It is designed to allow sufficient flexibility and choice of electives for each student to develop a program to suit his or her interests and preparation. Ordinarily attendance must include the term of the student's graduation. Almost all of the subjects most students take during the first year are GIRs.
Students usually choose a department in which to major at the end of the freshman year.
They must choose a department by the end of the sophomore year. A typical MIT subject carries 12 units. The number of units for each subject indicates the number of hours spent each week in class and laboratory, plus the estimated time the average student spends each week in outside preparation. Departmental Programs must make possible at least 48 units in unrestricted electives. Minor Programs Cross-Registration Understanding the Requirements For complete descriptions of Degree Requirements, including both the General Institute Requirements and specific departmental programs, see the MIT Bulletin .