Degree, Program, and Course Information

Does HGSE offer evening courses?

The majority of the courses at HGSE are offered during the day. Degrees cannot be completed by taking evening coursework. Please consult the online Course Catalogue for detailed course offerings and information.

Does HGSE offer distance or online learning?

All degree programs at HGSE require the coursework to be completed on campus.

Does HGSE offer summer courses?

All courses offered for the HGSE degree programs are offered during the academic year.

Some professional development classes and institutes are offered during the summer months. Please visit our Professional Education page for more information.

What degrees are offered at HGSE?

We offer a Master's in Education (Ed.M), a Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.L.D.), and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D).

May I apply as a part-time student to HGSE?

A limited number of master's students are admitted to HGSE on a part-time basis. Applicants must include a brief statement in the Program Information section of the online application, indicating why they are requesting part-time study.

Full-time enrollment is required for the following:

• Doctoral of Education
• Doctor of Education Leadership
• Teacher Education Program
• Certificate of Advanced Study, Risk and Prevention

What is the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. doctoral degree?

In general, a Ph.D. degree tends to focus more on research and an Ed.D. tends to focus more on practice. You are welcome to review the dissertation titles and committee members for our most recent doctoral graduates. View 2009 graduate dissertations (169KB PDF).

At Harvard University, only the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) can award the Ph.D. At HGSE, the doctoral program is designed to train students to conduct qualitative and quantitative research. Our Ed.D. is comparable to a Ph.D. at any other university.

If I matriculate at HGSE, can I cross-register at other Harvard schools?

Many HGSE students choose to take courses at other Harvard graduate schools, including the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). Harvard University's academic calendar is now standardized, allowing for seamless cross-registration between schools.

Cross-registration at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is also available for all HGSE Students.

Is it possible to take courses without applying or enrolling in a degree program?

Professional educators, graduate students who are conducting relevant research, and faculty from other institutions may take courses at HGSE by applying to the Special Students program. Applicants for non-degree study may be admitted to take up to two courses during the 2009-2010 academic year. 

Which programs at HGSE offer licensure?

• The Teacher Education Program offers middle-school and high-school level licensure. Specifically, it prepares candidates to teach in grades 5-8 in biology, earth science, English, general science, history, mathematics, and political science/political philosophy. TEP also prepares candidates to teach at the 8-12 level in biology, chemistry, earth science, English, history, mathematics, physics, and political science/political philosophy.
• The Language and Literacy program prepares candidates for reading licensure.
• The Principal Licensure Strand of the School Leadership program prepares candidates for principal licensure.
• The Risk and Prevention program prepares candidates for licensure as School Guidance Counselors (PreK-8, 5-12) or School Adjustment Counselors (all levels) through its new two-year counseling tracks.