Program Overview

Introduction to the Harvard Graduate School of Design

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

Academics

The GSD 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 Deadlines

The application deadlines for the GSD programs are:

• January 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET for MArch, MLA, MUP, MAUD, MLAUD, MRE, DDes
• January 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET for MDes, MDE

Financial Aid Deadlines

The financial aid deadlines are:

• October: FAFSA opens to applicants
• Mid-March: GSD financial aid application opens
• Mid-April: Financial aid application deadline
• Late May/Early June: Notification of financial aid awards

Research

The GSD is involved in various research areas, including:

• Centers: Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities, Joint Center for Housing Studies
• Initiatives: Aga Khan Program, Harvard Mellon Urban Initiative, Laboratory for Design Technologies
• Projects
• Groups and Labs: Critical Landscapes Design Lab, Geometry Lab, Grinham Research Group, Healthy Places Lab, Just City Lab, Material Processes and Systems Group, Office for Urbanization, Responsive Environments & Artifacts Lab, Laboratory for Values in the Built Environment

People

The GSD has a diverse community of:

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

Offices & Facilities

The GSD 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 GSD engages in public discourse through:

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

Calendar

The GSD has a calendar of events, including:

• Upcoming Events and Exhibitions
• Academic Calendars & Schedules
• Application Deadlines
• GSD Now

Alumni & Support

The GSD has an active alumni community and offers various ways to support the school, 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 GSD is committed to creating a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The school has a strong mission and values, and is led by a team of experienced administrators.

Courses

The GSD offers a wide range of courses, including:

• Advanced Reverse Design and EMBODIED CARBON
• Other courses in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and design studies

Advanced Reverse Design and EMBODIED CARBON

This course is taught by Hanif Kara and focuses on the urgent need to de-carbonize the built environment. The course covers topics such as adaptive re-use, retrofit, recycle, regenerative design, and conservation, and explores how designers can play a key role in promoting a low-carbon economy. The course includes a series of conversations and presentations, including from external experts, and utilizes newly available tools to demystify regulations, terminology, and popular language. The course also examines how predominant materials for construction can be improved and implemented in design and construction to promote a low-carbon economy.