The best of MIT—on your terms
Eager to learn from renowned experts at one of the world’s leading higher education institutions? The MIT Professional Education Advanced Study Program (ASP) is your opportunity to enroll in MIT classes as a non-degree student for a semester, year, or longer.
Create a customized course of study by selecting courses from our catalog that best complement your professional goals and aspirations. The benefits? Maximum flexibility and the opportunity to join MIT’s thriving academic community—without committing to a full-time degree program. This is your chance to gain an MIT education on your terms, your way.
Who can apply?
- Part-time students
Individuals from the Greater Boston area who wish to continue their education by taking one or two classes per semester are welcome to apply for the ASP. All classes are held on campus in Cambridge, accessible by bicycle and public transit, with limited parking options in the area.
Classes generally necessitate 2 to 5 hours of on-campus commitment per week, with no distractions from your job or other daily obligations. Additional work is done outside of class and can be scheduled on your own time.
- Full-time students
Full-time students enroll in a full course load (36 or more units) each semester and study for one or more semesters. They may be from the United States or abroad—students from more than 35 countries have participated in the ASP in recent years (international students are eligible for visa sponsorship).
Full-time students often come to MIT for study away while enrolled in a degree program at another institution, or they may be taking a sabbatical from work or transitioning into a new field of employment.
- MIT employees
Through the ASP academically qualified MIT employees may apply to take classes in any department at MIT. Benefits-eligible employees accepted into the program may also have their tuition covered by the Tuition Assistance Plan.
By the Numbers
1000+ class options
across more than 20 departments
More than 1600 ASP fellows
over the past 10 years
Tuition and Fees
- Application fee: $75
- 2024-2025 Tuition (per semester)
Tuition is based on the total units of credit for your classes. Most classes are 12 units.
- 4-12 units of credit (typically 1 class) - $11,250
- 24 units of credit (typically 2 classes) - $22,500
- 36+ units of credit (typically 3 or more classes) - $33,750
- MIT Student Life Fee: $203
Application deadlines
Fall semester: May 1
Spring semester:
November 1
Application decisions are typically made within eight weeks of the deadline. We do not accept students for the summer or Independent Activities Period (IAP).
Master the latest in materials informatics through:
Admissions information
Search our course catalog for specific classes that best meet your professional goals and aspirations, and then apply through the ASP.
To be eligible for admission, you must:
Non-native English speakers: In addition to the requirements above, non-native English speakers must have IELTS or TOEFL test scores from the past two years to apply. IELTS results are strongly preferred. Compelling candidates will score 7.5 or better on the IELTS, 100 or better on the internet-based TOEFL, or 600 or better on the paper-based TOEFL.
- Have an undergraduate degree
- Be fluent in English
Testimonial
Ida Hernes
M.S. in Industrial Economics and Technology Management
(Norwegian University of Science and Technology)
A frequent industry collaborator, his primary research interest lies in identifying and applying innovative approaches to design better materials from less, using a combination of high-performance computing and AI, new manufacturing techniques, and advanced experimental testing. He directs the Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, and is principal investigator on numerous national and international research programs.
Visit our ASP homepage for links to the application forms and instructions on applying.