Program Overview

---

Introduction to Harvard Graduate School of Design

The Harvard Graduate School of Design is a premier institution for design, research, and scholarship, aiming to create a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The school offers a wide range of programs in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and design studies.

Academics

The school provides various academic programs, including:

• Master of Architecture I
• Master of Architecture I AP
• Master of Architecture II
• Master in Landscape Architecture I
• Master in Landscape Architecture I AP
• Master in Landscape Architecture II
• Master of Architecture in Urban Design / Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design
• Master in Urban Planning
• Master in Real Estate
• Concurrent and Joint Degrees
• Master in Design Engineering
• Master in Design Studies
• Doctor of Design
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Early Design Education
• Executive Education

Application Requirements

To apply to the Master of Architecture I program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Eligibility

• Hold or be in the process of completing a four-year Bachelor’s degree in any field.
• Complete four required college-level, semester-long prerequisite courses in calculus, algebra-based physics, and the history of architecture.
• Visual arts preparation is desirable but not required.
• Additional coursework in humanities, philosophy, literature, or economics is recommended but not required.

Transcripts

• Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended.
• Transcripts must include the applicant's name, school name, degree, major, degree date, and a semester-by-semester course breakdown with corresponding grades.

Letters of Recommendation

• Three letters of recommendation are required, ideally from college or university instructors.
• If the applicant has been out of school for several years, letters from employers or other persons in a position to evaluate professional abilities and academic potential are acceptable.

Essays

• Applicants must submit responses to both the general GSD community essay and any required program-specific essays.

Portfolio

• The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate creativity, aptitude for design, and a capacity to think and design in three dimensions.
• Portfolios should show recent creative work in the visual arts or design executed by the applicant.

Resume

• A resume or CV is required, including full and part-time employment, education, fellowships, extra-curricular university activities, community service, honors, awards, professional registration, and societies.

GRE

• Official GRE scores are required to be sent directly from ETS to the GSD by the application deadline.

Prerequisite Courses

• One semester of calculus
• One semester of physics
• Two semesters of the history of architecture

TOEFL

• International applicants must take the TOEFL test and submit official scores to the GSD by the application deadline.
• Applicants who hold or are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree that includes a minimum of three years of in-person, full-time study where English is the sole medium of instruction in certain countries are exempt from the TOEFL requirement.

Advanced Placement

• In a very small number of cases, MArch I applicants who have completed a pre-professional four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major in architecture or its equivalent may be eligible for admission with advanced placement.
• Applicants interested in being considered for advanced placement will apply to the MArch I program and indicate interest through a checkbox on the program selection page.

Research

The school has various research centers and initiatives, including:

• Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities
• Joint Center for Housing Studies
• Aga Khan Program
• Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative
• Laboratory for Design Technologies

People

The school has a diverse community of faculty, students, and staff, with various directories available, including:

• Faculty Directory
• Student Directory
• Staff Directory
• Alumni Directory
• Affiliates Directory

Offices and Facilities

The school has various offices and facilities, including:

• Academic Affairs
• Academic Administration
• Academic Planning and Innovation
• Advanced Studies Programs
• Department of Architecture
• Department of Landscape Architecture
• Department of Urban Planning and Design
• Faculty Affairs
• Student Affairs
• Admissions
• Career Services
• Financial Aid
• Registrar
• Student Life
• Administrative Offices
• Communications
• Dean’s Office
• Development & Alumni Relations
• Community, Impact and Opportunity
• Facilities and Campus Operations
• Finance & Research Administration
• Human Resources
• Research and Production
• Frances Loeb Library
• Fabrication Lab
• Information Technologies

Public Discourse

The school engages in public discourse through various means, including:

• Harvard Design Magazine
• Publications
• Exhibitions
• Public Programs
• Podcasts

Calendar

The school has a calendar of upcoming events and exhibitions, including:

• Academic Calendars & Schedules
• Application Deadlines
• GSD Now

Alumni and Support

The school has a strong alumni community, with various resources and opportunities available, including:

• Alumni & Friends
• Events
• Alumni Updates
• Alumni Council
• Dean’s Council
• Alumni Resources
• FAQ
• Support the GSD
• Annual Giving
• Gift Planning
• Impact
• Ways to Give
• Fellowships & Financial Aid Funds
• Development & Alumni Relations Office

About

The school's mission is to educate leaders in design, research, and scholarship to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The school is committed to community values, rights, and responsibilities, and strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment.