Change your world in an MIT classroom.
The MIT Professional Education Advanced Study Program (ASP) is your chance to enroll in MIT classes as a non-degree student for a semester, a year, or longer. If you are interested in obtaining a graduate degree at MIT, please see MIT's Graduate Admissions.
Our non-degree continuing education program offers maximum flexibility for working professionals and exceptional graduate students looking to enhance their knowledge and further their careers with an MIT education.
ASP students are eligible to take the same classes as MIT degree students and are a part of the MIT community while they study at MIT. Applications are accepted each Fall and Spring semester for both part-time and full-time students.
Unlike degree programs, there are no required classes for the program. Students create a customized course of study by browsing the MIT Course Catalog for classes that match their interests and goals and then apply to those specific classes through the Program.
Part-Time Students
The Advanced Study Program welcomes part-time students from the greater Boston area who wish to continue their education by taking one or two classes per semester while working. All classes are held on campus in Cambridge, accessible by bicycle, foot, and public transit with limited parking options in the area as well.
Classes generally necessitate just 2 to 5 hours of on-campus commitments per week, requiring a minimal distraction from your day job. Other work is done outside of class and can be scheduled on your own time.
Part-time students have full access to MIT libraries and MIT community events. Participation in the Professional Education Advanced Study Program has allowed our part-time students to go on to enroll in graduate degree programs, travel for hands-on research, and even found their own companies.
Full-Time Students
Full-time students enroll in a full course load (36 or more units) for the semester and study for one or more semesters. They may be from the United States or from abroad. Students from more than 35 different countries have participated in the Advanced Study Program in recent years and are eligible for visa sponsorship.
Full-time students often come to MIT 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
Academically qualified MIT employees may apply to take classes at MIT through the MIT Professional Education Advanced Study Program. Benefits-eligible employees accepted into the program may also have their tuition covered by the Tuition Assistance Plan.
Employees may apply to take classes in any department at the Institute.