Is MIT Good for Pre Med?
MIT is well-known for its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research opportunities, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a pre-medical education. MIT offers a wide range of courses in the sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as interdisciplinary programs that combine multiple fields of study. In addition, MIT has a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, with many opportunities for students to work on real-world problems and develop solutions that have the potential to impact healthcare and medicine. MIT also has a robust network of alumni who are leaders in the healthcare and medical industries, providing students with access to valuable mentorship and career opportunities. Finally, MIT’s location in the Boston area offers students access to some of the world’s leading hospitals and research institutions, providing valuable opportunities for clinical experiences and research collaborations. All of these factors make MIT an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
Pre Med Resources in Boston
Boston is a hub for healthcare and medical research, making it an excellent location for pre-med students to gain valuable experience and build their professional networks. The city is home to some of the world’s leading hospitals and research institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which provide numerous opportunities for pre-med students to gain clinical experience and exposure to cutting-edge research. Many premedical students from MIT shadow or volunteer in these hospitals. There are also many research opportunities both at the MIT main campus and around Boston.
Boston also has a vibrant startup scene focused on healthcare innovation, with many companies working to develop new technologies and solutions that have the potential to improve healthcare outcomes. Many of these start-up and innovation groups are affiliated with MIT. Boston also has a strong community of healthcare professionals and researchers, offering pre-med students access to mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities. Finally, Boston has a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, galleries, and other attractions, providing students with opportunities to enrich their education and broaden their horizons. All of these factors make Boston an ideal location for pre-med students looking to gain valuable experience and build a strong foundation for a career in medicine.
What do pre med students at MIT major in?
When you apply to MIT, you apply to the entire university, not to a specific major or school, so all first-year students begin MIT undeclared. During your first year, MIT will provide academic fairs, lectures, seminars, and other programs to help you determine which major will suit you best; you are then free to choose from among any of MIT’s courses of study, without any additional requirements or admission procedures.
10 Popular MIT Pre Med Majors
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Computer Science and Molecular Biology
- Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
MIT Pre Med Majors – Biology
Bachelor of Science in Biology (Course 7)
The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science in Biology is designed to prepare students for a professional career in the area of the biological sciences. Graduates of this program are well prepared for positions in industrial or research institutes. However, experience has shown that many graduates choose to continue their education at a graduate school in order to obtain a PhD in an area such as biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, biophysics, cell biology, or physiology, followed by research or teaching in one of those areas. The undergraduate curriculum is also excellent preparation for students who wish to continue their education toward an MD, particularly if their career plans include laboratory investigations bearing on human disease. Students are encouraged to use their elective subjects for more advanced subjects in their field and for additional study in basic and advanced subjects offered in various departments.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology (Course 5-7)
The Departments of Biology and Chemistry jointly offer a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology. A detailed description of the requirements for this degree program can be found in the section on Interdisciplinary Programs.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (Course 6-7)
The Department of Biology jointly offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology with the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Requirements for this degree program can be found in the section on Interdisciplinary Programs.
Minor in Biology
The department offers a Minor in Biology; the requirements are as follows:
MIT Pre Med Majors – Biomedical Engineering
Undergraduate Study
Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering (Course 20)
The Department of Biological Engineering (BE) offers an undergraduate curriculum emphasizing quantitative, engineering-based analysis, design, and synthesis in the study of modern biology from the molecular to the systems level. Completion of the curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering and prepares students for careers in diverse fields ranging from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to materials, devices, ecology, and public health. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter positions in basic research or project-oriented product development, as well as graduate school or further professional study.
The required core curriculum includes a strong foundation in biological and biochemical sciences, which are integrated with quantitative analysis and engineering principles throughout the entire core. Students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering are encouraged to complete the Biology General Institute Requirement during their first year and may delay completion of Physics II until the fall term of sophomore year if necessary. The optional subject Introduction to Biological Engineering Design, offered during the spring term of the first year, provides a framework for understanding the Biological Engineering SB program.
Students are encouraged to take the sophomore fall-term subject 20.110 Thermodynamics of Biomolecular Systems. This subject also fulfills an SB degree requirement in Biology. Students are also encouraged to take Organic Chemistry I and Differential Equations during their sophomore year in order to prepare for the introductory biological engineering laboratory subject that provides context for the lecture subjects and a strong foundation for subsequent undergraduate research in biological engineering through Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program projects or summer internships.
The advanced subjects required in the junior and senior years introduce additional engineering skills through lecture and laboratory subjects and culminate in a senior design project. These advanced subjects maintain the theme of molecular to systems–level analysis, design, and synthesis based on a strong integration with biology fundamentals. They also include a variety of restricted electives that allow students to develop expertise in one of six thematic areas: systems biology, synthetic biology, biophysics, pharmacology/toxicology, cell and tissue engineering, and microbial systems. Many of these advanced subjects are jointly taught with other departments in the School of Engineering or School of Science and may fulfill degree requirements in other programs.
Minor in Biomedical Engineering
An interdepartmental Minor in Biomedical Engineering is available to all undergraduate students outside the BE (Course 20) major, described in detail under Interdisciplinary Programs.
Minor in Toxicology and Environmental Health
The Department of Biological Engineering offers an undergraduate Minor in Toxicology and Environmental Health. The goal of this program is to meet the growing demand for undergraduates to acquire the intellectual tools needed to understand and assess the impact of new products and processes on human health, and to provide a perspective on the risks of human exposure to synthetic and natural chemicals, physical agents, and microorganisms.
Given the importance of environmental education at MIT, the program is designed to be accessible to any MIT undergraduate. The program consists of three required didactic core subjects and one laboratory subject, as well as one restricted elective. The prerequisites for the core subjects are 5.111 /5.112 Principles of Chemical Science or 3.091 Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry plus Introductory Biology (7.012 / 7.013 / 7.014 / 7.015 / 7.016).
MIT Pre Med Majors – Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Standard Option)
General Institute Requirements (GIRs)
The General Institute Requirements include a Communication Requirement that is integrated into both the HASS Requirement and the requirements of each major; see details below.
Departmental Program
Choose at least two subjects in the major that are designated as communication-intensive (CI-M) to fulfill the Communication Requirement.
The units for any subject that counts as one of the 17 GIR subjects cannot also be counted as units required beyond the GIRs.
Laboratory Restricted Electives
MIT Pre Med Majors – Chemical Engineering
Undergraduate Study
The undergraduate curriculum in chemical engineering provides basic studies in physics, biology, and mathematics, advanced subjects in chemistry or biology, and a strong core of chemical engineering. The four-year undergraduate programs provide students with the fundamentals of the discipline and allow some room for focus in subdisciplines or subjects that strengthen their preparation for advanced work.
In addition to science and engineering, students take an integrated sequence of subjects in the humanities and social sciences. Specific subject selection allows students to meet individual areas of interest. The curriculum provides a sound preparation for jobs in industry or government, and for graduate work in chemical engineering.
Chemical engineering also provides excellent preparation for careers in medicine and related fields of health science and technology. The department’s strong emphasis on chemistry and biology provides excellent preparation for medical school. Students interested in medical school work with their faculty and premedical advisor to create the best program. A minor in biomedical engineering is also available.
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (Course 10)
The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree program is intended for the student who seeks a broad education in the application of chemical engineering to a variety of specific areas, including energy and the environment, nanotechnology, polymers and colloids, surface science, catalysis and reaction engineering, systems and process design, and biotechnology. The degree requirements include the core chemical engineering subjects with a chemistry emphasis, and the opportunity to add subjects in any of these application areas.
Course 10 is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a chemical engineering degree.
Bachelor of Science in Chemical-Biological Engineering (Course 10-B)
The Bachelor of Science in Chemical-Biological Engineering degree program is intended for the student who is specifically interested in the application of chemical engineering in the areas of biochemical and biomedical technologies. The degree requirements include core chemical engineering subjects and additional subjects in biological sciences and applied biology. This degree is excellent preparation for students also considering the biomedical engineering minor or medical school.
Course 10-B is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET as a chemical and biological engineering degree.
Students who decide early to major in either Course 10 or Course 10-B are encouraged to take subjects such as 5.1115.1115.1115.111/5.112 Principles of Chemical Science, 5.12 Organic Chemistry I, and 7.01x Introductory Biology in their first year. Then 5.601 Thermodynamics I, 18.03 Differential Equations, 10.10 Introduction to Chemical Engineering, 10.213 Chemical and Biological Engineering Thermodynamics, and 10.301 Fluid Mechanics may be taken in the sophomore year. The student is then well positioned for more in-depth and specialized subjects in the third and fourth years.
Some students may wish to defer choice of a major field or exercise maximum freedom during the first two years. If the Restricted Electives in Science and Technology (REST) Requirement subjects chosen in the second year include 18.03 Differential Equations and two subjects in the fields of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, chemistry, biology, or chemical engineering, students can generally complete the requirements for a degree in chemical engineering in two more years. Students are advised to discuss their proposed program with a Course 10 faculty advisor as soon as they become interested in a degree in chemical engineering. Faculty advisors are assigned to students as soon as they declare their major and then work with the students through graduation. Further information may be obtained from Dr. Barry S. Johnston.
Additional information is available on the Chemical Engineering Department website. Undergraduates are encouraged to take part in the research activities of the department through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP).
Bachelor of Science as Recommended by the Department of Chemical Engineering (Course 10-C)
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science as Recommended by the Department of Chemical Engineering (Course 10-C) involves basic subjects in chemistry and chemical engineering. Instead of continuing in depth in these areas, students can add breadth by study in another field, such as another engineering discipline, biology, biomedical engineering, economics, or management. Course 10-C is attractive to students who wish to specialize in an area such as those cited above while simultaneously gaining a broad exposure to the chemical engineering approach to solving problems.
Students planning to follow this curriculum should discuss their interests with their faculty advisor in the department at the time they decide to enter the Course 10-C program, and submit to Dr. Barry S. Johnston in the department’s Undergraduate Office a statement of goals and a coherent program of subjects no later than spring term of junior year. Please direct questions about this program to Dr. Johnston.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Course 10-ENG)
The Bachelor Science in Engineering (10-ENG) degree program is designed to offer flexibility within the context of chemical engineering while ensuring significant engineering content, and is a complement to our chemical engineering degree programs 10 and 10-B. The degree is designed to enable students to pursue a deeper level of understanding in a specific interdisciplinary field that is relevant to the chemical engineering core discipline. The degree requirements include all of the core chemical engineering coursework, plus a chosen set of three foundational concept subjects and four subjects with engineering content that make up a comprehensive concentration specific to the interdisciplinary area selected by the student. The concentrations have been selected by the Department of Chemical Engineering to represent new and developing cross-disciplinary areas that benefit from a strong foundation in engineering within the chemical engineering context. Details of the concentrations are available from the Chemical Engineering Student Office and the department’s website.
The foundational concept component of the flexible engineering degree consist of basic science and engineering subjects that help lay the groundwork for the chosen concentration. Three subjects must be selected from a list of potential topics. One of the foundational concept subjects must be a chemical engineering CI-M subject, and one must be a laboratory subject that satisfies the Institute Laboratory Requirement. The subjects should be selected with the assistance of a 10-ENG degree advisor from the Chemical Engineering Department so as to be consistent with the degree requirements of the program and the General Institute Requirements. Several of these subjects can satisfy the program’s CI-M requirement.
The flexible engineering concentration consists of four subjects that are selected by the student from a suggested subject list provided for each 10-ENG concentration; the student also may propose subjects that fit the theme of the chosen concentration. These lists are included in the concentration descriptions provided on the department’s website and at the Chemical Engineering Student Office. Students work with their 10-ENG advisors to propose a 10-ENG degree program, which must then be approved by the Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Committee.
The flexible engineering degree major capstone experience consists of 12 units and/or a senior-level project. Alternatively, the student may choose to complete a senior thesis in a topic area relevant to the concentration. Senior-level projects or senior thesis projects are specifically designed to integrate engineering principles into specific applications or problems and are not standard UROP projects; such projects require the preliminary approval of the department’s undergraduate officer.
Course 10-ENG is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET as an engineering degree.
Five-Year Programs and Joint Programs
In addition to offering separate programs leading to the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, the department offers a program leading to the simultaneous award of both degrees at the end of five years. A detailed description of this program is available from the Graduate Student Office. Students in the five-year program normally enroll in the School of Chemical Engineering Practice.
For chemical engineering students interested in nuclear applications, the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Department of Nuclear Engineering offer a five-year program leading to the joint Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering. Such programs are approved on an individual basis between the registration officers of the two departments.
MIT Pre Med Majors – Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Undergraduate Study
For MIT undergraduates, the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers several programs leading to the Bachelor of Science. Students in 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-9, or 6-14 may also apply for one of the Master of Engineering programs offered by the department, which require an additional year of study for the simultaneous award of both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Science and Engineering (Course 6-1)
The 6-1 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Science and Engineering. The program starts with three foundation courses in circuits, signal processing, and computer architecture. Those are followed by specialization in three header subjects chosen from signals, nanoelectronics, electromagnetics, neurophysiology, or machine learning; two advanced undergraduate subjects; and two elective subjects from an extensive set of possibilities.
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Course 6-2)
The 6-2 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and is for students whose interests focus on creating systems that interface with the world, digital design and computer architecture, and control systems. The degree has a required foundation of 4.5 subjects in basic mathematics, programming, and algorithms. Students build on these fundamental subjects with 3 core system design subjects encompassing the discipline, along with an integrative system design laboratory class. There are then four subjects drawn from a range of application tracks, one communication-intensive subject, and one additional elective.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (Course 6-3)
The 6-3 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering and is designed for students whose interests focus on software, computer systems, and theoretical computer science. The degree has a required core of 2.5 subjects in programming, 2.5 subjects in systems, and 3 subjects in algorithmic thinking and theory, along with a math subject in either linear algebra or probability and statistics. Students then take two upper-level courses in each of two specialized tracks, including computer architecture, human-computer interaction, programming tools and techniques, computer systems, or theory. 6-3 students may alternatively choose an electrical engineering track from the 6-2 degree, or an artificial intelligence and decision-making track from the 6-4 degree.
Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making (Course 6-4)
The 6-4 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making and is designed for students whose interests focus on algorithms for learning and reasoning, applications of artificial intelligence, and connections to natural cognition. The degree has a required foundation of 5.5 subjects in basic mathematics and computer science; a breadth requirement of 5 subjects covering data, model, decision, computation, and human-centric areas; two subjects drawn from applications or other advanced material; one additional breadth subject; and one additional communications-intensive subject.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (Course 6-7)
The 6-7 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Molecular Biology. Offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Biology (Course 7), the program is for students who wish to specialize in computer science and molecular biology. Students begin with introductory courses in math, chemistry, programming, and lab skills. They then build on these skills with five courses in algorithms and biology, which lead to a choice of electives in biology, with a particular focus on computational biology.
Bachelor of Science in Computation and Cognition (Course 6-9)
The 6-9 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computation and Cognition. Offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences (Course 9), the program focuses on the emerging field of computational and engineering approaches to brain science, cognition, and machine intelligence. It is designed to give students access to foundational and advanced material in electrical engineering and computer science, as well as in the architecture, circuits, and physiology of the brain.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science (Course 6-14)
The 6-14 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science. Offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Economics (Course 14), this program is for students who wish to specialize in computer science, economics, and data science. It is designed to equip students with a foundational knowledge of economic analysis, computing, optimization, and data science, as well as hands-on experience with empirical analysis of economic data. Students take eight subjects that provide a mathematical, computational, and algorithmic basis for the major. Students then take two subjects in data science, two in intermediate economics, and three elective subjects from data science and economics theory.
Bachelor of Science in Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science (Course 11-6)
The 11-6 program leads to the Bachelor of Science in Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science. This program, offered jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (Course 11), is for students who wish to specialize in urban science and planning with computer science.
Minor in Computer Science
The department offers a Minor in Computer Science. The minor provides students with both depth and breadth in the field, as well as the opportunity to explore areas of their own interest.
To complete the minor, students must take at least six subjects (six-unit subjects count as half-subjects) totaling at least 72 units from the lists below, including:
- at least one software-intensive subject, and
- one algorithms-intensive subject at either the basic or advanced level.
MIT Pre Med Majors – Computer Science and Molecular Biology
General Institute Requirements (GIRs)
The General Institute Requirements include a Communication Requirement that is integrated into both the HASS Requirement and the requirements of each major; see details below.
Departmental Program
Choose at least two subjects in the major that are designated as communication-intensive (CI-M) to fulfill the Communication Requirement.
The units for any subject that counts as one of the 17 GIR subjects cannot also be counted as units required beyond the GIRs.
Biology Restricted Electives
MIT Pre Med Majors – Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Economics offer a joint curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Economics and Data Science (Course 6-14). The interdisciplinary major provides students a portfolio of skills in economics, computing, and data science that are increasingly valued in both the business world and academia. The economics and computer science disciplines have a substantial overlap both in their reliance on game theory and mathematical modeling techniques and their use of data analytics. The economics side of the program includes subjects in microeconomic theory and econometrics and electives that expose students to how economists in various fields use mathematical models and statistical evidence to think about problems. The computer science side includes a number of subjects that develop complementary knowledge, including the study of algorithms, optimization, and machine learning (which is increasingly integrated with econometrics). The program also includes coursework in several mathematical subjects, including linear algebra, probability, discrete mathematics, and statistics, which can be taken in various departments.
The Course 6-14 major is also well suited to students whose primary interest is in game theory and mathematical modeling. It can prepare students for graduate study in either discipline.
MIT Pre Med Majors – Civil and Environmental Engineering
Undergraduate Study
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers an undergraduate program, Course 1-ENG, leading to the Bachelor of Science in General Engineering.
Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in the research activities of the department and in many cases obtain degree credit for such work. In general, students are encouraged to plan their programs for the third and fourth years so they dovetail with possible graduate study, including the department’s Master of Engineering degree. This is readily accomplished by those students who embark on the departmental program in their second year. Under certain circumstances, students are permitted to work toward receiving simultaneous undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Course 1-ENG)
The degree is designed to prepare students to make an impact in solving the world’s greatest challenges. The Bachelor of Science in Engineering program offers the option to select a core and pursue tracks of study for in-depth exploration of particular areas, or to focus on cross-cutting, multidisciplinary studies within and outside the department in emerging areas of civil and environmental engineering, broadly defined. Refer to the website for further details on sample educational tracks and educational opportunities.
The undergraduate program provides significant flexibility through a track structure that is consistent with the diverse nature of our disciplinary groups and responsive to students’ interests in new educational offerings. The program is built around a solid foundation in mathematics, big data, sensing, and computing, and is complemented by laboratory subjects on data analysis. It includes a capstone subject that provides ample opportunities for students to solve complex problems. The program enables students to design individualized programs to meet particular educational objectives. For example, students interested in careers in fields such as sustainability, environmental science and engineering, microbiology, sustainable materials, geochemistry, energy resources, structural/architectural engineering, oceanography, or environmental law can design programs that provide both depth and breadth.
The main component of the program is a small set of General Department Requirements (GDRs) consisting of subjects that focus on mathematics, computation, probability and statistics, and data analysis, plus a capstone. Students select one of three core options, each consisting of subjects that build a solid background in one of three areas: environment, mechanics and materials, or systems. Their selections of a core and a consistent set of four or five restricted elective subjects, in consultation with a CEE faculty advisor, define their track of undergraduate study. Restricted electives may be selected from subjects within or outside the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
To satisfy the CI-M component of the Communication Requirement, students must take two of the department’s CI-M subjects (1.013 and either 1.101/1.102 or 1.106/1.107) or take one Course 1 CI-M subject and petition the Subcommittee on the Communication Requirement to substitute one CI-M from another science or engineering field. Any outside CI-M must fit into the coherent program of electives approved by the student’s academic advisor and must be approved by the undergraduate officer. The remaining part of the program consists of unrestricted electives, bringing the total number of required units beyond the General Institute Requirements to 180.
Minor in Civil and Environmental Systems
The Minor in Civil and Environmental Systems consists of the following subjects:
Minor in Civil Engineering
The Minor in Civil Engineering consists of the following subjects:
Minor in Environmental Engineering Science
The Minor in Environmental Engineering Science consists of the following subjects:
Substitution of equivalent subjects offered by other departments is allowed, with permission of the minor advisor. However, at least three full 12-unit subjects must be Course 1 subjects.
Other Undergraduate Opportunities Research Opportunities
Students wishing to work closely with a member of the faculty on research may obtain permission to enroll in Research in Civil and Environmental Engineering or Research in Civil and Environmental Engineering. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers numerous possibilities, and the department awards several UROP traineeships to undergraduates each term.
MIT Pre Med Majors – Mathematics
Undergraduate Study
An undergraduate degree in mathematics provides an excellent basis for graduate work in mathematics or computer science, or for employment in such fields as finance, business, or consulting. Students’ programs are arranged through consultation with their faculty advisors.
Undergraduates in mathematics are encouraged to elect an undergraduate seminar during their junior or senior year. The experience gained from active participation in a seminar conducted by a research mathematician has proven to be valuable for students planning to pursue graduate work as well as for those going on to other careers. These seminars also provide training in the verbal and written communication of mathematics and may be used to fulfill the Communication Requirement.
Many mathematics majors take 18.821 Project Laboratory in Mathematics, which fulfills the Institute’s Laboratory Requirement and counts toward the Communication Requirement.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Course 18)
General Mathematics Option
In addition to the General Institute Requirements, the requirements consist of Differential Equations, plus eight additional 12-unit subjects in Course 18 of essentially different content, including at least six advanced subjects (first decimal digit one or higher) that are distributed over at least three distinct areas (at least three distinct first decimal digits). One of these eight subjects must be Linear Algebra. This leaves available 84 units of unrestricted electives. The requirements are flexible in order to accommodate students who pursue programs that combine mathematics with a related field (such as physics, economics, or management) as well as students who are interested in both pure and applied mathematics. More details can be found on the degree chart.
Applied Mathematics Option
Applied mathematics focuses on the mathematical concepts and techniques applied in science, engineering, and computer science. Particular attention is given to the following principles and their mathematical formulations: propagation, equilibrium, stability, optimization, computation, statistics, and random processes.
Sophomores interested in applied mathematics typically enroll in 18.200 Principles of Discrete Applied Mathematics and 18.300 Principles of Continuum Applied Mathematics. Subject 18.200 is devoted to the discrete aspects of applied mathematics and may be taken concurrently with 18.03 Differential Equations. Subject 18.300, offered in the spring term, is devoted to continuous aspects and makes considerable use of differential equations.
The subjects in Group I of the program correspond roughly to those areas of applied mathematics that make heavy use of discrete mathematics, while Group II emphasizes those subjects that deal mainly with continuous processes. Some subjects, such as probability or numerical analysis, have both discrete and continuous aspects.
Students planning to go on to graduate work in applied mathematics should also take some basic subjects in analysis and algebra.
More detail on the Applied Mathematics option can be found on the degree chart.
Pure Mathematics Option
Pure (or “theoretical”) mathematics is the study of the basic concepts and structure of mathematics. Its goal is to arrive at a deeper understanding and an expanded knowledge of mathematics itself.
Traditionally, pure mathematics has been classified into three general fields: analysis, which deals with continuous aspects of mathematics; algebra, which deals with discrete aspects; and geometry. The undergraduate program is designed so that students become familiar with each of these areas. Students also may wish to explore other topics such as logic, number theory, complex analysis, and subjects within applied mathematics.
The subjects 18.701 Algebra I and 18.901 Introduction to Topology are more advanced and should not be elected until a student has had experience with proofs, as in Real Analysis (18.100A, 18.100B, 18.100P or 18.100Q) or 18.700 Linear Algebra.
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with Computer Science (Course 18-C)
Mathematics and computer science are closely related fields. Problems in computer science are often formalized and solved with mathematical methods. It is likely that many important problems currently facing computer scientists will be solved by researchers skilled in algebra, analysis, combinatorics, logic and/or probability theory, as well as computer science.
The purpose of this program is to allow students to study a combination of these mathematical areas and potential areas of application in computer science. Required subjects include linear algebra (18.06, 18.C06, or 18.700) because it is so broadly used, and discrete mathematics (18.062[J] or 18.200) to give experience with proofs and the necessary tools for analyzing algorithms. The required subjects covering complexity (18.404 Theory of Computation or 18.400[J] Computability and Complexity Theory) and algorithms (18.410[J] Design and Analysis of Algorithms) provide an introduction to the most theoretical aspects of computer science. We also require exposure to other areas of computer science (6.1020, 6.1800, 6.4100, or 6.3900) where mathematical issues may also arise. More details can be found on the degree chart.
Some flexibility is allowed in this program. In particular, students may substitute the more advanced subject 18.701 Algebra I for 18.06 Linear Algebra, and, if they already have strong theorem-proving skills, may substitute 18.211 Combinatorial Analysis or 18.212 Algebraic Combinatorics for 18.062[J] Mathematics for Computer Science or 18.200 Principles of Discrete Applied Mathematics.
Minor in Mathematics
The requirements for a Minor in Mathematics are as follows: six 12-unit subjects in mathematics, beyond the Institute’s Mathematics Requirement, of essentially different content, including at least three advanced subjects (first decimal digit one or higher).
MIT Pre Med Majors – Physics
Undergraduate Study
Bachelor of Science in Physics (Course 8)
An undergraduate degree in physics provides an excellent basis not only for graduate study in physics and related fields, but also for professional work in such fields as astrophysics, biophysics, engineering and applied physics, geophysics, management, law, or medicine. The undergraduate curriculum offers students the opportunity to acquire a deep conceptual understanding of fundamental physics. The core departmental requirements begin this process. The student then chooses one of two options to complete the degree: the focused option is designed for students who plan to pursue physics as a career, and is an excellent choice for students who want to experience as deep an engagement as possible with physics; the flexible option also provides a very strong physics framework, and gives students who may want to pursue additional academic interests the flexibility to do so. Both programs prepare students very well for graduate studies in physics, as well as for a variety of academic or research-related careers. Either option provides a considerable amount of time for exploration through electives. Students proceed at the pace and degree of specialization best suited to their individual capacities. Both options lead to the same degree: the Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Physics: Focused Option
This option—which includes three terms of quantum mechanics, 36 units of laboratory experience, and a thesis—is ideal preparation for a career in physics.
In the second year, students take:
Important skills for experimentation in physics may be acquired by starting an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) project.
In the third year, students normally take laboratory subjects:
Students should also begin to take the restricted elective subjects, one in mathematics and at least two in physics. The mathematics subjects 18.04 Complex Variables with Applications, 18.075 Methods for Scientists and Engineers, and 18.06 Linear Algebra are particularly popular with physics majors. Topical elective subjects in astrophysics, biological physics, condensed matter, plasma, and nuclear and particle physics allow students to gain an appreciation of the forefronts of modern physics. Students intending to go on to graduate school in physics are encouraged to take the theoretical physics sequence:
An important component of this option is the thesis, which is a physics research project carried out under the guidance of a faculty member. Many thesis projects grow naturally out of UROP projects. Students should have some idea of a thesis topic by the middle of the junior year. A thesis proposal must be submitted before registering for thesis units and no later than Add Date of the fall term of the senior year.
A relatively large amount of elective time usually becomes available during the fourth year and can be used either to deepen one’s background in physics or to explore other disciplines.
Physics: Flexible Option
This option is designed for students who wish to develop a strong background in the fundamentals of physics and then build on this foundation as they prepare for career paths that may or may not involve a graduate degree in physics. Many students find an understanding of the basic concepts of physics and an appreciation of the physicist’s approach to problem solving an excellent preparation for the growing spectrum of nontraditional, technology-related career opportunities, as well as for careers in business, law, medicine, or engineering. Additionally, the flexible option makes it more possible for students with diverse intellectual interests to pursue a second major in another department.
The option begins with the core subjects:
Students round out their foundation material with either an additional quantum mechanics subject (8.05 Quantum Physics II) or a subject in relativity (8.20 Introduction to Special Relativity or 8.033 Relativity). There is an experimental requirement of 8.13 Experimental Physics I or, with the approval of the department, a laboratory subject of similar intensity in another department, an experimental research project or senior thesis, or an experimentally oriented summer externship. An exploration requirement consists of one elective subject in physics. Students can satisfy the departmental portion of the Communication Requirement by taking two of the following subjects:
The department and the Subcommittee on the Communication Requirement may accept substitution of one of the department’s two required CI-M subjects with a CI-M subject in another department if it forms a natural part of the student’s physics program.
Students following this option must also complete a focus requirement—three subjects forming one intellectually coherent unit in some area (not necessarily physics), subject to the approval of the department and separate from those used by the student to satisfy the HASS requirement. Areas of focus chosen by students have included astronomy, biology, computational physics, theoretical physics, nanotechnology, history of science, science and technology policy, philosophy, and science teaching. Some students may choose to satisfy their experimental and exploration requirements in the same area as their focus; others may opt for greater breadth by choosing other fields to fulfill these requirements.
Although students may choose this option at any time in their undergraduate career, many decide on the flexible major during their sophomore year in order to have enough time to craft a program that best suits their individual needs. Specific subject choices for the experimental and focus requirements require the written approval of the Flexible Program coordinator, Dr. Sean P. Robinson.
Minor in Physics
The Minor in Physics provides a solid foundation for the pursuit of a broad range of professional activities in science and engineering. The requirements for a Minor in Physics are as follows:
See Undergraduate Education for more information on minor programs.
Minor in Astronomy
The Minor in Astronomy, offered jointly with the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, covers the observational and theoretical foundations of astronomy. For a description of the minor, see Interdisciplinary Programs.