PhD in Building Technology Admissions Information
Candidates compete for the few places available each year in the Department of Architecture's PhD program in Building Technology. 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 Proficiency 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 HTC PhD candidates in Building Technology 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 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 students who satisfy the IELTS or 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 towards the required degree credits.
Graduate Record Examination
Applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. 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 more than five years old. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your scores sent to MIT:
Institution Code is 3514
Department Code is 4401
Portfolio
Research papers or a portfolio of the applicant’s work may be submitted to aid the admissions committee, but it is not required.
Interview
Interviews with faculty are recommended but not required. It is advantageous for an applicant to meet with the Building Technology faculty member whose research is most closely aligned with the applicant's interests. Faculty schedules vary, so students should contact faculty members directly at least two weeks prior to an intended visit.
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 617-715-4490.
Applicants will be notified by mail of the Department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.
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Graduate Record Examination
IELTS
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