The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is a global leading science and engineering dedicated institution, and is considered to be one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Founded in 1861 in response to the increasing industrialization of the United States, MIT adopted a European polytechnic university
model and stressed laboratory instruction in applied science and engineering. MITs early emphasis on applied technology at the undergraduate and graduate levels led to close cooperation with industry. Curricular reforms under Karl Compton and Vannevar Bush in the 1930s emphasized basic science. MIT was elected to the Association of American Universities in 1934. Researchers worked on computers, radar, and inertial guidance during World War II and the Cold War. Post-war defense research contributed to the rapid expansion of the faculty and campus under James Killian. The current 168-acre (68.0 ha) campus opened in 1916 and extends over 1 mile (1.6 km) along the northern bank of the Charles River basin.
Today, the Institute comprises various academic departments with a strong emphasis on scientific, engineering, and technological
education and research. It has five schools and one college, which contain a total of 32 departments. MIT has a strong entrepreneurial culture. The aggregated revenues of companies founded by MIT alumni would rank as the eleventh-largest
economy in the world.
MIT is traditionally known for research and
education in the physical sciences and engineering, and more recently in biology, economics, linguistics, and
management as well. The "Engineers" sponsor 31 sports, most teams of which compete in the NCAA Division IIIs New England Womens and Mens Athletic Conference; the Division I rowing programs compete as part of the EARC and EAWRC.
As of 2014, 81 Nobel laureates, 52 National Medal of Science recipients, 45 Rhodes Scholars, 38 MacArthur Fellows, and 2 Fields Medalists have been affiliated with MIT.
Last Updated on: Sep 24, 2024