Please note that sign-up for 2009-2010 is now closed.

The MIT Media Laboratory is home to research into technologies that enhance communication and expression. The field is currently rooted in communications and the computer and cognitive sciences, drawing heavily upon design and the expressive arts. Since 1999, Media Arts and Sciences, the academic program housed at the Media Laboratory, has offered a small group of first-year undergraduates the opportunity to pursue freshman subjects through an alternative program. The goals of the program are to introduce students to university research, both how it's carried out and how current research projects use the concepts presented in first-year subjects; to involve students in the Media Lab community, particularly through the learning-by-apprenticeship that is a hallmark of the MAS academic program; and to expose students to the intersection of technology and communication/expression that is the mission of the Media Lab.

Students in the program will attend mainstream lectures in core freshman subjects but will attend recitation or tutorial sections of chemistry and physics taught by Media Arts and Sciences instructors, with an emphasis on connections between the subject matter and current Media Laboratory research. Students will also be able to participate in one of several MAS freshman advising seminars, and will take two MAS subjects, one design-oriented and one an introduction to carrying out research and documenting/presenting results. During spring semester, students participate in UROP at the Media Laboratory in conjunction with the latter subject.

This program is intended for students who will pursue any undergraduate major at MIT.

Typical Anticipated Student Schedule

Questions? See our FAQ.

MAS.110 Fundamentals of Computational Media Design

History of 20th century art and design from the perspective of the technologist. Methods for visual analysis, oral critique, and digital expression are introduced. Limited enrollment.

MAS.111 Introduction to Doing Research in Media Arts and Sciences

This subject is intended for freshmen who are pursuing research projects at the Media Laboratory. Topics include Media Laboratory research areas; documenting research progress; ethical issues in research; and giving oral, written, and on-line presentations of results. A final oral presentation is required. Limited enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?
See the Hitchhiker's Guide for a schedule of events during freshman orientation. On August 31, 3:00-4:30, we will be hosting an open house (with pizza) on the lower level of our building (we're the big white building on the other side of Ames Street from East Campus) so that you can find out more about us, as well as our finding out about you. If you're interested in signing up for the program, come back on the following day between 10:30-11:30am and apply. We will post/email the list of students by the end of that day. If you are interested in our program, we strongly encourage you to select one of the MAS freshman advising seminars through the standard seminar selection process.

What are the requirements?
Participants in the program must take at least one core subject (chemistry or physics) with us each semester, plus MAS.110 in the fall, MAS.111 in the spring, and a spring UROP project (credit, pay, or volunteer).

Any other requirements?
No, but you have to be willing to follow the curriculum as spelled out above. So if you have placed out of physics and chemistry, or don't want to do a a spring semester UROP, then it won't work.

Please send me an MIT application.
You have to apply to MIT through the admissions office, not through us. You can get more information and request an application at their Web site.

Can I major in MAS?
We don't currently have an undergraduate major. But you can take many undergraduate subjects here (see the MAS part of the catalogue), some of which fulfill requirements for other majors. And you are welcome to apply for a UROP position here.

What if I don't get in to the program, or can't make it fit with the subjects I want to take?
There are still several MAS freshman advising seminars open to any freshman, and you are still welcome to take undergraduate subjects in MAS, or to do a UROP here. Unfortunately, because of limited space, we can't let non-MAS freshmen into our special physics and chemistry sections at the present time.

How does advising work?
On a space-available basis, students selected for the program
may have the option to join one of the freshman advising seminars led by the MAS advisors (while continuing to be
advised by their previously assigned freshman advisors). But we very strongly encourage anyone likely to sign up for the program to select an MAS seminar (and advisor) in advance.

I have a question not on this list.
We can be reached through the Contact Us page.