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Graduate/Draper Fellow Program
Each year, a number of
(mostly MIT) graduate students become Draper Fellows, allowing them
to perform research on Draper Laboratory premises while satisfying
thesis requirements and attending classes. Through the Draper Fellow
Program they gain exceptional experience in their technical field
while pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree. Draper Fellows
receive payment of full tuition and a monthly stipend (which varies
from year to year). A faculty member and a Draper Technical Staff
member jointly supervise the student’s research at Draper
Laboratory.
To be considered for these
competitive Draper Fellow positions, students must meet several
requirements.
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Candidates
must be admitted as full-time students to pursue a research-focused
master’s or doctoral degree (positions are not offered
for nonresearch degree programs).
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Candidates
must show strong academic performance and high potential to
contribute to Draper’s research.
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Candidates’ academic concentration should be compatible with a Draper research
project.
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Candidates
must be U.S. citizens or hold current authorization to work
other than for practical training; in addition, a number of
positions require U.S. citizenship for security clearances and/or
export control purposes.
Draper Fellow appointments
are for nine months, September through May, and usually are renewed
through the completion of a degree. Reappointment, however, is dependent
upon satisfactory performance each year. Draper Fellows must comply
with their schools' rules on allowable course load, which is about
one-half the normal full-time academic course load. During an MIT
summer term appointment, they can register only for thesis or pre-thesis
research.
This
year, the Laboratory supported more than 60 Draper Fellows in master’s
and doctoral programs. Profiles of a few recent
Draper Fellows and their research are available. Over many years,
more than 900 students have completed graduate degrees through the
Draper Fellow Program. Draper Fellow alumni are invited to stay
in touch with the Laboratory by completing an alumni
survey form.
Students at schools other
than MIT can be Draper Fellows. Students at Boston University, Northeastern
University, Tufts University, and Rice University have participated.
However, very few students not at MIT become Draper Fellows for
reasons touched on in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Application
Process
Frequently
Asked Questions About The Draper Fellow Program:
For the answer to each question,
click on the links below.
1. In which Divisions of Draper Laboratory
can Draper Fellows perform research?
2. What are the issues associated with
being a Draper Fellow at a university other than MIT?
3. What are the research degree programs
at MIT?
4. Does MIT allow part-time students?
5. What is the Draper Fellow monthly stipend? |
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