Degree, Program, & Course Information

Does HGSE offer evening classes?

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.

Do you offer Summer School?

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 http://www.gse.harvard.edu/profed/ for more information.

What degrees are offered at HGSE?

We offer a Master's in Education (Ed.M.) and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.).

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.

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

Is it possible just 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. For more information, please visit Learn about Applying.