Majors, minors, concentrations, Master’s and PhD’s in the arts are possible in many subjects within the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Architecture and Planning.
Majors at MIT consist of a core of required subjects and a set of electives, and combine the study of basic principles with practical applications. The major course of study is designed to prepare students for careers in that field or for graduate study.
Minors are coherent programs of study providing significant experience in their disciplines. Minor fields are specified as part of the S.B. degree, thus giving recognition of focused work in a discipline outside the major course of study.
MIT undergraduates must select a HASS concentration to meet their General Institute Requirements.
Eligible HASS concentrations in the arts include:
Architecture was one of the four original departments at MIT, and it was the first signal that MIT would not be narrowly defined in science and technology. Through recognition of architecture as a liberal discipline, the Department has long contributed to learning in the arts and humanities at MIT.
The Program in Art, Culture and Technology (ACT) facilitates artist-thinkers’ exploration of art’s broad, complex, global history and conjunction with culture, science, technology and design via rigorous critical artistic practice and practice driven theory. ACT emphasizes experimentation and trans-disciplinary approaches to studio production in both traditional and new media. Students are encouraged to consider both the physical and the cultural context of their artworks/projects as central to their interpretation. Presentations on contemporary art as well as discussions in theory and criticism, and an understanding of research-based artistic practice complement studio production and the development of projects.
MIT Comparative Media Studies/Writing offers an innovative program that applies critical analysis, collaborative research, and design across a variety of media arts, forms, and practices.
It develops thinkers who understand the dynamics of media change and can apply their insights to contemporary problems. It cultivates practitioners and artists who can work in multiple forms of contemporary media. Its students and research help shape the future by engaging with media industries and the arts as critical and visionary partners at a time of rapid transformation.
CMS/W is devoted to understanding the ways that media technologies and their uses can enrich the lives of individuals locally, across the U.S., and globally. CMS/W faculty, researchers, and students share a deep commitment to the development of pioneering new tools and strategies which serve the needs of diverse communities in the 21st century.
The History Theory and Criticism of Architecture and Art (HTC) discipline group teaches subjects that deal with the history of architecture and art, as well as the theoretical and political presuppositions informing that history. Offerings range in content and method. Some are motivated by questions derived from the problems of contemporary practice. Others investigate a body of historical material in ways that develop analytical skills applicable to a wide range of topics.
Literature at MIT embraces an expansive vision of literary study. Problems of narrative, aesthetics, genre and media are explored through a broad array of written, oral, and visual forms ranging from the ancient world to the 21st century.
A variety of methodologies are represented, but all share a common dedication to close reading and historical reflection. Interested in both the established masterpieces and the most recent cultural productions of the digital age.
The undergraduate program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Music comprises a grounding in foundational skills in music history and culture, performance, and music theory, a capstone Advanced Seminar, and a coherent program in a musical specialty. Six required subjects (one of which consists of two terms of performance, and two of which satisfy the CI-M requirement) and five restricted electives satisfy these requirements, but should be supplemented by additional electives. The program is analogous to those for music majors at leading liberal arts institutions and prepares a student for graduate study in music. Students should demonstrate proficiency in musical fundamentals and have performance experience before declaring the major and should consult the major advisor in music no later than the first term of their junior year.
Offers:
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Concentration
Events
The Program in Theater Arts offers the opportunity for an imaginative and rigorous engagement with the arts and disciplines of theater: acting, directing, playwriting, design, production, and scholarship. The program combines work in the classroom, in the studio, and on the stage. Performance is the testing ground for what is learned in the classroom and the experiences range from student-generated workshops to fully-mounted productions by Theater Arts, Dramashop, and Playwrights-in-Performance. These activities are guided by Professional faculty and staff often with the enriching participation of guest artists. A Bachelor of Science in Humanities Arts and Social Sciences Degree is offered for Theater Arts under Course 21M; see the Department of Humanities section for details.
Offers:
Major
Minor
Concentration
Events