Curriculum
The curriculum of a DDes student is highly customized, there is no couple of students with the same course choices, advisor or research approach. Therefore, the curriculum and its selection of courses are far from being based on precedents and repetitions, as students strategically and efficiently select courses that will suit and complement their research focus and their academic needs.
The multiplicity of disciplines engaged through the GSD, Harvard and MIT course offerings is compatible with the diversity of interests embraced by the program. Despite such assortment, the common factor of course packs is related to architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and planning, as well as technology. Selection of courses is usually approved by the advisor before registration.
Options for Courses
Students may take classes from the GSD course offerings, at any Harvard graduate school and also at MIT through cross-registration.
- Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Harvard Business School Registrar
- Harvard Kennedy School of Government Course Catalog
- Harvard Law School Course Catalog
Required Courses
There are several required courses during the program that create the core content for the student's completion of credit requirements:
First Year
A proposal for the doctoral thesis is required after the first year of studies, and a general examination (based primarily on that proposal) must be passed before the third semester of studies. The thesis commitee is also selected.
DDes proseminar: GSD 7730: Design Research Methods
Christoph Reinhart
Department of Architecture
The purpose of this proseminar is to (a) guide doctoral students in the development and preparation of their research proposals, (b) to provide them with organizational skills of how to plan, execute and strategically publish original research and (c) to prepare them for their future positions in higher education and/or practice.
Thesis Proposal: GSD 9503: Preparation of Doctoral Thesis Proposal
Department of Architecture
Independent Study
Under faculty guidance, the student conducts a reading program and formulates a thesis proposal. The course is intended for doctoral students.
Second Year
The candidate prepares his/her doctoral dissertation under the direction of the thesis committee and holds regular meetings with the committee.
Thesis Preparation - course: GSD 9504: Thesis in Satisfaction of the Degree Doctor of Design
Department of Architecture
Independent Study
Under guidance of a faculty committee, the student conducts investigations and prepares a doctoral thesis.
The completed dissertation must be defended and accepted unanimously by the thesis committee.
Thesis Preparation - course: GSD 9506: Thesis in Satisfaction of the Degree Doctor of Design
Department of Architecture
Independent Study
Under guidance of a faculty committee, the student conducts investigations and prepares a doctoral thesis.
