What does GIR mean in GENERAL

GIR stands for General Institute Requirements. It is a set of academic requirements that every student must fulfill in order to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These requirements include courses in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics. GIRs are designed to provide a broad-based education for MIT students, ensuring they have a strong foundation in the core subjects needed for an MIT degree.

The timeline for completing GIRs varies depending on when you matriculate at MIT and your program requirements. Most undergraduates will complete their GIRs by the end of their third year. For transfer students, it may take longer as different programs may require different courses or course substitutions. You should always check with your advisor or department to make sure that you are meeting all of your program's requirements and that you are on track for graduation.

Undergraduate students typically need to complete 11 total GIRs across five different subject areas including Humanities & Arts (HA), Social Sciences (SS), Physical Education (PE), Biological Sciences (BS) and Science & Engineering (SE). The number of courses required in each subject area can vary depending on your major and other special circumstances which should be discussed with your advisor.

Yes, there are several alternative options available for satisfying your GIRs. Advanced Placement test scores may be used to waive certain classes or receive advanced standing credit towards some classes. Transfer credit may also be accepted if it has been approved by an appropriate academic department or institute committee. Additionally, some departments offer independent study opportunities or internships which may be counted towards one's GIRs depending upon approval. You should speak with an advisor regarding any alternatives you wish to pursue.

Yes, most courses under the General Institute Requirement require a minimum C- grade in order to pass and receive credit towards graduation. This rule applies regardless of whether the class is taken at MIT or through transfer credit from another institution.

Absolutely! Although not typically required by most majors, taking more classes than the standard 11 can help broaden your knowledge base and prepare you even further for future coursework within your chosen field(s). Furthermore if a student wishes to explore other disciplines outside their major they may opt to take additional courses as part of their free electives or research opportunities.

While all members of the university have access to view classes listed under General Institute Requirement, only undergraduate students must fulfill this requirement in order to be eligible for graduation. Graduate students do not have this requirement although they can still opt to take one of these listed courses if they choose.

Yes, there are online classes offered through various departments at MIT that count towards one’s General Institute Requirements. However, some departments currently do not offer any online course options so please double check with an advisor before enrolling in any course online.

No, it depends on what type of program you are enrolled in since some curriculums will require more specialized course offerings outside those designated as “General Institute Requirements”. In addition certain departments such as Music or Theatre Arts may offer different types of performance-based experiences instead traditional lecture-style seminars.

Yes! AP/IB/Transfer credits earned prior entering MIT can often serve as valid alternatives towards satisfying some or all then General Institute Requirements provided these credits were officially accepted by either Academic Services Office or relevant Subject Department(S) upon admission.