Timeline
The information below applies to students joining to the DMSE graduate programs in Fall 2021. MIT DMSE graduate students are in residence year-round; they generally attend classes in the fall and spring, and pursue thesis research throughout the year, including the summer months. Doctoral students will join a research group by the end of their first semester; master's students will join a research group when beginning their program.
Timeline for doctoral students
| Year 1 | |
| Fall semester | 3.20 Materials at Equilibrium 3.22 Structure and Mechanics of Materials 3.201 Introduction to DMSE |
| Spring semester | 3.21 Kinetic Processes in Materials 3.23 Electrical, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials 3.202 Essential Research Skills |
| May/June | Qualifying procedure review |
| Summer | 3.THG (graduate thesis) |
| Year 2 | Three Post-core Electives, taken during fall or spring semester |
| February | Thesis Area Examination |
| Summer | 3.THG (graduate thesis) |
| Years 3 and 4 |
Complete subjects for Minor Requirement |
| Year 4+ | Plan to Finish meeting (6-12 months before the final thesis defense) Thesis Defense |
Timeline for master's students
| Year 1 | |
| Fall semester |
3.20 Materials at Equilibrium |
| Spring semester | 3.21 Kinetic Processes in Materials One elective subject 3.THG (graduate thesis) |
| Summer | 3.THG (graduate thesis) |
| Year 2 | |
| Fall semester | One elective subject 3.THG (graduate thesis) |
| Spring semester | 3.THG (graduate thesis) Thesis presentation |