FAQ for Incoming Students

When do I need to let HGSE know that I plan on attending?

Please let the HGSE Admissions Office know your decision to attend in the first few weeks in April. If you applied using the on-line application, starting April 1, you will be able to respond to the offer of admission and pay the $250 nonrefundable tuition deposit by logging into the online application tool.

How do I find out about Financial Aid?

If you applied for financial aid on time, you should be hearing from their office shortly after your official letter of admission. If you still have financial aid questions and/or need to file a late financial aid application, you should visit the Financial Aid website. Many of the forms you will need are downloadable from the site.

How many students are in the L&T program?

There are generally about 40 to 50 students in the L&T Program.

Is there a way to contact other incoming students without sending a message to the entire L&T community?

Yes, a listserv for incoming students will be created once the admissions process is complete, usually in early June. You will be notified as soon as the list is up and running.

How can I find a place to live?

This can be a challenge in the Cambridge/Boston area. You can find many listings at the Harvard Housing Office at 7 Holyoke St. (bring along information showing you are a Harvard student in order to get in). Many incoming students find Craigslist very useful in finding affordable and nearby housing. Be assured that you will find a place to live! One-hundred percent of Harvard students do -- many in quarters-- old, new, stately, funky -- they enjoy. If you are not familiar with the Boston area, you may want to consider areas outside of Harvard Square but easily accessible by train or bus such as Porter Square, Davis Square, Central Square. Many students live in both Cambridge and Somerville. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) has also put together an extensive list of housing options- please visit http://www.gse.harvard.edu/osa/housing/index.html for more information.

What about housing and/or campus tours?

As far as tours go for housing, you may want to contact the housing office directly about that possibility. HGSE's campus is limited to just a few buildings for you to explore. If you are interested in taking a Harvard University tour, they are offered at 10 am and 2 pm. Any visitor is welcome to join one of the free daily campus tours offered by the Harvard News Office. The tours leave the Harvard Information Center in Holyoke Center, 1350 Massachusetts Ave.

When do classes begin? What is the schedule for the year?

Please visit HGSE's academic calendar for a full schedule.

When and what is Orientation?

You will be updated from the Office of Student Affairs with a full Orientation schedule sometime late in the summer. This schedule will be posted on the Student Intranet (the Intranet is only available after you receive your student ID later in the summer). In general, Orientation is the second full week in September. Orientation activities include L&T program meetings, HGSE presentations, and also some fun social events.

Do I choose an advisor or is one assigned to me?

You will be assigned an advisor during Orientation in September.

When will I register for courses?

Students register for courses after Orientation and class shopping has finished (the Friday of Orientation week). Shopping is held for students at the beginning of each semester. During shopping, you will have the opportunity to sit in on mini-presentations about each course. Shop all courses in which you may be interested. It is a great opportunity to sample a course and meet the faculty member prior to registering for the class.

How do I cross-register for courses?

Please read the section on Cross-Registration carefully.

How many classes can we take per semester?

Full-time students must take at least four classes a semester, but have the opportunity to enroll in a fifth class at no additional tuition cost.

How can I be involved in independent research or a HGSE research project? What is the process for pursuing a research assistantship?

Investigate the HGSE research projects and the Alumni & Careers of faculty who interest you. You should then contact them and ask them if there is any way you can become involved in their work. Some projects will offer presentations during Orientation week. You may also want to consider, prior to contacting them, if you want this to be an independent study or volunteer opportunity. Be aware that some faculty may put you on hold until spring semester to see what kind of work you produce and/or may be wary of taking on an independent study first semester. This will be crucial in strategically picking your fall semester classes.

If I have an interest in pursuing a doctoral degree after I get my Masters, how soon should I begin the process of applying?

Again, this is where strategically choosing your fall coursework becomes essential. Many doctoral programs have application deadlines in January. You may want to be on the lookout for potential faculty mentors and/or references as you pick fall classes. If interested in the HGSE doctoral program, please contact the Admissions Office in early fall of your master's year.

What assistance is there in job placement?

HGSE has a s that works with current students to navigate the post-graduation career/ job placement process. They also organize job fairs and on-campus recruiting. Register early for services like eRecruiting and one-on-one appointment with a career counselor.

Do I have to write a thesis or complete a final project in order to graduate from the L&T master's program?

Our master's program does not require a thesis or final project in order to graduate, but the program will require an extensive amount of writing and research. Writing skills are a must.

What kinds of jobs and professional roles do L&T students assume after graduation?

Graduates of the L&T master's program go on to find positions in a wide range of educational fields. Many choose to return to the classroom to build on their enhanced understandings of teachers; roles as mentors and leaders in schools change and professional development. Both new and experienced teachers join the faculties of independent, charter and pilot schools. L&T graduates also take positions in non-profit organizations and other education-related fields including publishing, community service, and research. Some choose to pursue doctoral study in the field of education.

HGSE has a dedicated Career Services Office to help students strengthen their resume and interviewing skills, network, and find employment after graduation.

If you have questions about...

The Field Experience Program (FEP)

Many Ed.M. students participate in HGSE's internship pogram, the Field Experience Program (FEP). For more information, please visit the FEP website.