Overview

The Human Development and Education programme at Harvard University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how learning and development function as lifelong, interactive processes. This curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between developmental science and real-world application, ensuring graduates can support the unique needs of children, families, and communities. Students explore various developmental domains, including social, emotional, cognitive, and neurological factors, to design effective interventions.

By engaging with this course, you will learn how ecological factors such as schools, teachers, and culture influence individual growth. The programme emphasises the evaluation of evidence and research to inform change strategies and implement support efforts.

Why Human Development and Education at Harvard University?

The programme offers a unique opportunity to work alongside world-class faculty who are leaders in human development and urban education advancement. Students benefit from a rich, diverse cohort that fosters an exhilarating learning environment and builds long-term professional networks. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing for a personalised approach through various concentrations and elective coursework tailored to specific career goals.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 62244 per year
National fee: USD 62244 per year
Local fee: USD 62244 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 42 credits, including core foundations and specialised developmental coursework. Modules may include:

How People Learn
Equity and Opportunity
Evidence
Leading Change
HDE Program Core Experience
Developmental Research Methods
Early Childhood Development
Developmental Psychology
Language and Literacy Development

Careers with Human Development and Education

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of impactful roles across the education and social service sectors. Many alumni pursue careers as school counselors in K–12 settings, while others become teachers, curricula developers, or university administrators. The programme also provides a strong foundation for those looking to lead youth organisations, camps, or afterschool programmes.

Beyond direct service, the degree supports pathways into research roles within university centres and think tanks. Graduates may also find success as program administrators in local or federal government, or as managers for international non-governmental organisations. Additionally, the skills gained are highly applicable to roles as consultants, trainers, and technical assistance providers in the field of human development.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Education in Context: History, Philosophy and Sociology

Learning Theory and Implications for Instruction

Curriculum Design and Instructional Decision Making

Creating Positive Classroom Environments

Understanding Barriers to Learning

Assessment and Evaluation

Teaching for Diverse and Inclusive Classrooms

Living and Learning Globally

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

104

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

42 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Education Developmental Psychology View 2531 other Masters in Education in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

104

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Online Application Form

Statement of Purpose and Résumé

Three letters of recommendation (submitted through the online application system)

Standardized test score(s): GRE (optional) TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable)

Transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution attended (uploaded with the online application)

$85 application fee (paid via credit card with the online application)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

62244 USD / year

≈ 62244 USD / year
Out-of-State

62244 USD / year

≈ 62244 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

62244 USD / year

≈ 62244 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Human Development and Education.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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