International
• Macroeconomics
• Organizational
• Political economy
• Public finance
• Computation and statistics (minor only)

Subjects satisfying major and minor requirements

Advanced economic theory.

Major: At least two of 14.125, 14.126, 14.281, and Harvard Ec 2059. Recommended for major: 14.126, 14.281, and at least one of 14.125, 14.127, 14.130, 14.147, and Harvard Ec 2059.

Minor: Any subset adding up to two full semesters from 14.125, 14.126, 14.127, 14.130, 14.137, 14.147, 14.160, 14.281 and Harvard Ec 2059. 

*Effective academic year 2025-26, students may also complete a minor in economic theory by completing all four micro core courses 121-124 plus one of 125, 126, 281

Major and minor: 14.160 and 14.163

Econometrics and Statistics

Major: Any one of 14.386, 14.387, 14.388 in addition to one of 14.384 or 14.385. Recommended for major: 14.384 and 14.385. 

Minor: 14.382 in addition to one of 14.384 or 14.385. 

*Dual PhD in Economics and Statistics has an additional requirement of 14.386.

Economic Development

Major and minor: 14.771 and 14.772 or 14.773

Major: 14.416J and 14.441J

Minor: Any two of 14.416J, 14.440J, 14.441J, 14.442J, 14.448. 

Industrial Organization

Major: 14.271 and 14.272 or 14.273. Recommended for major: 14.271, 14.272, and 14.273.

Minor: 14.271 and 14.272 or 14.273. 

International Economics

Major and minor: 14.581 and 14.582

Labor Economics

Major: 14.661 and 14.662A. 

Minor: Two subjects chosen from 14.193, 14.661, and 14.662

Monetary Economics

Major and minor: Two subjects chosen from 14.461, 14.462, and 14.463

* Effective academic year 2025-26, students may also complete a minor in macroeconomics by completing all four macro core courses 451-454 plus either 461 or 462

Organizational Economics

Major and minor: 14.282 and one of 14.283-284, 14.441J, or an approved substitute

Political Economy

Major and minor: 14.770 and 14.773

Public Economics

Major and minor: 14.471 and 14.472

Minimum class requirement

Effective for students entering the program in 2025 or later, students must complete a total of 13 semester long classes plus 14.192 during their time in the PhD program. Subjects that are waived will not count towards this requirement.  Classes counting towards this requirement include classes in Course 14, classes that count for any major or minor field or interdisciplinary program requirement, and classes approved by the 2nd-year GRO.

General exams

MIT requires doctoral candidates to complete an advanced course of study that includes general exams at its completion. Beginning in 2019-20, the Economics Department will operationalize this requirement to include successful completion of: the core and other required courses; course exams and other requirements of courses in each of a student’s two major and two minor fields; the written research paper and oral presentation components of 14.192. Students may present for the general exams while having one remaining minor field to complete. The faculty will review these components together with the candidate’s overall course record to determine whether students have passed the general exam requirement and can proceed to the thesis writing stage.

Typical course schedule

Math Camp begins on the second Monday in August.

Fall Semester

14.121/14.122 (Micro Theory I/II) 14.451/14.452 (Macro Theory I/II) 14.380/14.381 (Statistical Method in Economics & Applied Econometrics) Field Course (major or minor)

Spring Semester

14.123/14.124 (Micro Theory III/IV) 14.453/14.454 (Macro Theory III/IV) 14.382 (Econometrics) Field Course (major or minor)

2-3 Field Courses 14.192 (Advanced Research and Communication) 14.384  or  14.385 (Advanced Econometrics)

3 Field Courses 14.192 (Advanced Research and Communication)

Years 3 and up

Field workshop Field lunch Thesis writing

Upon satisfying the core and field requirements, PhD candidates embark on original research culminating in a completed dissertation. A PhD thesis normally consists of three research papers of publishable quality. The thesis must be approved by a student’s primary and secondary thesis advisors, and by an anonymous third reader. These three faculty members will be the candidate's thesis committee and are responsible for its acceptance. Collaborative work is acceptable and encouraged, but there must be at least one paper in the dissertation without a co-author who was a faculty member when the research started.

Criteria for satisfactory progress

Third-year students.

• Meet regularly with their advisor
• Participate consistently in their primary field advising lunch, their primary field workshop, and the third-year student research lunch
• Participate in third-year meetings organized by the thesis graduate research officer

Students should present on their research in progress at least once in both the third-year student research lunches and their field advising lunch. Presentations provide opportunities for early and broad feedback on research ideas and the chance to develop oral presentation skills. Research ideas or early stage work in progress is encouraged and expected.

Fourth-year and later students

• Participate consistently in their primary field advising lunch and their primary field workshop
• Present at least once per year in their field advising lunch or field workshop. A presentation each semester in the field advising lunch is strongly recommended by most fields; consult your advisors for more information

Satisfactory progress toward a dissertation will be evaluated based on progress assessments by the student’s primary advisor, regular participation in the lunches and workshops, and field lunch or workshop presentations that show continued progress.

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Aufbau und Gliederung deiner Masterarbeit + Vorlage & Tipps

Veröffentlicht am 11. Januar 2019 von Mandy Theel . Aktualisiert am 5. Juni 2023.

Die Gliederung deiner Masterarbeit besteht neben den Hauptkapiteln Einleitung , Hauptteil und Schluss zusätzlich aus formalen Inhalten wie Deckblatt , Verzeichnissen und Anhängen .

Um zwischen den zahlreichen Kapiteln den Überblick zu behalten, haben wir eine Vorlage für den Aufbau einer Masterarbeit erstellt.

Scribbrs kostenlose Rechtschreibprüfung

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

Vorlage für die gliederung deiner masterarbeit, die einzelnen kapitel deiner masterarbeit erklärt, masterarbeit gliederung und aufbau beispiele, tipps für den aufbau und die gliederung deiner masterarbeit, häufig gestellte fragen.

Die Anforderungen an die Gliederung deiner Masterarbeit können je nach Hochschule und Studiengang variieren. Erkundige dich vorher, welche Vorgaben du beim Aufbau deiner Masterarbeit einhalten musst.

Im Gegensatz zum Aufbau einer Bachelorarbeit beinhaltet die Gliederung einer Masterarbeit immer auch einen empirischen Teil. Dieser gliedert sich in die Methodik , die Vorstellung der Ergebnisse und eine Diskussion .

Die folgende Gliederung kann dir als Vorlage für die Gliederung deiner Masterarbeit dienen. Je nach Thema und Umfang kannst du die einzelnen Kapitel und Unterkapitel für deine eigene Gliederung anpassen.

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Du findest eine Übersicht und Erklärungen der einzelnen Bestandteile deiner Masterarbeit in der folgenden Tabelle.

Eine Masterarbeit ist im Durchschnitt 66 Seiten lang . Darauf basierend findest du in unserer Übersicht Richtwerte zu dem Umfang der einzelnen Kapitel.

Falls dir unklar ist, wie viel Bearbeitungszeit du pro Abschnitt einplanen solltest, kannst du dir unseren Artikel zur Zeitplanung deiner Masterarbeit anschauen.

Gliederung Masterarbeit Psychologie

Gliederung Masterarbeit BWL

Gliederung Masterarbeit Maschinenbau

Gliederung Masterarbeit Informatik

Zu den Masterarbeit Beispielen

Achte bei der Erstellung der Gliederung deiner Masterarbeit auf die folgenden Hinweise.

Gliederungsebenen :

• Gliederungsebenen müssen immer mindestens 2-fach untergliedert werden. Unterkapitel dürfen daher niemals alleine stehen, z. B. sollte auf Kapitel 2.1 immer Kapitel 2.2 folgen.
• Verwende nicht mehr als 4 Gliederungsebenen in deiner Masterarbeit, damit dein Aufbau übersichtlich bleibt.

Titel und Überschriften :

• Formuliere kurze und präzise Titel für deine Kapitel.
• Die Titel deiner Kapitel müssen nicht zwangsläufig Einleitung, Fazit usw. heißen. Stattdessen kannst du sie auch angelehnt an deine Themen oder Ergebnisse benennen.

Kostenlos auf Plagiate prüfen.

Unsere Erfahrung hat uns gezeigt, dass die von uns korrigierte Masterarbeit im Durchschnitt 16.500 Wörter hat.

Im Gegensatz zum Aufbau einer Bachelorarbeit beinhaltet die Gliederung einer Masterarbeit immer auch einen empirischen Teil. Dieser gliedert sich in die Methodik, die Vorstellung der Ergebnisse und eine Diskussion.

Wir haben die Hochschul-Prüfungsordnungen durchforstet und unsere jahrelange Erfahrung im Lektorat   Korrekturlesen von Masterarbeiten genutzt. Das Ergebnis: Eine Masterarbeit ist im Durchschnitt 66 Seiten lang.

Es gibt keine allgemeingültige Zahl dafür, wie viele Quellen du für eine Masterarbeit brauchst. Manche Unis geben an, dass eine Masterarbeit ca. doppelt so viele Quellen wie Seitenzahlen enthalten soll.

Andere Unis betonen hingegen: Nicht die Anzahl der Quellen ist entscheidend, sondern dass alle Quellen enthalten sind, die für das Thema der Masterarbeit relevant sind (vgl. LMU ). Es gilt Qualität vor Quantität.

Führe eine systematische Literaturrecherche durch, um alle Quellen zu finden, die für deine Fragestellung relevant sind. Die Literaturrecherche bildet die Grundlage für das Schreiben einer Masterarbeit und sollte am Anfang stehen.

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Theel, M. (2023, 05. Juni). Aufbau und Gliederung deiner Masterarbeit + Vorlage & Tipps. Scribbr. Abgerufen am 26. August 2024, von https://www.scribbr.de/masterarbeit/aufbau-gliederung/

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Mandy Theel

Das hat anderen studierenden noch gefallen, umfang masterarbeit: sind 50 seiten genug, zeitplan masterarbeit erstellen mit excel vorlage, eine perfekte einleitung für deine masterarbeit schreiben, aus versehen plagiiert finde kostenlos heraus.

Theses and Dissertations

View all past theses and dissertations on DSpace@MIT .

Theses and Dissertations in HTC

Thesis and Dissertations in HTC

https://architecture.mit.edu/history-theory-criticism

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Master’s Degrees

The master’s degree generally requires a minimum of one academic year of study..

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Should I include interviews transcriptions in my thesis?

In my PhD, I ran an experiment falling within the grounded theory framework, based on interviews I conducted. I transcripted them, tagged them, etc. This "enhanced transcription" is about 130 pages long (with pretty narrow margins). I am now writing my thesis and I wonder if I should include these transcription in appendix of my PhD thesis .

My first guess would be yes, in order to enable contextualization when I quote snippets of theses interviews, but also for "open science" purposes (being honest about what I've done, archival purpose, reproducible research, etc.).

However, thesis in my field are usually ca. 150 pages long. Addind these transcriptions (i.e. 130 pages) would add a significant amount a pages with a low information density. A solution could be to display these transcripts in a very small font, so that they are only 50 pages long, but I don't think it's a good solution.

By the way, my supervisors don't have opinion about it, since using grounded theory is rather uncommon in my field - hence no "jurisprudence".

• At the time of the interviews, did you discuss with interviewees how the material might be used? There are some major potential issues here with use of personal information, though hopefully you have already considered this aspect! –  user2390246 Commented Nov 8, 2016 at 11:20
• 1 I've got their consent for audio-recording the interviews in order to transcribe it later. I was considering anonymizing any personal information (name, title of the project they worked on, and any hints that might make them recognizable), and asking again for formal authorization for publishing transcripts in their final form (i.e. sending them the file and asking " is it ok for you to publish it in that form? "). –  ebosi Commented Nov 8, 2016 at 11:29
• Despite the authorization you have currently, you probably need to go through IRB to get permission to change the way you are dealing with any data, not just getting consent again from the participants. IRB might also have opinions about your raw or transcribed data, and whether publication of material in that form is ever acceptable. –  Bryan Krause ♦ Commented Nov 8, 2016 at 23:03

Quite honestly I doubt that anybody would go and read that appendix. What I would do is that once the thesis is approved and put in the online repository of the university, you could add this appendix just as an online document and refer to it in the main thesis. That way if anybody wants to access it they can.

• I do agree that it's unlikely someone would go through these interviews! If I upload it online, how should I refer to it in my thesis? (i.e. when I quote a sentence, I'd like to say "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet" (cf. Project X, Participant Y, at time mm:ss) . However I feel a bit dishonest if thesis reporters cannot access transcript at the time of their report... –  ebosi Commented Nov 8, 2016 at 9:24
• @ebo you can still add an online file also when you submit the thesis, in the main text you will give a refence to the section of the appendix. If they want they follow the link you provide, what's the issue? –  Herman Toothrot Commented Nov 8, 2016 at 13:16

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