FAQ for Prospective Students

Is L&T Right For Me?

Prospective students to the L&T master's program should first consider their goals for graduate study. Thematically, students in the program tend to be most interested in reflective practice, students and adults as learners, the preparation and professional work of teachers, the organization of schools, and the role of communities in learning. Likewise, L&T students explore the interdisciplinary nature of teaching and learning by taking courses that address topics such as curriculum development, the history and philosophy of education, teacher leadership, human development and learning theory, technology, the arts, and the impact of race, class, gender, and identity on education.

Prospective students are encouraged to look closely at all of the course offerings and profiles of faculty at HGSE. One strategy would be to make a wish list of your "favorite" classes and the professors whose work especially interests you. Once this list is created, compare it with the program requirements. (Our requirements can be found on the "Requirements" page of this website). L&T may be a good fit for you if four or five of your wish list courses appear on the program requirements list.

How many students are in the L&T program?

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

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.

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.

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 Career Services Office 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.

Where can I get additional information about L&T and the Harvard Graduate School of Education?

The most current information about the L&T master's program can be found on this website. Contact the HGSE Admissions Office if you wish to learn more about application requirements and receive an application to our program. The Admissions Office is an excellent resource for school-wide information as well.

I want to teach. Does an L&T degree lead to professional licensure?

The L&T program is not a teacher certification program; however, many L&T graduates pursue careers in the classrooms of independent, charter and pilot schools. HGSE has a number of resources available for students wishing to pursue alternative means of obtaining licensure. Denise Bowman, Associate Director for Licensure, and Larissa Noake, Licensure Staff Assistant, are both helpful in investigating and providing information to students who wish to be certified. They have an extensive website that features a whole section devoted to alternative licensure opportunities. HGSE also has a Teacher Education (TEP) program which provides middle and secondary education certification. Visit the TEP site for more information.

Do you offer a doctoral program?

L&T is a master's degree (Ed.M.) program only. Your best resource for information on doctoral study here at HGSE is the doctoral program website. The Doctoral Program Administrator, Norma Diala, will be an invaluable contact for additional information. You can email her directly at edd@gse.harvard.edu. You may also want to contact the HGSE Admissions Office in order to be added to their mailing list.

How long do students take to complete the program?

The program is designed as a full-time, one-year master's program. A very limited number of part-time students are admitted to the program.

How many courses do students take to complete the program?

Students must take eight courses in order to graduate-- generally taking four per semester. Five courses, including the required core course, must be selected from the approved L&T master's program requirements list. This list includes a select group of courses identified as Core/Foundational. Full-time students may enroll in an additional two courses (ten total for the year) at no additional charge. Two modules can be taken to meet the equivalent of one course. See the "Requirements" section for more information.

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.

I've never taught or worked professionally in a school environment. Does this disqualify me from admission to the program?

No. Every year, students enter the program with quite varied levels of education related experience. Students who feel they are lacking in any area (whether in education experience and/or a particular content area) are encouraged to address their needs by taking coursework that address their specific concerns. For example, a veteran after-school educator may take an educational philosophy class in order to better address and explore education in and outside the classroom.

May I cross register for courses outside of the Graduate School of Education?

Yes. Although HGSE offers an extensive array of courses (see descriptions on the HGSE course website), students also may cross-register for some of their elective choices in order to pursue work in a particular content area; gain an additional perspective on education from either a law, policy, or business perspective; or to take advantage of the opportunity to study with a faculty member in another part of the University. The University course catalog is an invaluable resource in searching cross-registration opportunities.

Do you offer your program or courses online?

All HGSE degree programs, including the L&T master's program, require students to be enrolled and on-campus for classes.

Do you offer any non-degree courses of study either online or during the summer?

If you are looking for non-degree study affiliated with HGSE, please keep in mind the two following opportunities. Please note, neither of these opportunities is affiliated directly with the L&T program nor will they provide course credit or lead to a HGSE degree.

• WIDE- If you are interested in online professional development opportunities, two HGSE professors, David Perkins and Stone Wiske, are involved with a research project known as WIDE World. WIDE offers online professional development programs for educators. To learn more about WIDE's non-degree offerings, please visit WIDE's website.
• PPE- Programs in Professional Education offers a number of different professional development opportunities during the summer and into the fall. To learn more about PPE, take a look through its website

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.