Overview
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading educational institutions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The institute was established in 1861 as a response to the rapid industrialization of the United States.
History
William Barton Rogers, a geologist, proposed the idea of a “New Polytechnic” in 1859 which led the Massachusetts General Court to charter MIT in 1861. For the first few decades, the institute focused on industrial modernization, and emphasized applied science and engineering. During World War II, MIT became a major center for military research, developing radar, and other technology. In the late 20th century, MIT expanded its research into fields including biology, economics, linguistics, and management.
Organization
MIT is organized into five schools: the School of Architecture and Planning, the School of Engineering, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, the Sloan School of Management, and the School of Science. The institute also offers interdisciplinary research opportunities through its 15 research centers.
Campus
MIT’s main campus is situated on over 160 acres overlooking the Charles River Basin in Cambridge. The campus consists of academic and research buildings, residential dormitories, athletic facilities, and a student center. MIT’s campus is known for its innovative architectural design, with buildings such as the Stata Center and the Media Lab building standing out for their unique aesthetic.
Academics
MIT offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in a variety of fields. The institute is known for its strength in engineering and the physical sciences, but also offers strong programs in economics, linguistics, and other disciplines. Students are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary studies, and many take advantage of the institute’s opportunities in research and entrepreneurship.
Colleges and Schools
- School of Architecture and Planning
- School of Engineering
- School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
- Sloan School of Management
- School of Science
Student Life
MIT has a vibrant student life, with over 500 student clubs and organizations covering interests ranging from technology to the arts. The institute has a strong entrepreneurial culture, with many students starting their own companies while still in school. Students also participate in annual traditions such as “HackMIT” and the “Brass Rat” ring design contest.
Athletics
MIT is a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and competes in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference. The institute’s sports teams, known as the Engineers, have a strong tradition of excellence in sports such as crew, fencing, and squash.
Notable Alumni
- Buzz Aldrin, astronaut and second person to walk on the Moon
- Salman Khan, Founder of Khan Academy
- Chris Csikszentmihalyi, Media artist and Founder of the MIT Center for Future Civic Media
- Ben Bernanke, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve
- Eric Lander, founding director of the Broad Institute and former co-chair of President Obama’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
University Profile
| Name | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States |
| Country | United States |
| Colleges and Schools | School of Architecture and Planning School of Engineering School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Sloan School of Management School of Science |
| Website | https://www.mit.edu/ |