FAQ: Using OCW Materials

 

What are the prerequisites to use MIT OpenCourseWare materials?

Can I get a certificate after completing these courses?

Does MIT approve or recognize individuals, organizations, or institution that offer to teach MIT courses or tutor students based on MIT materials?

Can I/my organization state on our Web site or in our literature that we make use of MIT OpenCourseWare course materials?

Can I translate the MIT OpenCourseWare materials into non-English languages?

How do I contact a specific member of the MIT Faculty?

 

What are the prerequisites to use MIT OpenCourseWare materials?

Because MIT OpenCourseWare is not a distance-learning, credit-bearing, or degree-granting initiative, there are no prerequisites to use MIT OpenCourseWare materials.

To learn about MIT's curriculum visit the curriculum guide.

 

Can I get a certificate after completing these courses?

No. MIT OpenCourseWare is a publication of the course materials that support the dynamic classroom interactions of an MIT education; it is not a degree-granting or credit-bearing initiative.

 

Does MIT approve or recognize individuals, organizations, or institution that offer to teach MIT courses or tutor students based on MIT materials?

No. MIT has no relationship with, grants no special permission to, and does not approve, endorse, or certify any organizations, teachers, tutors, or other service providers who use educational materials available on the MIT OpenCourseWare site in connection with their services. Except for students admitted to MIT and enrolled at the Institute, MIT does not authorize the granting of any kind of degree, certificate, or other recognition for participation in or completion of any course of study based on or using published MIT course materials.

 

Can I/my organization state on our Web site or in our literature that we make use of MIT OpenCourseWare course materials?

In accordance with the terms of the MIT OpenCourseWare Creative Commons license, you must give credit to MIT and the faculty author of the course materials anytime you use MIT OpenCourseWare materials. However, any reference to MIT (including the MIT name in any of its forms or MIT seals or logos) that deliberately or inadvertently claims, suggests, or in MIT's sole judgment gives the appearance or impression of a relationship with or endorsement by MIT, is prohibited.

 

Can I translate the MIT OpenCourseWare materials into non-English languages?

Yes. However, any MIT OpenCourseWare materials translated into other languages from the original English must be accompanied by the following disclaimer:

"These MIT OpenCourseWare course materials have been translated into [YOUR LANGUAGE] by [YOUR INSTITUTION]. The MIT faculty authors, MIT, or MIT OpenCourseWare have not reviewed or approved these translations, and MIT and MIT OpenCourseWare makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the translated materials, express or implied, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or the absence of errors, whether or not discoverable. MIT OpenCourseWare bears no responsibility for any inaccuracies in translation. Any inaccuracies or other defects contained in this material, due to inaccuracies in language translation, are the sole responsibility of [YOUR INSTITUTION] and not MIT OpenCourseWare."

 

How do I contact a specific member of the MIT Faculty?

MIT OpenCourseWare is intended as a publication of MIT course materials, not as an interactive experience with MIT faculty. MIT OpenCourseWare does not offer users the opportunity for direct contact with MIT faculty. It provides the content of - but is not a substitute for - an MIT education. Inquiries related to specific course materials will be forwarded to the MIT faculty member associated with that course for their consideration. However due to the tremendous volume of email inquiries received it is unlikely he or she will be able to respond personally.