Admissions Information for Master of Science in Building Technology
Candidates compete for the few places available each year in the Department of Architecture’s Master of Science in Building Technology (SMBT) program. Admission is based on a careful examination of the applicant's previous academic record, including relevant samples of completed academic and research work; a statement of purpose; and letters of recommendation. The applicant should demonstrate superior intellectual achievement and the ability to initiate and complete independent academic work in the Building Technology area. Successful candidates will have previous degrees in engineering or a closely related discipline.
English Requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), regardless of citizenship or residency in the U.S. while attending other educational institutions. No exceptions are made. The admissions committee regards English proficiency as crucial for success in all degree programs. In order to meet the December 15 fall admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the IELTS or TOEFL on the earliest possible date.
The minimum score required for SMBT candidates is 7 and the minimum TOEFL score is 600 (250 for computer-based test, 100 for Internet-based test). While either test score is accepted, the IELTS score is preferred.
Applicants must request that an official copy of their test results be sent directly to MIT by IELTS International or Educational Testing Service. IELTS and TOEFL Scores must be no older than two years as of the date of application. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your TOEFL scores sent to MIT:
Institutional Code: 3514
Department Code: 12
All students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) prior to registration at MIT. Even students who satisfy the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for admission may be required to take specialized subjects in English as a Second Language (ESL), depending on their EET results. These subjects do not count toward the required degree credits.
Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination is required of all SMBT candidates. In order to meet the admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the GRE on the earliest possible test date. Test scores must be no older than five years. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your scores sent to MIT:
Institution Code is 3514
Department Code is 4401
For more information, visit the GRE website [www.gre.org].
Portfolio
Research papers or a portfolio of the applicant’s work may be submitted to aid the admissions committee but are not required.
Interview
Because of the small size of the program, interviews with faculty are recommended, but not required. It is advantageous for applicants to meet with the Building Technology faculty member doing research most closely aligned with the research interests of the applicant. Faculty schedules vary, so it is best to contact the Building Technology office several weeks prior to an intended visit.
MIT Department of Architecture
77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 5-418
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Attn: Building Technology
Telephone: 617 253-1876
Arrangements can also be made to sit in on final reviews (mid-May) or attend an Open House (mid-November).
Application Deadline
The Application for Graduate Admission is requested directly from the MIT Office of the Dean for Graduate Education (ODGE). An application for admission in September must be received by December 15. Portfolios may be sent by January 2 to allow for students to include their most recent work. The SMBT program does not accept applications for admission in the spring term. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be sure that the completed application forms and all supporting materials are at the following address by the deadline.
MIT Department of Architecture
77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 7-337
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Attn: Admissions
Email: arch@mit.edu
Telephone: 617 253-1876
Applicants will be notified by mail of the department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.
Quick Links:
International English Language Testing System
FAQs
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Graduate Record Examination
MIT Office of the Dean for Graduate Education
