Athletics & Recreation

MIT’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation offers opportunities for sports instruction and participation at all levels. The Institute supports one of the broadest intercollegiate athletic programs in the world and features one of the nation’s most expansive club programs. MIT provides group exercise and wellness classes, personal and group training, a variety of aquatic classes, and sport skill instruction for those who wish to engage in other recreational programs.

As part of the General Institute Requirements (GIRs), each student must earn eight points through physical education and wellness courses and complete the swim requirement. Seasonal offerings include golf, sailing, broomball, and ice-skating, while additional specialty courses include scuba, backpacking, top-rope climbing, kayaking, downhill skiing, and snowboarding.

• Approximately 25% of undergraduates join a team while at MIT.
• MIT competes mainly against NCAA Division III New England colleges but also routinely participates in regional and national championships.
• The Institute has earned 419 Academic All-America honors, the most among all NCAA Divisions.

With 10 buildings and 26 acres (0.11 km²) of playing fields, MIT boasts one of the most expansive athletic complexes in New England. The Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center on the west side of campus features two swimming pools, a fitness center, international-scale squash courts, and a multi-activity court. Roberts Field and Jack Barry Field (lighted sports-turf venues), as well as the duPont Outdoor Tennis Courts, are adjacent to the Zesiger Center. The east side of campus is served by the Alumni Pool and Wang Fitness Center, located in the Stata Center at the edge of Kendall Square.