How do I get a HASS Concentration Advisor?
Concentration Advisors are assigned by field; you can look up the current list here. Please note that Concentration Advisors can change as often as every semester, thus, it is not unlikely that different advisors will sign your proposal and completion forms.
Can I use a HASS-D toward my Concentration?
Yes, if the Concentration allows, you may have one or more HASS-Ds in your Concentration. However, if you have more than one HASS-D in your concentration, only one may count toward your HASS-D requirement.
Do I have to petition to use a non-HASS class toward my Concentration?
No, the Concentration Advisor decides which classes can be included in a concentration, and might approve a non-HASS class. You need to petition only if you want a non-HASS class to count toward the HASS-Requirement. You should note, however, that you must have a total of 8 HASS classes. If one of your concentration classes is not classified as “HASS,” you’ll need an additional HASS-Elective to complete the requirement.
How do I change my field of concentration?
Just fill out a new Concentration Proposal Form for your new concentration and write your old concentration field in the space provided.
What do I do if I’ve already filled out a Concentration Proposal but I have to take different classes?
You should have any changes approved by your Concentration Advisor before you make them. In order to do this, go to your Concentration Field Office, pick up the white copy of your proposal, make the changes on that copy and bring the revised proposal to your Concentration Advisor for approval. If s/he approves, s/he will initial the changes. You should take your revised and approved proposal back to the field office, make a copy, and bring the copy to the HASS Education Office.
Where can I find my Concentration Proposal so that I can bring it with me to have my completion form signed?
Your Concentration Proposal is available in the Field Office for your concentration.
When is my Concentration Proposal due?
We strongly recommend that you turn in your proposal by the end of your sophomore year.
When is my Concentration Completion form due?
The final deadline for Concentration Completion forms is the end of the first week of classes in your final term. Even if you are taking a class for your concentration in your final semester, you should still submit the form by the deadline. Forms turned in after the first week of classes in your final term will be subject to a $40 late fee. If you finish your concentration before your final semester, you should turn in your completion form as soon as you finish all of the classes involved.
I’m a senior in my last semester and I’m taking a class this term that I need for my concentration. How do I turn in my completion form before the deadline?
Once you are registered, you should mark the class(es) that you will be taking in your final term in the space provided at the bottom of the completion form. You will need to show proof of registration (such as a registration form) to your Concentration Advisor in addition to your grade report and a copy of your proposal. You should have your completion form approved by your advisor as soon as possible; the light yellow (canary) copy of the form must be turned into the HASS Education Office by the end of your first week of classes in your final term. Forms turned in after this date are subject to a $40 late fee.
What’s the deal with special concentrations?
Special Concentrations are designed to allow students to concentrate in areas that are not included in the list of existing concentrations. For example, a student might do a special concentration in South Asian Studies. Special Concentrations proposals must be approved by Dr. Bette Davis, preferably in advance of taking the classes.
Can I concentrate in a language that isn’t taught at MIT?
Yes. Students interested in this should speak with the Concentration Advisor for “Other Languages.”
Can I have more than one concentration?
No, a HASS concentration is a part of the HASS Requirement so you have only one. You could always upgrade to a Minor, though.
My audit strip says I still need to turn in my concentration form, but I did it last year. What's up?
Some MIT students think that there is only one HASS Concentration form. In reality, there are two: the proposal form and the completion form. You've probably turned in your proposal form, and your audit strip shows that you haven't turned in your completion form. Carefully read your audit strip: it specifies which form you're missing. (“Conc Prop” = Concentration Proposal; “Conc Comp” = Concentration Completion Form.) If you're still confused, contact the HASS Education Office, or read the description of the HASS Concentration Requirement.
I filled out HASS Minor Application and Completion forms. If I’m concentrating in the same field, do I still have to fill out the concentration forms?
Yes. Completion of a HASS Concentration is part of the HASS Requirement and is required of all MIT students.
If I do a HASS Minor, do I still have to do a HASS Concentration?
Yes. Every undergraduate student at MIT must file the HASS Concentration Proposal and Completion forms in order to graduate. You may, however, use the same classes toward your concentration that you use toward your minor.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology