Intra-FAS Transfer

Intra-Faculty of Arts and Sciences Transfer Information

Students currently or formerly enrolled in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) who wish to transfer to a new department should complete a GSAS online application.  These transfers will include:

 

  1. Transfer from a joint AB-AM or AB-SM program to a PhD program.
  2. Transfer from a master’s degree program to a PhD program.
  3. Transfer from a PhD program to a master’s program.
  4. Transfer from one PhD program to another PhD program.
  5. Students formerly in a GSAS program applying to a different GSAS program.

IMPORTANT: Application deadlines vary; please follow the department deadlines and detailed application instructions on the admissions webpage. General information for applying to the Graduate School can be found here.

The following students are not considered Intra-Faculty transfers and should NOT submit the online application:

  1. Current students wishing to transfer into an ad hoc degree program should contact the Office of Student Affairs directly to fill out a paper application: 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Holyoke Center 350, (617)495-1814. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  2. Former students wishing to reenter the same GSAS program should visit the Readmissions webpage for the paper application information.
  3. Students who wish to transfer from one subject to another within the same department and at the same degree level should file an Application for Change of Subject with the Registrar’s Office.  Forms are available at the Graduate Records Office, 20 Garden Street.

It is recommended that before applying, all students discuss their proposed transfer with faculty members in the department to which they are seeking admission.  Students will only have the opportunity to apply for transfers three times in their academic career, with a maximum of two times in one year (this limit does not include the original application to GSAS).

Transcripts, GRE scores, and TOEFL scores, if available from your original application to GSAS, as well as your original application, are included when your online application is sent to the department for consideration.  If these scores are not available from your original GSAS application, you are responsible for submitting them with your online application.  Please note that GRE scores expire after 5 years, and TOEFL scores expire after 2 years.  You are responsible for retaking these tests if necessary and submitting your scores.  For English language proficiency, please note that only the TOEFL iBT or an undergraduate degree from an English-speaking institution will be accepted.  Please see application instructions for details.

As you are completing the online application, be sure to answer “Yes” and list your dates of attendance under the question “Have you ever been registered in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as a degree candidate?” found on page 1 of the Application Form.

Please include the following with your completed online application:

  1. Current official GSAS transcript.
  2. Transcripts from institutions which you attended since your last enrollment in GSAS.
  3. Three NEW letters of recommendation (preferably from faculty members who can comment on your ability to carry out graduate study in your proposed field).
  4. Current GRE scores, if necessary.
  5. TOEFL iBT scores, if necessary.
  6. Any additional material required by the department (check with the department directly).
  7. Financial Aid Application.

Print and keep a copy of the completed GSAS application and Financial Aid Application for your records.

Questions may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  You may also call the Dean’s Office at 617-495-1814.


HILS (Harvard Integrated Life Sciences) Students only:

Students currently enrolled in a HILS member program who wish to transfer to another HILS program should complete the online application and follow the application instructions below.  In addition, you MUST make an appointment to see John McNally, Assistant Dean of HILS, as soon as you have submitted the online application.  Your application will NOT be delivered to the department for evaluation until there is a written confirmation note from John McNally in your transfer application file.


You can set up an appointment with John McNally by emailing him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling the GSAS Dean’s Office at (617) 495-1814.