Yes, you can take courses within the MIT Architecture Department. There are two ways you can do this: both require an application.

You can apply to be a special student (http://web.mit.edu/admissions/graduate/special.html), or apply to join the Advanced Study Program (http://web.mit.edu/Professional/advanced-study/index.html).

We have no programs or courses offered during the summer. You may be interested in Harvard’s Career Discovery program. You can learn more, here: http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/#/academic-programs/career-discovery/

MIT provides online course content through MIT OpenCourseWare. Search for Department of Architecture courses by choosing "course 4." These courses are not for credit.

Please keep your essay under two pages. Present your information in a clear and concise manner. Describe your goals in obtaining a degree here, and how you are qualified to do so. If you are interested in another degree in the Department, such as a different SMArchS area to the one you are applying, be sure to note this in your essay.

You can always log back in to your application to view your information and see updates from us. The system will let you know if letters are missing from your application on the Letters Status page. If your recommender has trouble uploading their letter, be sure to complete their contact information and have them email the letter to arch@mit.edu.

Because of the large number of applicants, we need to rely on the application process for faculty to review portfolios.

Applicants may wish to look at the portfolios on websites such as ISSUU. Some of our students have posted their work there. 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of each and every single applicant whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship or residency in the US while attending other educational institutions. No exceptions are made. If you did your undergraduate studies in the US but are from a non-English speaking country you DO need to take the IELTS/TOEFL. If you are from the US but were raised speaking another language, you DO need to take the IELTS/TOEFL. However, if you were raised in a non-English speaking country but have spoken and been educated in English all your life, you do not.

The Admissions Committees regard English proficiency as crucial for success in all degree programs. In order to meet the December 31 admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the IELTS or TOEFL on the earliest possible test date. If admitted, enrolling applicants must request that an official copy of their test results be sent directly to MIT by the Educational Testing Service. Scores must be provided prior to registration, and not be older than two years as of the date of application (or September 15, when the application opens).

Institutional Code: 3514 (IELTS test takers select MIT Graduate Admissions)

Note that is not important for you to enter the Department Code. All scores are sent to the same MIT central database for viewing by all admissions staff, so your score will be available to us.

The GRE is not required for any Architecture program.

To reapply, students should complete a new application online and submit new documents, including letters. Previous applications are no longer available. English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) are only valid for two years and GRE scores for five, so these need to be replaced if they are expired as of the date of your new application.

There is no deferral of admissions. If you are accepted and do not attend, you will need to reapply. Applications that were accepted one year have no guarantee of future acceptance. All applications are reviewed in light of the current applicant pool.

No. There are no deferrals. Applicants who are admitted but find they cannot attend, will need to reapply. Faculty will review previously admitted applicants equally among the pool of new applicants. Admission for a second time is possible but not guaranteed.