harvard phd special education

How to Apply

Application timeline.

Applications are now open. Select your degree below to find out exactly what is needed to apply.

Application Deadlines

• Residency Fieldwork Model | November 1, 2024 
• Internship Fieldwork Model Priority Deadline | November 1, 2024 
• Internship Fieldwork Model Regular Deadline | January 5, 2025
• Ph.D. | December 1, 2024
• Ed.L.D. | December 15, 2024
• Ed.M. (including TTL Teaching and Leading Non-Licensure Strand) & C.A.S. | January 5, 2025

Decision Notification

• TTL Teaching Licensure Strand (All Residency Fieldwork and Priority Internship Fieldwork Model Applicants) | Mid December 2024
• Ph.D. | Late February 2025
• Ed.L.D., Ed.M., & C.A.S. | Early March 2025

Your Enrollment Response

• TTL Teaching Licensure Strand | Early 2025  
• Ph.D., Ed.L.D., Ed.M., & C.A.S. | April 15, 2025

Program Begins

• All Ed.M. Students | Early June 2025 | (online Foundations course How People Learn commences)  
• TTL Licesnure Strand | Early June 2025  | (remote coursework in June; on-campus coursework and fieldwork commence in July) 
• Online Ed.M. Students | Late July/Early August 2025  | (On-Campus Institute)
• Residential Ed.M. Students | Early August 2025  | (on-campus coursework commences)  
• Doctoral Students | Late August 2025  | (on-campus coursework commences) 

Application and Requirements

Ed.m. and ed.l.d..

Application requirements for Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) and all Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) programs.

Ph.D. in Education

Ph.D. application requirements can be found on the Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website.

C.A.S. and Non-degree Study

Application requirements for the Certification in Advanced Study (C.A.S.) and non-degree study.

More about the Admissions Process

As you prepare to apply, please be sure to familiarize yourself with the admissions process for your desired program.

Non-discrimination Policy

Harvard University's policy is to make decisions concerning applicants, students, faculty, and staff on the basis of the individual's qualifications to contribute to Harvard's educational objectives and institutional needs. The principle of not discriminating against individuals based on characteristics such as race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements is consistent with the purposes of a university and with the law. 

Civic Engagement

The Harvard Graduate School of Education strives to prepare leaders in education and to generate knowledge to improve student opportunity, achievement, and success. Civic leadership and learning are important components in achieving this. Those who engage responsibly in exercising their rights and freedoms will not have their chances of admission compromised, nor will admissions offers be revoked, regardless of whether they face disciplinary action by their schools or districts as a result of peaceful protest. 

Application Review Process 

While our admissions process is highly selective, it is also personalized, comprehensive, and fair. There is no single formula or criterion for admission. HGSE looks for students with a passion for education, diverse life and work experiences, and a deep commitment to making an impact in the world — as educators, researchers, policymakers, and service-minded leaders of character and integrity. 

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Buckley Amendment) allows you to access your education records if you are admitted and decide to enroll at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. If you enroll at HGSE, your educational records would generally include information like your enrollment status, grades, and your admissions records. More information about FERPA can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website .