Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Overview

The motto "Mind and Hand" of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) encapsulates the institution’s mission to advance knowledge in science, technology, and fields that can benefit the world. Founded in 1861, MIT began as a small community of problem-solvers and has since grown into one of the world’s leading educational institutions. With around 1,000 faculty members and over 11,000 students, MIT is a private, coeducational university organized into five schools (architecture and planning; engineering; humanities, arts, and social sciences; management; science) and a college (computing).

MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research, with notable advancements in artificial intelligence, climate adaptation, and healthcare, such as breakthroughs in cancer treatment and HIV. It has also contributed significantly to historical scientific milestones, such as the invention of radar and magnetic core memory.

The university offers more than just scientific innovation. With 33 varsity sports, MIT has one of the most extensive intercollegiate athletic programs in the world, with nearly 20% of undergraduates participating in sports. Its campus also boasts a vibrant arts culture, with over 60 student-run music, theatre, writing, and dance groups, and several museums, including the MIT Museum, which attracts approximately 125,000 visitors annually.

MIT’s campus spans 168 acres along the Charles River, featuring designs by renowned architects like Alvar Aalto and Frank Gehry. It is closely integrated with Cambridge’s innovative Kendall Square, a hub of research and industry. This connection has contributed to MIT's alumni launching over 30,000 companies, creating millions of jobs and generating billions in revenue annually. MIT’s global impact is so significant that its graduates alone would constitute the 10th-largest economy in the world.