Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Overview

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. Established in 1861 in response to the increasing industrialization of the United States, MIT adopted a European polytechnic university model and stressed laboratory instruction in applied science and engineering.

Aerial view of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus.

History

MIT was chartered by the state of Massachusetts on April 10, 1861. The institute was founded as a reaction to the increasing industrialization of the United States, and its charter stated that its purpose was "to aid generally the advancement and development of industrial science and to aid the prosecution of such inquiries and experiments as shall tend to facilitate the application of science to the practical purposes of life."

Academics

MIT is organized into five schools—architecture and planning; engineering; humanities, arts, and social sciences; management; and science—and one college, the Whitaker College of Health Sciences and Technology. The university's academic programs are characterized by rigorous coursework, an emphasis on learning by doing, and research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge in their fields.

Campus

The main MIT campus extends along the Charles River, encompassing a variety of buildings, athletic facilities, and student residences. The campus architecture is noted for its eclectic mix of styles, including modernist and brutalist buildings.

Research

MIT is a leading institution in the fields of physical sciences, biological sciences, economics, and engineering. The university's research activities range from fundamental scientific research to applied research that has immediate and direct relevance to societal issues.

Student life

MIT's student body is diverse, with students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 120 countries. The university offers a wide range of student activities and organizations, including cultural and athletic clubs, fraternities and sororities, and volunteer and service groups.

Notable alumni

MIT alumni have made significant contributions to the fields of science, engineering, business, and public service. Notable alumni include astronauts, Nobel laureates, and leaders in business and government.