Graduate School of Design

About the school

Harvard University - Graduate School of Design aspires to provide education and scholarship of the highest quality to students. The aim and objective of the school is to advance the frontiers of their knowledge and to prepare them for life, work, and leadership. The institution boasts of thousands of faculty, students, and staff across the University. Some of the basic values of the school are to encourage students for conscientious pursuit of excellence in one’s work, respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others, and develop accountability for personal behavior. The mission of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) is to increase diversity, deepen inclusion, and advance a sense of belonging among everyone.

Location of the school

The campus of Harvard University - Graduate School of Design is located in Cambridge, and here are some of its key details:

Life at the Graduate School of Design

Students can participate in various Recruitment and Retention programmes, community engagement exercises, and representation to maintain an academic voice that highlights the diversity of the situation. GSD hosts several exhibitions and art galleries for students, the Frances Loeb Library. Student Affairs at GSD oversees the student experience at the GSD, which includes admissions procedures, financial aid, course registration, career development, student life, student accommodations, and Title IX resources. The GSD strives to provide students with support and services conducive to a welcoming and accessible learning environment. Wellness resources are available to the GSD community, which include CAMHS Cares Line for Students 24/7, We’re All Human Mental Health Campaign, and Harvard Ombuds Office. Student life extends beyond the classroom, and the GSD is proud of the engaging social groups and events available to our students.

Additional benefits of studying at the Graduate School of Design

The GSD offers a dynamic setting for the exchange of ideas across multiple disciplines united in the pursuit of a more just, coherent, and beautiful world. Students can explore the GSD campus, participate in weekly tours and virtual info sessions, and attend graduate fairs. The Harvard University Graduate School of Design manages official social media accounts that share news about the school, promote events and exhibitions, spotlight academic programmes, and provide an inside look at life at the GSD with a global audience. Students can join the Student Forum, which is the executive board level of the GSD’s elected student government. The Student Forum works to improve student life at the GSD and serves as a link between the student body and the school administration. Various Student organisations are an essential part of life at the GSD, supporting both academic inquiry and social community. Participating in student organisations is a way for GSD students to connect with like-minded peers and help shape the public life of the school.

Admissions criteria

Before applying for admission, students must review the academic programme descriptions and prerequisites, with particular attention to the previous degree required to apply. Students may apply a maximum of three times to the same GSD degree programme. If students would like to apply to more than one programme at the same time (but only wish to enroll in one), they will need to submit a separate application and supporting materials for each program. Please indicate your first choice on the application. For prospective Ph.D. students, they must apply through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. - Students must fill out the application form - They must upload transcripts from all previous colleges and universities - Submit three letters of recommendation, ideally at least two from college or university instructors - GRE scores - International students, except those from countries where English is the native language, must submit scores from the TOEFL - Upload a resume that includes employment, education, extracurricular collegiate and community activities, honors, awards, professional registration, professional societies, publications, avocations, hobbies, and travel - Write an essay - Personal statement of 500 words - Research Proposal (limit proposal to approximately 2,000 words) - Students have the option of submitting one video as a supplement to the PDF portfolio.

Job placements

The Office of Career Services is committed to providing GSD students with the tools and resources they need to enhance their professional development. The Career Services Team has several innovative programs to encourage graduates to pursue a prospective career: - CREATE the GSD online career portal, which gives students access to search internships, jobs, fellowships, grants, and career-related events - GSD students can meet one-on-one with career staff to develop and define an individual career strategy - Career Services sponsors many events throughout the year that help students explore career paths and avenues of professional development - Community Service Fellowship Programme offers domestic fellowship opportunities with nonprofit and government organisations - Mentorship & alumni connections help students expand their professional network and learn about career possibilities as a GSD student and graduate