Degree Programs
The Graduate School of Design offers three types of degree programs: professional, postprofessional, and doctoral. Our students come to us with a variety of experiences and backgrounds; you do not need to have a preprofessional degree in design in order to apply to our first professional degree programs. The same application form is used for all of our programs. Listed below are brief descriptions of each program, with links to more detailed information (prerequisites, course of study) found in the GSD Catalog. We also offer non-degree opportunities for study: Executive Education, Career Discovery, and Loeb Fellowship, as well as Other Programs.
Professional Degree Programs
Master in Architecture (MArch I): three-and-a-half year, professional degree for those with a bachelor of art or bachelor of science (major or preparation in any field). Prepares graduates for entry into the profession. If you have a preprofessional degree in architecture, you also should apply for this degree.
Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA I): three-year, professional degree for those with a bachelor of art or bachelor of science (major or preparation in any field). Prepares graduates for entry into the profession. If you have a preprofessional degree in landscape architecture, you also should apply for this degree.
Master in Urban Planning (MUP): two-year, professional degree for those with a bachelor of art or bachelor of science. Prepares graduates for planning the built environment.
Postprofessional Degree Programs
Master in Architecture (MArch II): one-and-a-half year, postprofessional degree for those who already have professional degrees in architecture. For individuals who wish to strengthen their professional skills through electives and studios of their choice, with a focus on design.
Master in Landscape Architecture (MLA II): one-and-a-half year, postprofessional degree for those who already have professional degrees in landscape architecture. For individuals who wish to strengthen their professional skills through pursuing their special interests, with an emphasis on design of the physical environment.
Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD): a two-year, postprofessional degree for those who already hold professional degrees in architecture and wish to extend their professional skills with a focus on urban issues and urban design studio courses.
Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design (MLAUD): a two-year, postprofessional degree for those who already hold professional degrees in landscape architecture and wish to extend their professional skills with a focus on urban issues and urban design studio courses.
Master in Design Studies (MDesS): a three-semester, postprofessional degree for mid-career professionals interested in advanced work in a particular subject area. Normally for those with degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning and design, it also may be appropriate for those in such related disciplines as engineering, geography, computer science, or industrial design. Focus on course work, independent study, or thesis rather than design studio.
Doctoral Degree Programs
Doctor of Design (DDes): a doctoral degree for those who wish to pursue advanced study and research in the design disciplines of the built and natural environment. Intended for individuals who have already mastered professional skills.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): a doctoral degree for those who wish to enter teaching and advanced research careers in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning. The PhD program is administered through the Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and requests for application materials for the PhD program should be directed to:
Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Admissions Office, Byerly Hall
Cambridge, MA 02138
Web address: http://www.gsas.harvard.edu
e-mail: admiss@fas.harvard.edu