Standard Class Load at MIT and American Universities
At MIT, the standard class load per semester for undergraduate students is typically 4 to 5 subjects. This usually amounts to around 48 to 60 credit hours per academic year. Each subject generally carries 12 units of credit, with most students aiming for a total of 48 units per semester. However, students can adjust their course load based on their individual circumstances, such as academic goals or extracurricular commitments.
Flexibility at MIT
MIT has a flexible grading system. Under certain conditions, students can take courses on a pass/fail basis. This flexibility allows students to manage their workload more effectively, especially when balancing academic and extracurricular activities.
Class Structure in American Universities
At a typical American university, students usually take 4 classes per semester. These classes can meet twice, three times, or even once a week, depending on the subject. classes that meet twice a week may last as long as 90 minutes, while those that meet three times a week typically last one hour. Seminars are often longer, lasting 2.5 to 3 hours.
Personal Experience at MIT
From my personal experience, I took a minimum of 60 units and most semesters were in the 90-unit range. This usually consisted of 5 courses plus research. Before dismissing this as simply accomplished by a 'crazy genius,' it’s important to note that the units after 60 were guaranteed A's, allowing for much downtime for study. The research was conducted at Harvard Medical School and was in basic science. I never imagined that this research would have such a lasting impact, as a large category of anti-breast cancer drugs is now directly based on this research on Cytochrome p-450 inhibitors, a development that spans 35 years.
Average Course Load for Undergraduates
For undergraduate students, taking 4 classes per semester is fairly standard. Typically, students take 3 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classes and 1 humanities class per semester. Freshman first-semester students often take an easy seminar to ease into their academic journey. Seniors, however, may only take 3 classes because they are working on their thesis or research projects. Graduate students usually take fewer classes due to their research and teaching loads.
Varied Course Load as You Progress
The standard minimum of four hardcore science courses and one 'easy' humanities course may vary depending on the student's academic year. By junior and senior year, if a student has completed their humanities requirement, they may begin taking classes that are deemed important for their graduate studies. For example, a student on their way to medical school might take immunology or anatomy, among other subjects.
Understanding the standard class load at MIT and other American universities can help students plan their academic schedules effectively and achieve their academic goals. Whether it's balancing a challenging STEM load with humanities courses or adjusting to a reduced course load as a senior, knowing the options available can be instrumental in success.