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
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of those applicants whose first language was not English, regardless of residency in the US or attendance at other US 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 admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the TOEFL on the earliest possible test date.
The minimum TOEFL score required for SMBT candidates is 600 for the paper-based test; 250 for the computer-based test; and 100 for the Internet-based test. Applicants must ask the Educational Testing Service to send official test results directly to MIT. Scores must be no more than two years old. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your scores sent to MIT:
Institution 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 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 Graduate Admissions Office[http://web.mit.edu/admissions/graduate]. An application for admission in September must be received by December 15. 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 5-418
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Attn: Admissions
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:
Test of English as a Foreign Language
Graduate Record Examination
MIT Graduate Admissions Office
