PhD in Design and Computation Admissions Information
Admission to the Department of Architecture for the PhD program in Design and Computation is by competition among candidates for the limited number of places available each year. It 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 carry through to completion independent academic work in the Computation area. Successful applicants will have previous degrees in architecture or a closely related discipline. The applicant is encouraged to discuss his or her academic goals with a faculty member in Computation prior to submitting an application.
English Requirement / TOEFL
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 residency in the US 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 applicants take the IELTS or TOEFL on the earliest possible test date.
The minimum IELTS score required for PhD candidates in Design and Computation applicants is 7 and the minimum TOEFL score is 600 for the paper-based test; 250 for computer-based test; and 100 for the 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. Scores must be no older than two years. Please use the following codes when requesting your TOEFL scores be sent to MIT; this will avoid delays in scores being received at the correct location:
Institution Code is 3514
Department Code is 12
All students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Language Examination (EET) prior to registration at MIT. Even though they may satisfy the IELTS or TOEFL requirement for admissions, students are required to take specialized subjects in English as a Second Language (ESL) if recommended after evaluation of the EET. ESL subjects do not count towards the required degree credits.
Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for the PhD in Design and Computation application.
Portfolio
A portfolio is strongly suggested for PhD applicants. The portfolio should include evidence of recent creative or scholarly work. Work done collaboratively should be identified as such and your role in the project defined. Written material (manuscripts, articles or papers) is welcome. Your name, address, and the program to which you are applying should be included in the portfolio.
Interview
Because of the small size of the program, interviews with faculty are highly recommended, but not required. It is advantageous for applicants to meet with the Computation faculty member doing research most closely aligned with the research interests of the applicant. Faculty members have varying schedules, and travel when school is not in session. Thus it is best to contact the faculty member directly at least two weeks prior to an intended visit.
Application Deadline
The application form is requested directly from the MIT Graduate Admissions Office. An application for admission in September must be received by December 15. The Ph.D. 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:
Department of Architecture
Admissions
MIT, Room 7-337
77 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Tel: 617/253 7387
Applicants will be notified by mail of the Department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.
Quick Links
English Language Examination (EET)
PhD in Design and Computation Introduction
IELTS
PhD in Design and Computation Degree Requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
MIT Graduate Admissions Office
