Embarking on a doctoral degree is a significant step towards advanced academic and professional achievement. A doctoral degree, whether a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (ScD), signifies the successful completion of a rigorous program of advanced study and original, high-caliber research. These Doctoral Courses are designed to cultivate expertise and contribute meaningfully to a chosen field.
It’s important to note that for many departments within the School of Engineering and the School of Science, the PhD and ScD are awarded interchangeably. This distinction is crucial for prospective students: with the exception of specific departments like biology, cognitive science, neuroscience, medical engineering, and medical physics, the curriculum and requirements for both degrees are generally aligned. Students in these schools often have the flexibility to choose which degree designation they prefer upon completion of their doctoral courses.
For those aspiring to pursue graduate education and enroll in doctoral courses, the initial step is to apply directly to the department or graduate program that aligns with their research interests. Certain departments may also require doctoral candidates to undertake a minor program in a complementary field. If you are considering such departments, it’s beneficial to explore supplementary areas of study that could enrich your doctoral journey.
Below is a categorized list of programs and departments offering doctoral-level degrees. This overview is intended to provide a starting point for your exploration into doctoral courses and advanced research opportunities.
| Program | Application Opens | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Technology | ||
| Aeronautics and Astronautics | September 1 | December 1 |
| Biological Engineering | September 15 | December 15 |
| Chemical Engineering | September 15 | December 1 |
| Civil and Environmental Engineering | September 15 | December 1 |
| Computational Science and Engineering PhD | September 15 | December 1 |
| Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | September 16 | December 1 |
| Materials Science and Engineering | September 1 | December 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering | September 15 | December 15 |
| Nuclear Science and Engineering | September 15 | December 15 |
| Transportation | September 15 | December 1 |
| Sciences | ||
| Biology | October 1 | December 1 |
| Brain and Cognitive Sciences | September 1 | December 1 |
| Chemistry | September 15 | December 1 |
| Computational and Systems Biology | October 1 | December 1 |
| Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences | September 1 | December 15 |
| Mathematics | September 14 | December 15 |
| Microbiology | October 1 | December 1 |
| Physics | September 15 | December 15 |
| Program in Polymers and Soft Matter | See home department | See home department |
| MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography / Applied Ocean Science and Engineering | October 1 | December 15 |
| Social Sciences & Humanities | ||
| Architecture | September 15 | January 7 |
| Economics | September 15 | December 15 |
| History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Society | September 10 | December 10 |
| Linguistics | September 15 | December 15 |
| Media Arts and Sciences | September 15 | See home department |
| MIT Sloan PhD Program | September | December 1 |
| Operations Research Center | September 1 | December 15 |
| Philosophy | September 15 | January 2 |
| Political Science | October 9 | December 15 |
| Urban Studies and Planning | September 5 | December 15 |
| Interdisciplinary Programs | ||
| Health Sciences and Technology (Joint Harvard-MIT Program) | August 1 | December 1 |
| Institute for Data, Systems, and Society | September 15 | December 15 |
This table provides key information for prospective doctoral candidates, including program names, application opening dates, and deadlines. For the most accurate and up-to-date details regarding doctoral courses and program-specific requirements, it is advisable to visit the individual program pages linked above. Your journey into advanced research and doctoral-level education begins with exploring these opportunities.
