MIT Undergraduate Majors A Comprehensive List: The Ultimate Guide to Degrees and Opportunities

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, undergraduates choose from a diverse set of programs that blend technical depth with interdisciplinary flexibility. This guide provides a detailed overview of every official major, minor, and option available to undergraduates, highlighting how each fits into MIT’s hands-on, innovation-driven ecosystem. Whether you are drawn to computer science, economics, or humanities, the list below clarifies pathways, requirements, and real-world applications.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Majors

MIT is globally recognized for its STEM programs, many of which are ranked at the top worldwide. These majors emphasize analytical reasoning, design, and experimentation, often integrating labs, team projects, and industry collaboration. Below is a structured breakdown of core engineering, computer science, and physical science offerings.

Engineering Disciplines

• Aeronautics and Astronautics (Course 16) – Covers aircraft, spacecraft design, and autonomous systems. Example: Mars helicopter development involved MIT alumni.
• Biological Engineering (Course 20) – Merges biology with engineering for medical devices and synthetic biology applications.
• Chemical Engineering (Course 10) – Focuses on process design, energy systems, and nanotechnology.
• Civil and Environmental Engineering (Course 1) – Addresses infrastructure sustainability and climate resilience.
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Course 6) – Dual focus on hardware, software, and AI systems.
• Mechanical Engineering (Course 2) – Robotics, thermodynamics, and product design are central themes.
• Nuclear Science and Engineering (Course 22) – Energy policy, reactor physics, and medical imaging technologies.

Computer Science and Data Systems

Course 6 variants are among the most popular at MIT. Students learn algorithms, machine learning, systems architecture, and ethics in AI. The Computer Science and Engineering major includes a strong capstone where teams build deployable software for real clients.

Physical and Life Sciences

• Biology (Course 7) – Molecular biology, neuroscience, and ecology pathways.
• Chemistry (Course 5) – Laboratory-intensive curriculum covering organic to materials chemistry.
• Mathematics (Course 18) – Pure math, applied computation, and statistics tracks.
• Physics (Course 8) – Theoretical and experimental paths, including astrophysics and quantum science.

Computing, Economics, and Management

MIT integrates technology with social science, enabling students to understand both the technical and human dimensions of innovation.

Computer Science and Economics (Course 6-14)

This joint major is designed for students interested in the intersection of tech and finance. Coursework includes algorithms, econometrics, and data-driven decision-making. Graduates often pursue roles in fintech, product management, or quantitative research.

Economics (Course 14)

MIT’s economics program emphasizes rigorous mathematical modeling and real-world data analysis. Students explore microeconomic theory, macroeconomic policy, and experimental economics. The program encourages participation in research labs and internships at institutions like the Federal Reserve or World Bank.

Management (Course 12)

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Management track blends technical training with business strategy. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs, it includes subjects like operations management, innovation policy, and leadership.

Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Contrary to popular belief, MIT offers a robust set of humanities and social science programs. These majors encourage critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning alongside technical study.

Humanities and Languages

• Comparative Media Studies/Writing (Course 21G) – Explores storytelling across platforms, including video games and digital media.
• English (Course 21L) – Focuses on literature, rhetoric, and professional writing.
• Foreign Languages (Course 21) – Offers Mandarin, Spanish, French, German, and Japanese tracks with cultural context.
• History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Society (Course 21H) – Examines the societal impact of technological change.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

• Cognitive Science (Course 9) – Combines psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and philosophy to study the mind.
• Political Science (Course 17) – Covers international relations, public policy, and political theory.
• Urban Studies and Planning (Course 11) – Focuses on sustainable city design, housing, and transportation systems.

Interdisciplinary and Flexible Options

MIT encourages students to design their own paths through Course 9 (Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences) and Course 18 (Mathematics) electives. The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) allows credit for independent projects, and double majors are common.

Sample Interdisciplinary Combinations

1. Course 6 (Computer Science) + Course 18 (Mathematics) – Ideal for algorithm research.
2. Course 2 (Mechanical Engineering) + Course 10 (Chemical Engineering) – For energy systems innovation.
3. Course 7 (Biology) + Course 6 (EECS) – Prepares students for bioinformatics and neural engineering.

Minors and Certificates

Students can complement their major with minors in areas such as Aerospace Engineering, Sustainable Energy, or Music Technology. Certificates are also available in fields like Computing and Society, or Data Science.

Admissions and Curriculum Notes

MIT does not offer AP credit for course placement, but students often enter with advanced Standing based on exams or subject tests. First-years typically explore through Concourse subjects and lab rotations before finalizing their major by the end of sophomore year.

Each department sets its own requirements, but common elements include distributed lab work, communication-intensive subjects, and a final thesis or capstone project. The curriculum is designed to produce not just specialists, but adaptable problem-solvers.

Real-World Impact and Alumni Outcomes

MIT graduates launch startups, lead research at NASA, or drive policy at the United Nations. Employers value the combination of technical mastery and creative thinking MIT instills. For example, Course 6 graduates frequently join top tech firms, while Course 15 (Mathematics) alumni often pursue PhDs or quantitative finance roles.

“MIT taught me how to learn complex systems quickly and build solutions that matter,” says a Course 6 graduate now leading AI infrastructure at a major cloud provider. “The freedom to explore, combined with rigorous expectations, shaped my career.”

With such a broad catalog of undergraduate majors, MIT ensures that every student can align their academic journey with their ambitions—whether that means building the next generation of processors, understanding the brain, or reimagining urban life.