CONCURRENT AND JOINT DEGREES

Concurrent Degrees

The Graduate School of Design offers the opportunity for students to pursue two GSD programs concurrently, reducing the total amount of time necessary to obtain both degrees if they were pursued separately. The minimum full-time residency for obtaining concurrent degrees is two academic terms more than the residency requirement of the longer of the two programs.  

For example, a concurrent degree student may be able to complete the MArch II and MDes programs in three years instead of the four years that would be required to pursue them separately.  

Note that the total length of study may vary based on program requirements and applicant background. This is especially the case for current students who may be applying for a concurrent degree after starting at the GSD in a different program. More information can be found in the GSD Student Handbook.  

Prospective and current students are encouraged to reach out to Admissions with any questions about applying for a concurrent degree.

Programs Eligible for a Concurrent Degree 

Concurrent degrees are not available for PhD, DDes, MRE, or undergraduate programs. 

Applying for a Concurrent Degree 

Applicants interested in applying for a concurrent degree must submit a separate application and application fee for each program. It is important to read the application instructions for each program carefully as requirements vary.  

Each application is reviewed separately by departmental admissions committees, and applicants must be admitted to each program independently. Admission to or enrollment in one program does not guarantee acceptance by another. 

Within each application, applicants will be asked to indicate their interest in a concurrent degree, and to provide a short summary describing their intent. Applicants are also encouraged to discuss their plans for a concurrent degree with recommenders. 

Current GSD Students 

Currently enrolled students seeking admission to a second-degree program must follow the same procedures and apply by the same deadline as new applicants.

 Current students should contact the Program Managers of both their current and proposed concurrent program to discuss a potential plan of study before applying. 

Joint Degrees 

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Students enrolled in the Master in Urban Planning (MUP) program can apply to pursue two degrees simultaneously between the GSD and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government (HKS) or Law School (HLS). Students must be admitted into each school independently pursuant to that school’s own admissions criteria. The minimum full-time residency and curricular requirements at the GSD for students seeking joint degree status depend upon the degree program to which the student seeks admission.  

Joint degrees are only offered in the MUP program.  

GSD Course Catalog

Explore the course catalog for your program(s) of interest.

How to Apply

You can find more information about the GSD application process on our How to Apply page.

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