MIT Thesis

What is the MIT thesis template?

The MIT thesis template uses the mitthesis document class — the official LaTeX class published by the MIT libraries for typesetting bachelor's, master's, PhD theses, and graduate-level reports at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The class enforces the exact formatting MIT's degree-granting offices require: title page layout, copyright statement, signature pages, abstract format, page margins, and front-matter ordering.

The Sarmate template is pre-configured with the mitthesis class and ready to compile.

When should you use this template?

• You're an MIT student writing your thesis — bachelor, master, or PhD, the same class works.
• You're at another university but your advisor wants "MIT format" — common in some labs as a stand-in for "minimal academic style".
• You like the conservative, clean MIT look for a non-MIT thesis. The class is permissively licensed.

If your university has its own thesis class (TU Delft, UCL, Berkeley…), use that instead — universities are often strict about format.

Step-by-step: your first thesis chapter

1. Document setup

\documentclass[12pt]{mitthesis}

\usepackage{amsmath, amssymb}
\usepackage{graphicx}
\usepackage[hyphens]{url}
\usepackage[hidelinks]{hyperref}

The 12pt option is required by MIT (no smaller). Add other packages as needed.

2. Title page metadata

\title{Your Thesis Title}
\author{Your Name}
\prevdegrees{B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2024)}
\department{Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science}
\degree{Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering}
\degreemonth{June}
\degreeyear{2026}
\thesisdate{May 1, 2026}

\supervisor{Prof. Jane Smith}{Professor of Computer Science}
\chairman{Prof. John Doe}{Chairman, Department Committee on Graduate Theses}

All these are required commands. Missing one will give a compile error or a malformed title page. Your degree office will reject anything non-conforming.

3. Front matter

\maketitle

\begin{abstract}
Briefly describe your thesis: problem, approach, and main results.
The abstract is read more than the rest of the thesis combined --
make it count.
\end{abstract>

\section*{Acknowledgments}
Thanks to ...
\tableofcontents
\listoffigures
\listoftables

The class generates the abstract page in MIT's required format (page numbering in roman numerals before chapter 1).

4. Chapters

Use standard \chapter{...}, \section{...}, \subsection{...}. The class handles numbering and the table of contents:

\chapter{Introduction}

\section{Motivation}
Why this work matters ...

\section{Contributions}
\begin{enumerate}
    \item First contribution ...
    \item Second contribution ...
\end{enumerate>

\chapter{Background and Related Work}
...

5. Bibliography

\bibliographystyle{plain}
\bibliography{your_bib_file}

MIT doesn't enforce a specific bibliography style. plain (alphabetical, numbered) and plainnat (author-year, with natbib) are both common. Pick one and stick with it.

Common errors and how to fix them

Title page missing fields / "missing supervisor"

The class requires all metadata commands (\supervisor, \chairman, etc.). If you compile and the title page looks wrong, check that you've defined every required command.

Page numbering inconsistent

MIT uses roman numerals for front matter (i, ii, iii…) and arabic for the body (1, 2, 3…). The class switches automatically when you call \chapter for the first time. Don't override the numbering manually.

Margins look too tight / too loose

MIT requires specific margins (usually 1.5" left, 1" elsewhere). The class sets these. Don't redefine them with geometry — your thesis will be rejected at submission.

Bibliography overflows the table of contents

Bibliography entries are usually long. If they don't fit cleanly, switch from plain to abbrv for shorter entries (initials instead of full first names).

"Unknown environment" with custom theorem-like environments

The MIT class doesn't define \newtheorem environments by default. Add \newtheorem{theorem}{Theorem}[chapter] in the preamble.

Class options worth knowing

12pt

Required by MIT. Default.

singlespace / doublespace

MIT prefers single-spaced. Some advisors ask for double-spaced drafts.

vi

Outputs the deprecated VI Engineer's degree variant. Mostly historical.

FAQ

Where is the official class file?

Available from the MIT Libraries thesis page. The Sarmate compile server has it pre-installed.

Can I use it for a non-MIT thesis?

Yes, the class is freely licensed. You'll want to remove or customize the MIT-specific text on the title page. Some universities accept the format; many require their own.

What about the abstract length?

MIT recommends ~350 words. Some departments enforce a strict limit; check with your degree office.

Do I need to submit a signed copy?

MIT moved to electronic submission in 2018. The PDF goes through DSpace; physical signatures aren't needed. Check current rules with your department.

How long should an MIT thesis be?

Bachelor's: 50-80 pages typical. Master's: 80-120. PhD: 150-300+. There's no enforced upper limit, but quality > quantity.

Can I include color figures?

Yes, but be aware that microfilm copies (if your department still requires them) convert to grayscale. Don't rely on color to communicate critical information.

Going further

• MIT Thesis Specifications — the official format requirements.
• mitthesis class on GitHub — class source and updates.
• MIT thesis submission portal — final delivery point.