FAQs
Who should apply to the SCM program?
The SCM program is designed for students who have work experience and have good quantitative skills, including some college-level calculus and probability/statistics. However, you need not have a degree in engineering to apply. Classroom and personal interaction is enhanced by varied experiences in the student body. SCM Admissions strives to build a class with diverse backgrounds such as finance, information technology, management, marketing, and sales. We encourage students from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines to apply. If you have questions about whether you would be a good candidate for the SCM program, please contact us directly.
What if I have little or no work experience?
While students with 3 to 8 years of work experience are in the best position to leverage the SCM program, we have admitted students with less experience than this, including some directly from undergraduate studies.
Is the SCM program offered as a distance learning program?
No. MIT's nine-month SCM master’s degree is a campus-based, full-time, weekday program. There are no immediate plans to offer this degree via the Internet, part-time, or as an executive degree program. Some projects, however, involve Internet-based collaboration with international colleagues. MIT CTL does offer one-week executive courses on logistics and supply chain management every year.
How much does the SCM program cost?
SCM tuition is set by MIT each year. The tuition for the 2012/2013 academic year is $57,920 plus student life fee, medical insurance, and living expenses. Living expenses vary, depending on your living style and whether students live alone, with roommates, or have a family. The cost of living in Boston and Cambridge is higher than in much of the country. Currently, a budget of $1,700 per month is recommended for single students. We recommend speaking to current students for more information.
Is financial help available for SCM students?
The SCM program is designed as a self-funded program. However, the MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) does provide a select few students with partial fellowships. To indicate your interest in CTL fellowships, please check the “Fellowship” box provided on the Financial Statement Form within the MIT Graduate Application. An essay is also required when applying for a fellowship. If you wish to be considered for a CTL/SCM fellowship, please attach an essay stating any special personal or family circumstances affecting your need for financial assistance.
SCM students are also eligible for grants and fellowships offered by the larger MIT community. Please visit the website of the Office of the Dean for Graduate Education for detailed information and on how to apply at: http://web.mit.edu/odge/finances/fellowships/index.html.
Because of the intensive course load, SCM students are not eligible for research or teaching assistantships. Many domestic students depend on federal student loans and international students seek out student loans from private lenders. MIT's Student Financial Services Office is the best resource for determining how best to fund your MIT education. More information on financial assistance can be found on their website: http://web.mit.edu/sfs/.
What are the admissions requirements for the SCM program?
All application materials must be received by the Round I deadline of December 1, 2010, the Round II deadline of January 15, 2011, or the the Round III deadline of April 1, 2011.
In addition to completing the MIT Graduate Application, applicants must provide all academic transcripts, an up-to-date résumé, three letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores. (The Institute code to use for the GRE forms is 3514; the department code is 4313. For the GMAT forms, the code to use is X5X-QS-17.) Students whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in English with a minimum score of 7 on the IELTS exam.
Note that all SCM students start in August-students cannot start the program in February. While admissions standards change from year to year, the current class averages are representative. The current SCM Class of 2012 consists of 34 students from 13 countries and 5 continents. Approximately 44% are US citizens or permanent residents. The average age is 30; and they bring with them an average of 6 years of work experience in a wide range of industries to include: Pharmaceuticals, High Tech, Transportation, IT, Military, Retail, Software, Consulting, and Manufacturing. Past employers include: Abbott Labs, Amazon, Boeing, Capgemini, Dawn Food Products, GlaxoSmithKline, Hewlett-Packard, Nestle, P&G, Raytheon, Staples, various branches of the military, and others.
What are the required tests and minimum scores and is there a reporting code?
Tests required:
IELTS: Minimum score required: 7
GRE or GMAT: general test required.
Minimum score required: The admissions committee looks at the candidate's complete profile when considering admission. Note that other factors such as work experience and high academic achievement can help offset a low GRE or GMAT score. However, the admissions committee expects successful applicants will meet or surpass the seventy-fifth percentile (75%) in both verbal and quantitative, and the fiftieth percentile (50%) in analytical writing. Non-native English speakers are expected to achieve at least the forty-fifth percentile (45%) in verbal.
GRE Institute code: 3514
GRE Department code: 4313
GMAT code: X5X-QS-17
Which test is preferred, GMAT or GRE?
Both the GMAT and GRE General tests are acceptable for application to the SCM program. Most applicants take the GMAT test.
Must I take the IELTS?
Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate competency in English by taking the IELTS. We look for an IELTS score of 7. Further information can be found on the IELTS website at: http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx
Does the SCM program accept the TOEFL?
No. We only accept the IELTS as it will enable the admissions committee to better assess your preparation for the program.
Where can I get an application?
You may download an application from MIT Graduate Admissions. You may also telephone the Graduate Admissions Office at (617) 253-2917, or email to mitgrad@mit.edu.
Does SCM require a deposit?
Candidates offered admission to the SCM program will be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit of $1,000, if they wish to secure a spot in the program. Information on payment methods is available at Student Financial Services.
Are there any recommendations for filling out the application form?
There is no location for your employment history on the MIT Graduate application form. Be sure to emphasize work experience and signs of increasing responsibility in your professional résumé. We encourage you to include letters of reference from a mix of both academics and work supervisors, if possible.
