Published by
EECS Student-Faculty Committee
Student Members
Revised 2005

• Introduction
• How to Get Information
  • About MIT
  • About Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • Tours and Personal Visits
  • Overnight Visits
• Admissions
  • Important Facts
  • How Do I Improve My Chances of Getting Into MIT?
  • Transfer Admissions
• Financial Aid
• Other Opportunities for Studying Electrons and Computers
• Now Introducing... EECS
  • How to Major in EECS
  • What is EECS?
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Computer Science
  • What Kind of Computer Should I Buy?
  • Special Opportunities
  • Academic Life
  • Graduate Programs
  • Summary
• Additional Information

This publication was written by undergraduate students of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to answer some common questions often asked about the Department.

The official write-up on the Department is included in the MIT Bulletin on Courses and Degree Programs). See How to Get Information, (next page).

We will tell you our perspectives about:

• How to become an Electrical Engineer or Computer Scientist;
• What Electrical Engineering & Computer Science is;
• What EECS majors do when they graduate; and
• A little about student academic life.

Most of this document is from the experiences of the students with some input from faculty and staff.

About MIT

General information about MIT and the various fields of study can be obtained from the Admissions Office, MIT Room 3-108, Cambridge, MA 02139, Phone: (617) 258-5515, admissions@mit.edu.

About Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Information about the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science can be found in this document, in The Brief Guide to EECS Degree Programs (http://www.eecs.mit.edu/ug/brief-guide.html) and in The Underground Guide to Course VI, (available to non-MITers on paper only) which is also published by students. It gives the students' version of the material in the MIT Bulletin plus other things we think are important for someone considering the department as a course of study. Its focus, however, is more directed towards freshmen already at MIT so some of it may be hard to relate to, but some of the information will supplement other publications. At the end of this document is a listing of addresses and phone numbers to use to obtain more information.

Tours and Personal Visits

Tours of MIT can be arranged through the Admissions Office (http://web.mit.edu/admissions). The tours show you the main features of the MIT campus. Along with the tour they have a very useful information session where they answer questions about admissions, financial aid, and student life.

If you have questions about EECS Undergraduate Programs that our material failed to address, or if you just want to drop by the Department during your campus visit, please arrange for an appointment, a few days beforehand, by emailing or calling Anne M. Hunter, anneh@mit.edu, or Vera Sayzew, vera@mit.edu, at the Course VI Undergraduate Office. When their workload permits they or trained students will give tours of two EECS educational laboratories.

Overnight Visits

At certain times of the year, the Admissions Office also has a host program called "The Overnight Program" where you can come and stay with a student and go to classes. This is a very good way to see student life as well as get more detailed information on MIT and your areas of interest. Be sure to make arrangements way ahead of time.

Important Facts:

• There is only one undergraduate application form that covers all of MIT. You do not apply to a particular school or department.
• There are no department entrance requirements for admitted MIT freshmen.
• Departments do not participate in admissions and they do NOT make specific recommendations to the Admissions Officers.
• Grades and college board scores are important but not the only criteria for admission. MIT has lots of applicants with high SAT's, and grades. Admissions seems to look for students who have taken full advantage of all academic opportunities, and created their own if they were lacking. They are definitely interested in students who have demonstrated character and leadership. No on-campus interview is required but almost everyone has an interview with a member of the MIT Educational Council near their home. If you are really dedicated to getting into MIT, strongly consider applying Early Action.
• Where else should I apply? Top programs in EE can be found at: Stanford, Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and many other places.

  Strong CS Programs exist at: Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, Berkeley, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and many other places.

The first step towards becoming an MIT undergraduate in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science is to gain admission to MIT. Obtain an application from the MIT Admissions Office and follow the application procedure. Make sure you give those who are writing recommendations plenty of time to do so. Allot time to talk to someone from the MIT Educational Council. You can get the name of the person nearest you from the Admissions Office. You will have to write at least one essay; reserve time to do a good job. TRY NOT TO RUSH YOURSELF. The deadline is January 1 (November 1 for Early Action Applicants).

Once you're admitted to MIT as a freshman, you may choose any major program. See How To Major In EECS.

How Do I Improve My Chances of Getting Into MIT?

Outside of the interviewer from the MIT Educational Council, the Admissions staff and volunteer readers, no one has direct input into specific admissions decisions. Therefore talking to department faculty or administration will NOT help you to gain admission. Some things you can do are to provide yourself with a strong background, do well in class and on college board tests, and carefully prepare your application form. Your recommendation letters from teachers will be extremely helpful to you. Choose your supporters carefully. Anything you have done to broaden or deepen your academic background will help a lot. Be sure to document everything! Extra-curricular activities are a big plus. Applying to MIT is no different from applying to Ivy League schools.

Transfer Admissions

A handful of students per year from other colleges and universities are admitted to EECS. These are chosen from around 100 transfer student applicants, so that it is extremely selective. It can be hard for transfer students to adjust to MIT, and most end up spending extra time here to finish. The EASIEST time to get into MIT is as a freshman. Planning to go somewhere cheap first and transfer into MIT in a year or two almost always backfires. And it's MUCH easier to get into MIT graduate programs as an MIT undergraduate than coming from outside (exception: Chemistry and Physics Departments). MIT accepts transfer credit for subjects taken at any accredited college. No determination of what transfer credit a particular student might receive is possible until after a student has been admitted to MIT. MIT is only moderately fair about granting transfer credit; students have to talk to transfer credit examiners to maximize their credit.

MIT says that its admissions are need-blind. This means that it does not look at your financial situation as a criterion for admission. They will tell you that if you get accepted to MIT, the Institute will see that you get the money you need to come. In reality, some accepted students cannot make ends meet despite financial aid. This is not intended to scare you away. MIT tries reasonably hard to see that you can make it here. Many students make up the difference by getting paying jobs on or near campus. Luckily there are many well paying jobs at MIT; not just the usual library and office assistant ones, but system and network administrator, webmaster, UROP and other jobs in MIT's offices and research labs. Most undergrads find they can work ten to twelve hours a week without compromising their academics. The Course VI Undergraduate Administrator, Anne Hunter, maintains a jobs email list to which UROPs and off campus jobs are posted daily. Other listings are available through the UROP Office and the Student Employment Office. MIT jobs pay from about $8.75 to $20.00 per hour, so that if you find you can work ten hours a week, you can make quite a little money, although nowhere near enough to "put yourself through college." Other forms of financial aid are grants, scholarships, and loans. Technical off-campus jobs start at $20 per hour and go up from there.

While majoring in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science may seem like the logical way to study electricity, electronics or software, there are other possibilities we'd like to mention.

1. The Department of Physics offers a program which includes a certification in Electrical Engineering, and provides "a thorough foundation in both the theory and application of analog and digital electronic systems," which also includes EECS subjects.
2. The Department of Mathematics offers a program in Mathematics with Computer Science which is even more theoretical and abstract than the EECS major. It includes more high-level mathematics subjects, combining them with the EECS computer science subjects; it does not require (although it permits) study of Electrical Engineering.

These programs can provide a superior preparation for "high tech" careers or as a preparation for graduate school here, or at other top universities.

It is now time to talk about Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT, because you wouldn't be reading this if you weren't interested in us. We start off with...

As we said before, no department has any requirements for admission other than the general MIT admissions requirements. All you have to do to major in EECS is to stay at MIT and sign the designation form as a freshman or talk to the Undergraduate Administrators in room 38-476 if you are not a freshman. Department subjects mostly draw upon knowledge taught in the freshman year. The instructors do not expect you to know any computer languages or machines, or have previous electronics experience. If you get into MIT, it means that you have the potential to succeed in EECS. The only limitation is your own initiative.

All students in the Department take the same four subjects, known as the "common core," so that E.E.'s understand software systems, and C.S.'s understand circuits and electronics. This also means that you can easily change your mind between the EE, CS, and EECS majors until at least the end of your sophomore year. Our major programs are quite specified, with lots of required subjects and lists of restricted electives. This means that EE students study the fundamental and theoretical aspects of EE rather than specializing in communications, optics, acoustics, devices, or electromagnetics, for example. CS students study theory and algorithms in many areas of Computer Science rather than specializing in artificial intelligence, computer systems, graphics, or databases, for example. Some flexibility is possible, however, by replacing a restricted elective with a different subject by special permission, or by taking advanced, specialized subjects in the senior year as unrestricted electives, and more notably by choosing laboratories, UROP, electives, and senior project in a student's particular area of interest.

It is possible to obtain more than one degree at MIT, but not to "double major" within one department. Perhaps 15% of MIT students receive two Bachelors degrees. It is also possible to minor in many areas of the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and in some areas of Science and Engineering (EECS does not offer any minor programs). Popular combinations include E.E. and Physics, C.S. and Math, or Cognitive Science. Economics is a common minor. The number of requirements and total credits increase with each degree, but minors don't require any extra credit. Any combination is possible. The only thing that can prevent you from doing this is your own ability to handle the course load. It is important to know your limits, but it can be fruitful to test them.

MEng: The Five Year Bachelors/Masters Program . In 1993 the department implemented a new curriculum at the undergraduate level and a new Masters program. We now offer a combined undergraduate program, a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, as well as our other two bachelors degrees. Students with at least a B average, 4.25 on a 5.0 scale in the major, (that's about 60% of EECS undergraduates)will generally be admitted to the Masters of Engineering (M.Eng.) Program after the end of their third undergraduate year. Those students may complete an integrated program leading to the awarding of both the Bachelors and Masters degrees at the end of five years. This program is very popular with students: close to two-thirds of each class is going on to receive the M.Eng. degree.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering at MIT is a very broad field. The curriculum is intensive and very theoretical. The emphasis on theory separates MIT from most schools. The Institute produces engineers who are capable of applying knowledge over a broad range of problems and learning the rapid advances in technology. The ability to keep from falling behind is very important in today's high-tech industry. The program starts with basic circuit theory, and moves into systems, physics of electronic devices, thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics. The math requirement includes probability theory and complex variable calculus.

Research in Electrical Engineering

Research here includes a variety of interesting topics. Some are:

• Power system engineering;
• High voltage research;
• Chip manufacturing and design techniques (VLSI);
• The modeling of the ear as an electrical system in order to study hearing for speech perception;
• Optics (lasers, fiber optics);
• Digital and analog electronics design;
• Image processing;
• Data, computer, and audio and video communication networks;
• Fusion related magnetic research;
• The relation of electrical engineering to biology and medical applications;
• Systems to control things electronically.

Graduates of Electrical Engineering get jobs in industry that apply this knowledge. They can be found in research laboratories in both international corporations and start-up companies, as well as other places where their ability "to make electrons work" is needed. Many graduates continue on to get higher degrees. Others become lawyers, doctors or get advanced degrees in other fields.

Computer Science

Computer Science at MIT is a bit different from programs offered at most other universities. Many potential students really don't understand what it's all about here. It's NOT about "applications programming," or "data processing." "Systems analyst" is not the sort of job to which our students aspire after they graduate (by sophomore year it's easy to get on-campus jobs keeping systems running). At MIT one starts out by learning about dealing with complexity and abstraction, and goes on to study computer architecture (how to design computer systems), artificial intelligence, modeling, and theory. There is quite a bit of advanced mathematics. Computer Science studies how to make computers faster, more efficient, and more intelligent. Graduates of Computer Science have the ability to perform a wide range of jobs. The breadth of their studies allows them to learn quickly the variety of languages and machines used in industry. The depth of study gives a better understanding of the problem and how to solve it. The curriculum is as intensive as electrical engineering. You can't get a big jump on the major by studying programming in high school: C.S. faculty here don't teach or use BASIC, FORTRAN, PASCAL, COBOL, etc. Our introductory CS subject is taught in the SCHEME dialect of LISP, and the software engineering lab uses a version of JAVA; C++ can also be useful in UROPs.

Research in Computer Science at MIT covers many topics. Here are a few:

• Controlling robots;
• Making machines hear, see, move, and learn;
• The use of intelligent machines as resources for making decisions;
• The use of computers in education;
• Using computers to design chips and other things;
• Making computers easier to use;
• Determining if a problem is solvable;
• Making better programming languages;
• Automating offices and other functions;
• Getting computers to talk to each other;
• Applied probability;
• Medical decisionmaking;
• Computer graphics.

Graduates in Computer Science get jobs developing systems for science, business, or fun. Some join large companies like HP, Microsoft, Oracle, or IBM; others join or start small start-up companies to be "in on the ground floor." Some design video games, others work on supercomputers or robots. You will find MIT Computer Science graduates behind the design and development of most computers on the market. Many graduates continue on to get advanced degrees, not only technical but also medical, legal, business, etc.

Unlike lots of other colleges, MIT does not require that its students buy a personal computer. There are lots of big, powerful computers here (literally thousands of minis, micros, workstations, pc's, etc.); lots of IBM's, HPs, Sun's, etc. Athena has brought thousands of computers into dorms and all areas of campus. Computer time for word processing and play is totally available. UNIX is the operating system of choice here. If you still want to purchase one, you should know that MIT has made arrangements for discounts for the entire MIT community with Sun, IBM, Apple, etc. Don't worry too much about compatibility with MIT computers and software; make your best deal.

The VI-A Internship Program

This is a very popular, prestigious five-year combined bachelor/masters degree program. Students accepted to this program in their sophomore year may work three summers and the fall term of their fifth year at their company. During the summer and fall terms following their senior year, they develop and complete the masters thesis at the company. This program is very competitive: about half the students who apply are accepted. You have to be selected by one of the companies participating in this program, and then later qualify for the M.Eng. program. The main advantages are the experience in the working world, which helps to tie the theory students learn at MIT into practical reality. The companies are excellent, including Motorola, Lotus, IBM, TI, Lucent, Analog Devices, Silicon Graphics and Qualcomm, just to name a few.

UROP: The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program

This is an MIT-wide program that enables undergraduates to work with faculty and research staff on a current research topic, for either money OR credit. UROP is what makes MIT great. Hundreds of students do UROPs every term and over the summer. Other schools have tried to copy UROP, but their scale is minute compared to MIT's UROP Program. The advantages of working on the cutting edge of technology and the contacts with brilliant, top researchers are priceless. Many students use topics from UROPs as background for theses. The added and reinforced knowledge is very helpful in your studies. Your faculty and staff contacts can be extremely useful later in life. Even freshmen can often find UROPs! A UROP project is obtained by contacting the faculty in person. You can learn all about the program from displays the week before classes start in the fall. You can also ask upperclassmen. Most have participated in this excellent program.

Research Labs. There are several research laboratories and centers closely associated with the EECS Department, where EECS professors and research staff (including UROP students) do research. These include the Artificial Intelligence Lab, the Lab for Electromagnetic and Electronic Systems (LEES), the Center for Materials Science and Engineering (CMSE), the Lab for Computer Science (LCS), the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS), and the Research Lab for Electronics (RLE). There are also many labs where EECS faculty aren't much involved, but where EECS students find lots of opportunities for UROPs and special projects. These include the Center for Space Research, the Center for Biological and Computational Learning, the Center for Coordination Science, the Lab for Manufacturing and Productivity, Lincoln Lab, the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST), the Energy Lab, the Plasma Fusion Center, the National Magnet Lab, the Operations Research Center, Sea Grant and Space Grant, and the Technology and Public Policy Program.

Lastly, there is the Media Lab, a.k.a. the Media, Arts and Sciences Program, which takes a little explaining. Computer graphics developed at MIT in the Department of Architecture. Graphics and other computer applications have been added to disciplines like film, photography, music, and computer science to form a laboratory and program that address "the quality of the information environment." They not only do research but also teach undergraduate and graduate subjects in areas like perceptual computing, learning and common sense, and information and entertainment. While they don't have an undergraduate major program, they do offer both the masters and the Ph.D. degrees. Many EECS students work in the Media Lab.

EECS is the largest department at MIT with roughly one quarter of all the students. Our largest major is EECS followed by CS, then EE. Classes are large on the average, ranging from 125 to 350 for the basic four subjects, down to perhaps 20 in some of the smaller laboratory subjects. Typical class structure is two lectures per week and two smaller faculty-taught recitations (with 25-30 students). The beginning subjects have optional tutorials, where five or six students meet for an hour with a graduate teaching assistant. Each subject takes up about 12-15 hours per week. Many computer facilities are open 24 hours a day. Most hardware laboratory subjects have lab kits that can be worked on in the students' rooms. Faculty and staff are usually eager to help you outside of class. Sometimes they are hard to catch as they are very busy. With 800 undergraduates and 800 graduate students, the Department cannot boast of a warm, personal approach to education. However, the faculty here, busy as they are, really care about undergraduate education. If the students make an effort, they are very helpful.

MIT is very competitive to get into, and the subjects are very demanding. The quality of students is very high and sets MIT apart. Once you are here everybody works hard to see that you stay here. MIT "requires the withdrawal" for academic reasons of far less than one percent of the undergraduates each term, and many of those are later re-admitted and eventually graduate. Almost none of those few students who have academic problems lack ability: their problems involve lack of discipline, motivation, and maturity. Studying in Course VI at MIT is lots of work, even for the absolutely brilliant.

MIT also has the top Ph.D. program in EECS. A large number of places are reserved for MIT undergraduates (20 - 30% of the total). However, so many EECS undergrads want to continue on to the Ph.D. here that it still requires very high grades to get in. The M.Eng. program does give MIT students more chance to demonstrate their research abilities before entering the Ph.D. program. We estimate that more than 90% of our undergraduates go on somewhere for graduate study (often part time at their employer's expense) in order to do more interesting things. With graduate Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships available, very few full-time doctoral students pay for study in EECS. Probably at least a quarter of EECS undergraduates eventually receive a Ph.D. from some university. MIT-trained faculty work at universities around the world.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT is one of the best programs of its kind in the world. Its graduates are known for their ability to solve problems and do research. The department offers some of the best opportunities for becoming a highly qualified engineer. One important factor is that our subjects in the department have faculty lecturers. Recitations are also faculty taught. A tremendous amount of information is transferred in four intensive years. MIT graduates are in high demand from industry; hundreds of companies come to MIT to recruit graduating seniors for positions. Starting salaries for students with bachelors degrees are averaging $60,000; M.Eng grads salaries are averaging $70,000. Although the price is high, most graduates feel that it was worth it.

If you still have questions, you may be able to get answers at some of these places: MIT, Admissions, EECS Undergraduate

EECS-related questions:

Anne M. Hunter, Administrator

EECS Undergraduate Office

MIT Room 38-476

Cambridge, MA 02139

(617)253-4654

anneh@mit.edu

Vera Sayzew, Co-Administrator

EECS Undergraduate Office

MIT Room 38-476

Cambridge, MA 02139

(617)452-3183

vera@mit.edu

Financial Aid:

Student Financial Services

MIT Room 11-120

(617)253-4971

Admissions:

Admissions Office

MIT Room 3-108

(617)258-5515

admissions@mit.edu

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