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 range of programs in design, research, and scholarship, including architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, and advanced studies.

Academics

The GSD offers 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 admission requirements and deadlines:

• Application deadlines: January 5, 2026, for MArch, MLA, MUP, MAUD, MLAUD, MRE, DDes, and January 8, 2026, for MDes, MDE
• How to apply: Prospective students can find information on the application process, including requirements and deadlines, on the GSD website
• Funding opportunities: The GSD offers various funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and student loans

Research

The GSD is committed to research and has various research centers, initiatives, and projects, including:

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

Master in Real Estate Program

The GSD offers a Master in Real Estate (MRE) program, which is a two-year degree that combines traditional real estate skills with a broad-based, interdisciplinary education. The program includes a two-month practicum off campus, where students work on an actual development project. The MRE program is designed to educate real estate leaders who will shape the future of well-designed real estate in ways that positively impact society and the world.

MRE Program Details

• The program is a two-year degree
• It combines traditional real estate skills with a broad-based, interdisciplinary education
• The program includes a two-month practicum off campus
• The practicum places students in a partner for-profit, not-for-profit, or public organization based in the United States or internationally
• The program is designed to educate real estate leaders who will shape the future of well-designed real estate

MRE Program Students

The inaugural class of the MRE program includes 35 students from diverse backgrounds, with an average age of 30 and work experience in development, investment, project management, construction management, private equity, design, consulting, planning, asset management, prop tech, law, and brokerage. The students have unique background stories that led to their enrollment in the Harvard MRE program.

People

The GSD has a diverse community of faculty, students, and staff, including:

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

Offices and 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 various means, including:

• 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 and Support

The GSD has a strong 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 through design, research, and scholarship. The school has a strong mission and values, including:

• Commitment to Community
• Community Values, Rights, and Responsibilities
• Academic Integrity
• Respectful Engagement
• Equitable Accountability
• Leadership & Administration
• Message from the Dean
• Administrative Leadership Council
• Executive Committee
• News
• History of Gund Hall

The GSD is located in Gund Hall, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA 02318, and has various facilities, including the Frances Loeb Library and the Fabrication Lab. The school is part of Harvard University and is committed to making a positive impact on society and the world.