PhD in History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art
Admissions Information
Candidates compete for the few places available each year in the Department of Architecture's PhD program in History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art. The minimum residency requirement for the PhD is two years, but candidates should expect to complete the degree in five years. Admission is based on an especially careful examination of the applicant's graduate academic record and writing samples. The applicant's statement of purpose and letters of recommendation are also particularly important. Previous academic work and other experiences should demonstrate the applicant's intellectual achievement, motivation, discipline, responsibility, imagination, perception and open mind. Projects and experiences are judged not only on intrinsic merits, but also as evidence of the applicant's ability to initiate and follow through on work that is personally meaningful.
Four funded PhD candidates are accepted each year—one art history track and two architectural track placements with funding packages through MIT and the Department of Architecture, one additional architectural (or art) history track placement with a funding package through the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture.
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 United States 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 test date.
The minimum IELTS score required for PhD candidates in History, Theory and Criticism is 7.5 and the minimum TOEFL score is 650 for the paper-based test; 280 for computer-based test; and 115 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 more than two years old. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your TOEFL scores sent to MIT:
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) scores for HTC admission is required. 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
Portfolio
A portfolio is suggested for PhD applicants only when applicable to intended study. The portfolio should include evidence of recent creative work: personal, academic and/or professional. Work done collaboratively should be identified as such and your role in the project defined. Your name, address, and the program to which you are applying should also be included. Written material (manuscripts, articles or papers) is expected from applicants to the PhD program in HTC. Portfolio materials will not be returned.
Interview
Interviews with faculty are recommended, but not required. It is advantageous for applicants to meet with at least two of the HTC faculty, and if possible attend an HTC class. Faculty schedules vary so it is best to contact the HTC office directly at least two weeks prior to an intended visit.
If you wish to visit, please send an email to htc@mit.edu and give:
- your research area or field of interest
- the names of the HTC faculty with whom you would like to meet
- the date(s) that you are available
- the particular class that you would like to attend
Members of the Admission Committee cannot see candidates after February 1.
Application Deadline
The application form should be 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:
MIT Department of Architecture
77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 7-337
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Attn: Admissions
For more information, call 617-253-3613.
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)
Graduate Record Examination
htc@mit.edu
International English Language Testing System
MIT Graduate Admissions Office
Test of English as a Foreign Language
