First-Year Undergraduates

How do I become an EAPS major?

MIT First Year students choose a department for their major at the end of the spring term. The EAPS Education Office staff are happy to provide information about everything from classes and major requirements to UROPS and career possibilites, or to put you in touch with members of our faculty studying areas of particular interest to you.

Stop by anytime, or reach out to set up an appointment — we’d love to meet you!

We’re here to support every aspect of EAPS academic programming and are an important part of our students’ support network, helping to connect you with resources and opportunities.

Prospective students, if you have a question about academic life at MIT, or want to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Ann Greaney-Williams
Assistant Director of Academic Programs

Room: 54-910
Phone: 617-253-3380
Email: agreaney@mit.edu

On Campus Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Remote Schedule: Tuesday, Friday

Co-chair of the EAPS Committee on the Education Program and responsible for administrating Course XII undergraduate and graduate programming. Advises students regarding degree requirements, career options, funding, policies and procedures, and Institute resources for student support.

Alana Snelson


Alana Snelson
Senior Academic Program Assistant

Room: 54-912
Phone: 617-253-3381
Email: asnelson@mit.edu

On Campus Schedule: Monday-Friday

Provides administrative support for the EAPS Education Office, including room scheduling, classrooms and supplies, reimbursements, Canvas sites, student appointments, and various forms, including grading and evaluations, registration, and thesis submissions.

Check back for this year’s activities!

Check back for this year’s activities!

Discover EAPS – FPOP

Our annual First-Year Pre-Orientation Program gives incoming first years the chance to explore all aspects of EAPS science — from weather and climate to geology and astronomy — in the lab on campus, high on Mount Washington in the White Mountains, and at MIT’s Wallace Astrophysical Observatory.

CHECK OUT LAST YEAR’S FPOP IN PICTURES

Undergraduate FAQs

Yes! Beyond the General Institute Requirements (GIRs), students must have satisfactorily completed 180-198 units, comprised of subjects in the major and unrestricted electives.

EAPS offers rigorous options in four areas of concentration which satisfy these requirements. Check out our program roadmaps for year-by-year examples of how you might construct your Course 12 degree:

To learn more about how you might develop a program of study, get in touch with the EAPS Education office—or visit us in 54-912.

The EAPS Academic Program Administrator matches majors to their academic advisor. After the department is notified about a new major, the Academic Program Administrator will typically send an e-mail to the student asking if they have a specific area of interest in EAPS. Matches will first be made based off of interests the student submits. In most cases, EAPS majors retain their advisors throughout their studies in EAPS.

Absolutely!

A double major in Course 12 can be a high-value addition to many other programs of study. Our interdisciplinary research teaches students to quantify and analyze complex natural processes and takes on some of the most profound questions of our time. In EAPS, you’ll gain critical problem-solving skills, jump-starting your pursuit of an advanced degree in any field, or a career as a leader in industry or government. 

Common complementary degree tracks include: electrical engineering and computer science, civil and environmental engineering, aeronautics and astronautics, chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics.

Contact the EAPS Education Office

Course 12 students fulfill the Communication Intensive in the Major (CI-M) requirement in two ways. 

  1. Take one required Lab + Field Subject, which is a requirement of the major: 
    • 12.115 & 12.116
    • 12.307
    • 12.335
    • 12.410J
  2. Complete your thesis while registered for at least 6 Units of 12.THU

Ready to collaborate with EAPS faculty and scientists on exciting, real-world research?

Check out our UROP page