Program Overview

Introduction to 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.

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

Admissions

The GSD has specific application deadlines:

• 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

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

Financial Aid

The GSD offers financial aid, with deadlines as follows:

• 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

Facilities

The GSD is located in Gund Hall, with the following facilities:

• 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 an academic calendar, with upcoming events and exhibitions listed.

Alumni & Support

The GSD has an alumni network, with opportunities for support and engagement.

About

The GSD has a mission to educate leaders in design, research, and scholarship, with a commitment to community, academic integrity, and respectful engagement.

Courses

The GSD offers various courses, including:

• Architecture and Construction: From the Vitruvian Tradition to the Digital
• Other courses listed in the course catalog