Mind, Brain and Education

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the MBE program?

The MBE master's program is one academic year (8 courses) and runs from September through May. 

Is it possible to do the program on-line?

This is a popular question, but there is no on-line study option at this time.

Is it possible to do this program part-time?

Yes, although there are only a limited number of part-time slots.  You must request to study part-time when you submit your application.

How many students are in the program?

There are currently 34 students in the master's program.

Do all MBE students have a strong science background?

The backgrounds of our students vary greatly. Only a minority of students in the program have a strong biology background.  Some have backgrounds in psychology and education research, but many do not. Every year we have a few students with no training in the social sciences at all. Given the multiple fields that are intrinsic to MBE, we cannot expect anyone to know all of them. Students in the program usually have a background in education (teaching or research), cognitive science, brain science, child development, philosophy, or biology; many other fields and backgrounds are also represented. Approximately half of our students are, or plan to become, teachers.

Will I be able to do research as a student in the program?

Yes. Many students do independent research with HGSE faculty, and we have relationships with several labs in the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Harvard Medical School.

What do graduates of this program do?

Like in any emerging scientific field, new career paths for MBE graduates are constantly developing on the local, national and international level. Some of our students go on to further study in doctoral programs; others teach, lead educational programs, pursue educational research, or find some other interesting niche in the field.  All MBE graduates become skilled consumers of scientific and educational research.

What assistance is there in job placement?

One of HGSE's greatest assets is the strength of its alumni network.  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.

What other Ed.M. Programs are offered at HGSE?

The school is interdisciplinary and there is considerable overlap between programs.  However, each program has its own focus and requirements, and being affiliated with a program puts you in a cohort of like minded people with similar interests.  In choosing the best fit for you, it helps to review the program websites and see which descriptions and course offerings resonate most strongly.
The following master's programs are available at the Harvard Graduate School of Education:

• Arts in Education (AIE)
• Education Policy and Management (EPM)
• Higher Education (HE)
• Human Development and Psychology (HDP)
• International Education Policy (IEP)
• Language and Literacy (L&L)
• Learning and Teaching (L&T)
• Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE)
• Risk and Prevention (R&P)
• School Leadership (SLP)
• Special Studies Program
• Teacher Education (TEP)
• Technology, Innovation, and Education (TIE)

If you have questions about...

The Field Experience Program (FEP)

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

Career Opportunities

For more information please visit HGSE's Career Services Office.

Cross-Registration

Many HGSE students choose to take courses at other Harvard graduate schools (aka, cross-registering), including the Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Kennedy School of Government (KSG). Unfortunately, Harvard's schools operate on different schedules. Therefore, remain mindful of school's individual calendars and deadlines: start of classes, vacations, and exams.

For more information about cross-registering at other Harvard schools, please visit: https://crossreg.harvard.edu/OASIS/CrossReg/index.html

HGSE Course Catalog

For more information about HGSE course offerings, view the entire HGSE course catalogue.

Admissions

For more information about the HGSE admissions process, please visit Admissions