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Admissions Update

We will not be admitting new students for Fall of 2023.

IDM Reimagines Design Education at MIT

Building on our deep integration of human-centered design, engineering, and business disciplines, we are working toward making even broader impact across MIT and the globe. 

During this dynamic transitional period, we are pausing admissions to the IDM master’s program. While we will not be admitting new students for the Fall of 2023, we are leveraging our unique curriculum by launching a series of classes open to all MIT students. 

With the shared goal of integrating design methodologies throughout MIT, we look forward to our collaborations with the School of Engineering, the School of Architecture + Planning, the School of Management, and the new Morningside Academy for Design. 

 

Online application

The online application requires you to submit a résumé, a statement of objectives, a portfolio of recent work, and letters of recommendation.

The online application is currently closed for the 2021 application cycle.

*Please note we do accept copies of your application documents for review — if admitted, students will be required to submit official documents.*

$75 application fee

The application fee is payable by credit card online at the time of application. Applicants who intend to pay by check should send an email stating this to idm@mit.edu. The check must be made out to MIT, and sent to the following address:

IDM Admissions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave, E40-339
Cambridge, MA 02139

Three letters of recommendation

Recommendations should be completed by individuals who can comment authentically about an applicant’s intellectual and professional achievements as well as character and leadership potential. All recommendations must be submitted directly by the recommender.

GRE / GMAT scores

Standardized tests, such as the GMAT and GRE, are a component of the application process and play an important role in our holistic evaluation process. However, in view of challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, we will allow candidates for the 2020 admission cycle to submit their application without the test, and we will review their submitted material as is and without negative inferences. If admitted, candidates will not be required to take a test.

Additionally, applicants are welcome to submit other pieces of evidence, such as expired test scores (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS); all of which may assist the Admissions Committee in its evaluation process.

We will accept self-reported test scores by the application deadline, and welcome either traditional or online version of exams.

Test codes for the IDM program*:

  • GMAT: X5X-QS-54 MIT Sloan School of Management-Integrated Design & Management
  • GRE: 3537 – MASSACHUSETTS INST TECH SYS DE – Grad

If you are taking the GMAT/GRE after submitting your application, please provide the test date. We accept both the GMAT and GRE test results and have no preference for one over the other. 

*Note: IDM’s test codes are different from MIT’s. Please be sure to submit the correct codes to ensure we receive your scores.

Transcripts

Applicants must submit transcripts, in English, of their performance at the undergraduate and graduate institutions from which they received their degree(s) or performed graduate work. Copies are accepted for application review; if you have official transcripts in sealed envelopes please send them directly to the address below. Applicants who intend to mail transcripts should send an email stating this to idm@mit.edu first.

IDM Admissions
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave, E40-339
Cambridge, MA 02139

IELTS and TOEFL exam results (for non-native speakers of English only)

Non-native English speakers applying to the IDM program are required to demonstrate proficiency in English if they have not obtained a post-secondary degree at an English language institution.

Traditionally, IDM has required these applicants to take either the IELTS or TOEFL exam. Due to challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, we will waive the IELTS/TOEFL requirement. However, candidates who are invited to interview will need to demonstrate English proficiency during the online interview. If you still wish to submit an exam score, we expect an IELTS score of 7.5 or better or a TOEFL score of 90 or better. Our TOEFL code is 3514. 

To register for the IELTS test, visit www.ielts.org. To register for the TOEFL test, visit www.ets.org/toefl.

Resume/CV

IDM is for professionals with a minimum of three years of experience, exceptional drive, and solid credentials. Your résumé should highlight your professional roles and experiences.

Vision Statement

Within 500 words, express your dreams, aspirations, and how IDM will empower you to realize them.

Portfolio

Engineering candidates

4-6 pages/slides that tell the story of a project of which you are proud. Be sure to explain your design/innovation process, key insights, and the overall value of the project.

6-10 pages/slides of your best recent work. Please include a brief description on each slide.

Business candidates

4-6 pages/slides that tell the story of a project of which you are proud. Be sure to explain your design/innovation process, key insights, and the overall value of the project.

1-3 pages/slides of materials detailing successful business outcomes. These could be business models, project plans, marketing plans, or similar examples of work.

Design candidates

4-6 pages/slides that tell the story of a project of which you are proud. Be sure to explain your design/innovation process, key insights, and the overall value of the project.

8-10 pages/slides of your best recent work. Please include a brief description on each slide.