Please click here for instructions on how to Declare a Concentration
What are the benefits of declaring a Concentration?
HGSE Concentrations allow you to deepen your knowledge in a particular context or area of education through courses and co-curricular activities, ranging from applied learning experiences to professional development opportunities to speakers and networking events. Through a Concentration, you can foster connections with peers who share similar interests as you explore your passions and advance your career as an education professional. A Concentration can be combined with your Program to create a personalized academic and/or career pathway, signaling expertise in a context or area of education.
Are Concentrations required?
No. Concentrations are optional at HGSE.
If I did not express interest in a Concentration on my application for admission, can I still declare one?
Yes! You must declare your intention to do so via my.Harvard by Friday, September 1st at 5pm ET.
If I expressed interest in a specific Concentration on my admissions application, can I select a different Concentration this fall?
Yes. Any interest in a Concentration expressed on the admissions application was non-binding. As such, students can declare any Concentration in the fall.
Are there any disadvantages to declaring a Concentration?
Declaring a Concentration implies fulfilling the Concentration requirements, including course and co-curricular requirements. If you would want to take that Concentration’s courses and engage in its activities regardless, then there is no disadvantage. However, it may be that required Concentration courses conflict with other activities or courses in which you want to participate or that they reach or exceed your credit limit (56 credits total), thus excluding other course options.
Can I choose more than one Concentration?
No. To ensure sufficient completion time, students are limited to one Concentration.
How do I declare a Concentration?
First, you should explore concentrations of interest. Each concentration page contains concentration descriptions and curricular information. We also encourage students to watch the Concentrations Discussions Panel from March 2023: March 27th Concentrations Panel.
Second, attend the Concentration Information Session. Exact times and details for each session are included below. Note that the modality of the Concentration Q&A sessions vary between virtual and on-campus events. Students are welcome to attend as many Q&A sessions as they would like.
Finally, complete the Concentration Declaration in my.Harvard.
Concentration Information Sessions
| Concentration | Date | Time | Format | Location |
| Arts & Learning | Fri Aug 25 | 1-2 pm | in-person | Longfellow 228 |
| Early Childhood | Fri Aug 18 | 1-2 pm | in-person | Larsen 203 |
| Global, International & Comparative Education | Tue Aug 22 | 1-2 pm | in-person | Eliot Lyman |
| Higher Education | Thu Aug 24 | 1-2 pm | hybrid | Gutman 440 and Zoom |
| Identity, Power, & Justice in Education | Wed Aug 23 | 1-2 pm | Zoom | Zoom |
| Literacy & Languages | Mon Aug 21 | 1-2 pm | in-person | Larsen 203 |
If I declare a Concentration and later change my mind, can I switch to another one?
Given the 1-year degree program length, Ed.M. candidates are discouraged from changing Concentrations. If you genuinely feel that a different Concentration would be a better fit, you should contact the prospective Concentration Co-Chairs to determine if a switch is possible.
If I declare a Concentration and determine it is no longer a good fit for me, can I drop it?
Before you drop the Concentration, please consult with the Concentration Coordinator and Concentration Co-Chairs. You can then complete the Request to Drop Concentration Form.
How do I access more information about Concentration courses, including syllabi and readings?
The Concentration Question & Answer (Q&A) sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about required and elective Concentration courses. Syllabi and readings will be available upon enrollment in individual courses.
Can courses count for credit toward both Program and Concentration requirements?
In many instances, students can take classes that are cross-listed as credit for both their Program and Concentration.
Will my Concentration be listed on my diploma?
No. All Ed.M. diplomas indicate a Master’s in Education. Neither the Program nor the Concentration is specified on the diploma. However, if you declare a Concentration, it will be reflected on your transcript along with your Program.