This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
Diploma in English for Graduate and Professional Studies
The Diploma in English for Graduate and Professional Studies (DGP) is a full-time graduate program for students planning to pursue professional or doctoral studies at English-speaking institutions. The program combines language instruction with graduate-level courses in the student’s discipline so that international students can practice and hone the skills that are vital to success in American academic environments.
Students normally begin the program with intensive study of English in Harvard Summer School. Students who apply to the DGP Program must attain the high advanced level (E) by the end of Summer School and consult the IEL director to develop a plan of study that includes two IEL courses and two Extension School courses at the graduate level each term. Diploma candidates must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) in all graded courses.
Admission
To be admitted to the Diploma in English for Graduate and Professional Studies Program, a student must:
- Possess an accredited bachelor’s degree
- Demonstrate proficiency in English by earning a score of 250 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or by completing four years at a college or university where English is the sole means of instruction
- Successfully complete a Harvard Summer School IEL intensive program or its equivalent during the academic year in the Extension School at Level E
- Be in good financial standing with the Division of Continuing Education
To apply, a student must submit an application (download form) and a nonrefundable $50 application fee. Students must arrange for official TOEFL scores and transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities to be sent directly to the IEL Office. The Harvard Extension School TOEFL institution code is 3458 and the department code is 02. If transcripts do not include mention of a degree that has been awarded, the student should request an official copy of his or her diploma or an official letter from the institution stating the degree and year received.
International students who need an I-20 certificate for an F-1 student visa must submit a completed financial statement with their application form by July 7, 2008, for 2008–09. See International Students for information about the I-20 certificate. For students who do not need an I-20, the application deadline is July 18, 2008, for 2008–09. Admission decisions are made after applicants have completed a Summer School IEL intensive program or the Extension School equivalent. Students who are admitted to the diploma program must take the English language placement test upon arrival at Harvard to ensure proper placement in courses.