The Institute requires that each graduate student research and write an individual thesis and submit final copies to the Institute as a permanent record. In order for a degree to be awarded, the department must receive two copies of the thesis in accordance with the Specifications for Thesis Preparation published by the MIT Libraries Institute Archives.

Thesis work in all master's degree programs in the Department of Architecture extends over two to three terms. Thesis work in doctoral programs extends over four to six terms. Registration for thesis and pre-thesis subjects differs by degree program. The Thesis Committee Guidelines document addresses the composition of a thesis committee for each degree program.

More detailed information can be found on the Department website in the Graduate Thesis section of the Graduate Student Handbook. Topics covered there:

• Thesis prep and specifications
• Required coursework for masters and PhD programs
• Policy on incompletes and thesis semester
• Policy on credit and thesis
• Thesis for dual degrees
• Thesis deadlines
• Thesis Checklist
• Thesis in Absentia (another topic on the same page)