We’ve included some frequently asked questions about the graduate admissions process. Please click on a question to display the answer. If you have additional questions not covered here please email us at chemgradeducation@mit.edu.
How do I apply?
The application for Fall 2021 Admission will open on September 15, 2020. Fill out the online application form by 23:59 EST, December 1, 2020. For full application instructions, please see the
Application Requirements
When do I need to submit my application?
The deadline to submit the application is 11:59pm EDT on December 1, 2020
Do you offer Spring Term Admission?
The MIT academic year begins in September, and PhD students are therefore only admitted for the fall semester. It is not possible to be admitted for the Spring term.
Do I have to take the GRE's?
In recognition of the significant disruption caused by Covid-19, specifically due to the limited accessibility of tests and testing sites/dates, MIT Department of Chemistry will not be accepting GRE scores for applications during the Fall 2021 admissions cycle. We believe that this is necessary in order to avoid inadvertently privileging applicants who have easier access to test sites than others. All applications will be given full consideration without reference to GRE scores, this includes both the general test and Chemistry subject test scores.
My Bachelors degree is not in Chemistry, can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply to our graduate program. The only educational requirement for our program is that students must have received a Bachelors degree prior to the start of our program. That being said, in order to build a strong application to our PhD program in Chemistry, you will need to have a substantial background in chemistry.
Do I need to have research experience prior to applying?
In addition to classroom experience in chemistry and related subjects, participating in laboratory research is very important to having a strong application for our PhD program. We advise that students have 2 or more years of experience in a research environment (such as an undergraduate research position in a professor’s research group) prior to applying.
Can I receive transfer credit for graduate courses I have already taken?
No transfer credit is accepted for our program. All students, regardless of whether they have completed graduate work prior to entering our program, must satisfy the same program requirements. Prior educational experience, however, will help our faculty determine what classes are most appropriate for a student to take, and may be considered to satisfy prerequisites (if applicable) for some of our advanced graduate classes.
Can the TOEFL/IELTS be waived?
We can waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement for international applicants who have completed 3 or more years in a degree-granting program instructed exclusively in English, or who consider English to be their primary language.
Can I visit the department?
Admitted students are invited to attend our official visiting weekend in March. Though we are happy to meet with interested applicants outside of the official visiting weekend, many faculty and staff may not available, and we encourage applicants to email prior to visiting.
Can I contact faculty?
You are welcome to contact our faculty directly if you would like, however many of our faculty are very busy and may not have time to respond to all inquiries from applicants. The best thing you can do is mention the faculty and research of greatest interest to you at MIT in your application, as this helps ensure that your application is reviewed by the most relevant faculty members. We ask that your tailor your personal statement to our program, by mentioning faculty and research currently happening within the department that is of greatest interest to you.
Do you offer a Masters degree program?
We do not have an MS program. Applications are only accepted for the PhD program.
Do you offer financial support?
All students admitted to the PhD program receive full tuition coverage along with a monthly stipend for the first academic year, either through Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, or fellowships. Students must be eligible to work in the United States in order to receive funding. After the first year, continued funding is provided for the duration of the PhD program, subject to the availability of funds for that purpose, as long as students remain in good academic standing.
Does the stipend cover health insurance?
If needed, the fee for the MIT Student Health Plan is provided along with your tuition award and includes Accident and Hospitalization Insurance. You will receive this insurance unless you can demonstrate that you have equivalent insurance, in which case you must complete a waiver form available at MIT Medical.
