Non-Degree Study at HGSE

Special Students

A select number of applicants for non-degree study may be admitted to take up to two courses during the academic year. This option is only available for professional educators seeking to enhance their current work, college or university faculty from institutions other than Harvard, and advanced doctoral students for whom the courses will contribute to their research. Admission to take courses as a non-degree student is competitive; course enrollment is on a space-available basis and is limited to HGSE courses only. Please note that Special Students are not eligible for HGSE funding, housing, or office space.

We are no longer accepting applications for non-degree study for the spring 2013 semester. The application for non-degree study for the fall 2013 semester will be available on our website in June 2013, and will be due in mid-July.

A complete application for non-degree study at HGSE consists of the following:

• Complete printed copy of the application (available in June 2013)
• $85 non-refundable application fee, paid by check made out to Harvard University
• Official and unopened transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended (including institutions from which course credits transferred) showing all courses and grades
• Statement of Purpose: one page detailing how the course(s) you wish to take specifically relates to your current professional responsibilities or academic work
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• One letter of recommendation (sent directly to you in a signed, sealed envelope)
  
  • Professional educators: This letter should be from a supervisor familiar with your work.
  • College or university faculty: You do not need to submit a recommendation.
  • Doctoral students: This letter should be from an academic adviser familiar with your plan of study and research interests.
• TOEFL scores (if applicable)*

*Applicants whose native language is not English and whose baccalaureate is not from a college or university where English is the sole language of instruction are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores must be from a test administered no earlier than February 1, 2012, for the 2013-2014 academic year. In addition, Harvard University does not provide student visas to Special Students.

Note that if you are a HGSE degree holder, a Certificate of Advanced Study recipient, a voucher holder, or a Harvard employee eligible to take a course through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), you do not need to fill out this application. You should contact the HGSE Office of the Registrar to arrange to take a course as a non-degree student.