Admissions FAQ

In addition to coursework in subjects such as policy making, law, quantitative methods, and economics, TPP students conduct research in departments, labs, and centers across MIT, developing a dual competency in a technical concentration and in policy analysis.

Individuals interested in a career at the interface of science, technology, and policy, including in industry, government, academia, regulatory agencies or consulting.

While funding through research is not automatically guaranteed, all students should expect to actively seek out paid research opportunities at MIT and typically receive funding. Research assistantships are the most common means of support among TPP students, though some students receive support through fellowships (e.g. from US or international government funding agencies).

TPP does not expect students to take out loans or use family resources or personal savings to support graduate studies.

A certain amount of flexibility is highly desirable in terms of topic of specific research interest to help secure funding.

Application fee waiver: Waivers of the $75 application fee can be requested from MIT’s Office of Graduate Education (OGE) for applicants who are US citizens, US permanent residents, or international applicants attending US colleges and universities. Additional criteria for the waiver are outlined on OGE’s website.

Talk to current students: Prospective students can fill out this form to ask current students about their experiences in the TPP program. Your questions will not influence your application. Students should not be contacted with questions about the application or to assess an applicant’s qualifications for the program.

Application Support: Prospective students with questions about the application or application process should contact the admissions coordinator Elena Byrne (ebyrne@mit.edu).

Application: TPP admits students for entry in the fall semester. Applications are due by December 15th of the previous year.