Master of Science in Art, Culture and Technology (SMACT)

Special instructions for SMACT Thesis Students

Thesis is taken in conjunction with 4.390, Art, Culture and Technology Studio, which is taken each term, and 4.389, SMACT Thesis Tutorial, which is taken the final two terms. Thesis reviews are scheduled within the forum of 4.390, which is restricted to SMACT students.

Deadlines

Fall 2023 Thesis Deadlines

No off-cycle SMACT students graduating February 2024

Formatting, Specifications & Thesis Submission

Important: Consult the Formatting & Specifications and Thesis Submission information page.

Spring 2024 Thesis Deadlines

First week of term (exact date TBD)

  • Last day to submit thesis committee form (this includes a working thesis title and signatures; it does not include an abstract)
  • Thesis Committee (advisor and readers) must meet with the student in the first 2 weeks of the semester to agree on a thesis plan.

Friday, February 9, 2024

  • Registration for thesis, 24 units of 4.THG
  • Thesis Committee Form due by 9am to ACT Academic Associate, Claudine Monique
  • Degree list: Put yourself on the May degree list by applying for a degree

  • Thesis committee (advisor and readers) must meet with the student in the first 2 weeks of the semester to agree on a thesis plan

Week 2 of term: International Students Only

  • Earliest date to begin OPT authorization process
  • It is important to plan ahead as processing times for F-1 Post-Completion OPT, by application with USCIS, can take on average 90 days for USCIS to process.  J-1 Academic Training requires that a student secure a training position/job that begins within 30 days of degree completion in order to apply for AT authorization.

Week 7 of term (exact date TBD)

  • Public Midterm Review: ACT and departmental faculty invited to attend

Friday, March 8, 2024: Add Date

Week 7 or 8 of the term (exact date TBD)

  • Penultimate draft of thesis due to thesis committee via email

Friday, April 12, 2024

  • Last date to change thesis title via WebSIS

  • You must return to the online site of your application and add or make a change to your thesis title by this deadline. The title on your final thesis must be an exact match of the one you submit on your Application for Degree. If you add your title after this date, you will be charged a late fee.

Week 11 of term, arranged by student and thesis committee

  • Thesis Defense/Penultimate Review: Closed (thesis advisor and committee members only)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024: Drop Date

Monday, April 29, 2024: 9am — deadline to submit your thesis to the Department Thesis Submission Tool

(choose "Single Sign On" and log in with your MIT email address)
  • Note: Your final thesis book must be reviewed and approved by thesis advisor(s) before submission to the department portal.

  • This is for the purpose of making certain the document is in compliance with MIT archive requirements. You will be contacted quickly if adjustments are needed. Please do not email separately.

Friday, May 10, 2024

  • All theses must be cleared by each department (multiple departments for dual degrees) and submitted to the Institute.
  • If a thesis is not approved by this point, the student may be pulled from the May degree list.

Week 15 of term (exact date TBD)

  • Final Reviews: open to the public and includes external critics

Week 17 of term (exact date TBD)

  • Thesis show opens two weeks after the thesis review

Last week of May 2024

  • Wednesday, May 29, 3–5pm – Architecture Department's End of Year Celebration / Awards Ceremony on Walker Lawn
  • Thursday, May 30
    • Spring 2024 Thesis students' degree award date
    • 11am–12:30pm, SA+P Advanced Degree Ceremony in Kresge Auditorium
    • 3–4:30pm, OneMIT Ceremony on Killian Court for all graduates
    • More details, as they become available, will be posted on https://commencement.mit.edu/

Formatting, Specifications & Thesis Submission

Important: Consult the Formatting & Specifications and Thesis Submission information page.

SMACT Thesis Contacts