<p>I went through the TPP program over 20 years ago when it just started. At that time the program only had about 20-25 students per year. It is about double that size now. What distinguishes TPP is that most students have professional experience. It used to be part of Civil Engineering but is now part of ESD. For all practical purposes it is independent from all other departments as it is the most interdisciplinary engineering program at MIT. In addition to a concentration in an engineering specialty it involves law and economics classes and a lengthy research thesis. It is very international by design and attracts top students from Europe and Asia where it has developed a “cult-like” following in some engineering schools. I found it be very useful as a springboard to business and engineering consulting. It is an intensive program but still affords a lot of flexibility in shaping your own program.</p>