<p>I am applying as a transfer student for MIT for Fall 2010.</p>
<p>I was wondering if there was any way I could earn a bachelors while studying mainly Computer Science, Psychology, and a foreign language.
Regarding science, I dislike Physics (I have taken mechanics already), am neutral with Biology, and like Chemistry. Math and other subjects are neutral for me. I don’t like English too much either, though.</p>
<p>What department/major best fits my interests? Could I somehow major in CS without physics and minor in Psychology?</p>
<p>To graduate from MIT, you’ll need to take physics (both mechanics and E&M), biology, chemistry, and single- and multivariable calculus. You will also have to take 8 classes in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. (You could take some, but not all, of those courses in a foreign language.) Those are requirements for all students at MIT, and aren’t specific to a particular major. However, you should have taken several of these courses already – if you haven’t completed them already, you’re unlikely to be admitted as a transfer. (See the transfer FAQ [here](<a href=“http://web.mit.edu/admissions/transfer/about.html#q2]here[/url]”>http://web.mit.edu/admissions/transfer/about.html#q2)</a>.)</p>
<p>You can see the requirements for degrees in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science [url=<a href=“Welcome! < MIT”>Welcome! < MIT]here[/url</a>], and for degrees in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences [url=<a href=“Welcome! < MIT”>Welcome! < MIT]here[/url</a>]. There’s also a more “design your own”-type major, where you could combine courses of your choice in engineering (approved by your faculty advisor) with courses of your choice in psychology (again, approved by a faculty member). Information on that option is [url=<a href=“Welcome! < MIT”>Welcome! < MIT]here[/url</a>].</p>
<p>Thanks for the detailed response! It is very helpful.</p>
<p>About the math/science requirements, the only one I haven’t filled is Physics E&M, but I have a good reason for it.</p>
<p>If I wanted to take the “design your own” major, would I be able to avoid more Physics? Also, what B.S. degree would I get? Computer Science or Psychology?</p>
<p>I know this might sound like “this guy is taking computer science and doesn’t like physics?!?!” but others schools like Cornell and UCB offer B.A.s in computer science, so I have some hope for less physics MIT.</p>
<p>The EECS department at MIT doesn’t require any physics classes past E&M, although I suppose it’s unavoidable that some classes have physics content.</p>
<p>The “DIY” degree is awarded as “Engineering and Humanities” – that’s what it would say on the diploma.</p>
<p>Circuits is basically applied E & M, so it’s a bad idea if you don’t like physics. Signals (6.003) is based on circuits, although it is really not physics anymore. I don’t know how many electives are required on the engineering side if you major in straight computer science.</p>
<p>As comp sci. majors go, MIT’s is probably the most heavy on the engineering side of any one in the country. </p>
<p>Cognitive Science is an option, but I don’t know what a major in that area entails if you are trying to avoid bio. If you are actually interested in psychology (and it sounds like you are,) then this might be the ideal major for you. I don’t remember exactly, but I think the intro to comp sci. (one of the core classes for EECS) can count toward a psychology major. Also, artificial intelligence classes may also qualify. If my memory serves me correctly, there is a psychology major option that is heavily slanted toward computer science. This might be your best option. Cognitive Science has become quite popular at MIT. </p>
<p>I would go check out the cognitive science major website and look at how you may construct a major in that area.</p>
<p>Or “Science and Humanities”, depending if you’re doing 21S or 21E. But either way, I think both require 8 classes in the humanities topic and 6 in the science/engineering topic, to be decided with your adviser.</p>
<p>Thanks, I’ll check that too if I’m admitted.</p>
<p>…wait! Since I am applying as transfer, what department should I write when they say “what department do you propose to register in?”?
If I get in as an EECS can I easily swap for Brain and Cog. Science and vice versa?</p>