Higher Education

Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective students

Are there Graduate Assistantships available?

HGSE doesn't have pre-assigned job placements. Instead, we work with our students to help them find custom-designed internships that offer graduate-level professional opportunities in their field of interest. Internships aren't required for graduation, but approximately ¾ of our students work at an internship for one or both semesters, and most of these jobs are paid. View more information about internships.

How do I go about finding an internship?

Beginning as early as May and continuing straight through September, we receive a large assortment of internship postings. As soon as the listserv for the new program cohort is created, the Higher Education Program Coordinator, Brian Garrett, will email you all the higher ed related opportunities, so that you can pursue those that interest you. Additionally, you are welcome to investigate sites on your own. With a very large number of higher education institutions and organizations in the greater Boston area, internship possibilities are plentiful. Students also have the option of pursuing an internship for academic credit through the Higher Education Internship Seminar.

Are students successful in finding good jobs after graduation?

Yes. Our students have an outstanding track record with finding jobs in their professional areas of interest and desired geographical locations. We have graduates working all across the country and abroad. Not only do they find good jobs, our graduates report back that they draw regularly in their work upon the insights, understanding, and information they gleaned from their classes at HGSE.

What assistance is there in job placement?

One of HGSE's greatest assets is the depth and strength of its alumni network. Higher education alumni remain connected to HGSE and are interested in assisting, and hiring, graduating students. HGSE faculty members are also excellent resources and provide students important career connections. The Higher Ed program hosts speakers and panels throughout the year to expose students to various areas within higher education, and to foster and build upon the sense of connectedness that makes our community special.

Additionally, HGSE's Office of Career Services works hard to help students find success in the post-graduation career/ job placement process. Students can schedule one-on-one appointments with a career counselor, get help with resume preparation, attend job fairs and on-campus recruitment events, and access the Harvard alumni database.

Do some students pursue doctoral study after graduation?

Each year, some students come to the Master's program knowing that they want to pursue doctoral study in the future. Others who aren't already considering this option become excited by their academic work and begin to think about further study as an option. Most Master's degree students decide to work for a couple of years before applying for doctoral study so that they can gain additional professional experience and better define their areas of research. Occasionally, though, students will apply to doctoral programs while they are studying in the Higher Ed Program. Graduates of the HGSE Higher Education Program can be found at HGSE as well as the other leading doctoral programs in higher education--both in their student bodies and on their faculty.

What about campus and/or housing tours?

In terms of campus tours, HGSE's campus is limited to just a few buildings, so there aren't any official tours here. However, free Harvard University tours are offered twice a day - at 10am and 2pm. For more specific information, please visit the Harvard News Office. The tours leave the Harvard Information Center in Holyoke Center, 1350 Massachusetts Ave. To inquire about housing tours, it is best to contact the GSAS Housing Services office directly.

Can HGSE students cross-register at other schools within Harvard?

Cross-registration is popular among HGSE students - particularly at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences - and the chance to engage in studies at another Harvard school is one of the many benefits of being a student here. Please read the section on Cross-Registration carefully for logistics concerning this option.

Is there a Higher Ed student association?

Absolutely - we're so glad you asked! HESA is comprised of a group of HGSE students who all have some kind of interest in higher education. HESA is as active and vibrant as the students decide to make it – every year they organize a combination of brown-bag speakers, happy hours, community events, etc.