FAQ

Can I count a course from outside WGS towards my concentration requirements?

Each year we pre-approve a number of non-WGS courses to count for WGS concentration credit. The full list can be found on our pre-approved courses page.

Students may also petition to have us count a course that does not appear on this list, please submit the Concentration Credit Petition form along with the course syllabus and a written explanation (approximately 1-2 paragraphs) to the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Please note that certain petitions may need to be brought before the WGS faculty for a vote.

Students must choose courses for concentration credit at the beginning of the semester in which the course is taught. After the end of the semester, courses cannot be added or deleted from the concentration record, except by petition. Upon entering WGS, new concentrators, with the approval of their adviser, will identify which non-WGS courses already taken may be counted for concentration credit.

Can WGS concentrators study abroad?

Yes, WGS concentrators have spent semesters taking courses in countries such as Kenya, Australia, Spain, and France. With good planning, a semester abroad or out of residence can be a very meaningful educational experience.

The Handbook for Students provides more information on how to prepare for a semester abroad. 

How do I apply for a graduate degree in WGS?

WGS only offers the graduate secondary field certificate (essentially a graduate minor). We are not able to admit graduate students directly, nor do we offer any graduate degree programs.

Students who wish to pursue the WGS graduate secondary field must be admitted to a doctoral program in one of Harvard's degree-granting departments first. For information on applying to Harvard doctoral programs, please contact the admissions office for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences or one of Harvard's other graduate or professional schools.

How do I make arrangements for academic adjustments or accommodations?

Any student needing academic adjustments or accommodations is requested to present their letter from the Accessible Education Office (AEO) and speak with the professor by the end of the second week of the term. Failure to do so may result in the inability to respond in a timely manner.

All discussions will remain confidential, although AEO may be consulted to discuss appropriate implementation.

Accessible Education Office
Phone: 617-496-8707
TDD: 617-496-3720
Fax: 617-496-1098
Email: aeo@fas.harvard.edu
Web: https://aeo.fas.harvard.edu/

I am a graduate student at another university. How do I apply to be a visiting student at Harvard?

WGS does not offer any graduate degrees, and we are unable to accept graduate students as special students or visiting fellows. 

If you are a graduate student who wishes to visit Harvard, you must apply to one of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences' . Graduate students who have been accepted into one of these programs may register for WGS courses and participate in our programs.