Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the twenty-first century. We seek to develop in each member of the MIT community the ability and passion to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind.

Since its incorporation in 1861, MIT has created a place for students, faculty members, researchers, and scientists to advance our understanding of the world through world-class scholarship and leadership that continue to serve the nation and the world.

Since its incorporation in 1861, MIT has upheld its abiding commitment to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and related areas of scholarship. Teaching and research—with relevance to the practical world as a guiding principle—continue to be the Institute’s primary purpose as it serves the nation and the world.

MIT maintains a commitment to serving both the local community and the world through education and technology. From the broad range of community services that draw support from students, faculty, and staff, to the far-reaching educational activities of OpenCourseWare, MITx, and edX, MIT continues to make the wonders of technology and discovery relevant to people near and far.

The soul of MIT is research. For more than 150 years, the Institute has brought together teaching, engineering and scientific studies to produce a series of advancements. Many of these advancements are world-changing and occupy all corners of science and technology, from advanced engineering to the study of genetics and the arts.

MIT has created a culture of inclusion that supports and learns from the diverse skills and perspectives that exist in its community. The Institute supports student growth by providing opportunities to bond, expand and grow, as well as to step outside a given worldview in order to appreciate diverse life experiences. Engagement in those perspectives leads to a greater understanding of the world and our place in it.

A new program called The Standard is working to advance the academic, personal and professional success of men of color at MIT. Students join in their first year and are paired with upperclassmen who serve as peer mentors. In addition, members attend outings, guest lectures and workshops on a variety of topics including professional development, life skills, self-care and financial literacy.

In Designing the First Year at MIT, a new class offered this spring, students were tasked with solving the ultimate problem set: how to make the first year at MIT better. Working in teams, students tackled pain points they identified in academics, activities and advising and proposed innovative ways to improve those areas. Several ideas from the class are already being considered for implementation.

MIT has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, such as its dedicated efforts to support, mentor, and recruit the leaders of tomorrow. Through the Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO), MIT has championed efforts to enhance the student experience. The mission of the ICEO is to advance a respectful and caring community that embraces diversity and empowers everyone to learn and do their best at MIT.

In the spirit of this mission, the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) has taken a proactive lead in creating and fostering diversity initiative programs. Through our recruiting efforts, the OGE is able to reach out and engage with prospective graduate students from across the United States, which then gives us an opportunity to highlight all that MIT has to offer. We have also crafted dedicated summer research programs and open house visits to bring talented individuals to the MIT campus.

The MSRP mission seeks to promote the value of graduate education, to improve the research enterprise through increased diversity, and to prepare and recruit the best and brightest students for graduate education at MIT.This nine-week, fully funded summer program brings together a talented pool of underrepresented minorities and underserved students to engage in on-campus research led by dedicated MIT faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students. It is an invaluable experience for any student considering further graduate education.

The CONVERGE preview weekend provides an opportunity for prospective applicants to learn about the graduate admissions process and to hear about many of the programs MIT has to offer. The preview weekend is targeted toward underrepresented minorities interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in the future.

Graduate students at MIT are entering a tight housing market whether they are looking for accommodations on campus or in the surrounding Boston-Cambridge area. Many new students, single and married, find apartments off campus, both nearby and in the outer suburbs, where there is greater variety and availability.

MIT is committed to working with students to create a healthy and vibrant campus community. One aspect of this is to confront the important topics of sexual assault, harassment and relationship violence. As a part of this ongoing effort, MIT has partnered with EverFi to offer Haven Plus: an online, research-based program that provides a learning experience regarding critical prevention skills and strategies.