Doctoral Course Definitions and Enrollment Policy
HBS doctoral courses serve a variety of purposes. Approved courses will:
• Provide deep subject knowledge of a specific field or method
• Develop advanced research skills, including methodology, data analysis, and critical thinking.
• Focus on effective communication and writing skills.
• Introduce students to new ideas in their own and related fields.
• Support and encourage students as they develop new knowledge.
PhD students engage deeply with and challenge existing ideas, develop new theories and techniques – broadly they serve as catalysts for innovation. Teaching in doctoral provides faculty with the opportunity to broaden and deepen their knowledge and identify new research opportunities. Interaction with the students allows faculty to mentor, collaborate, and foster innovation…and have fun!
All courses must be registered with doctoral programs office and approved by the Chair of the Doctoral Programs at least 2 months before the start of term. Faculty must provide their syllabus to the office in advance of the course.
The primary audience must be HBS PhD students in one of the 7 programs. Courses listed as an HBS doctoral course must have at least 3 students enrolled, 2 of which must be HBS PhD students. The Boston area has many PhD programs and we are eager to partner with area schools to offer courses that enrich all of our communities. However, faculty must prioritize the learning opportunities for HBS students and should ensure that cross-registrants have the necessary preparation to participate fully their course. While undergraduates and masters students may enroll in PhD-level courses, they should not constitute more than 1/3 of the class. Doctoral reserves the right to cancel a course if the enrollment requirements are not met.
Courses taught at HBS fall into three categories:
• Doctoral Course (1 ATA): A doctoral course requires a minimum of 32 hours of class teaching time, regular assignments (e.g. written assignments, problem sets), and a final exam or final paper. A course is typically part of the required curriculum and is taught every year or every other year. The content must allow for easy transition from one instructor to another. The syllabus must include a well-crafted reading list that is not solely based on the instructor’s research interests. Students typically take this course to fulfill a requirement. Grades are typically based on a letter scheme (A-E).
• Doctoral Seminar (1/2 ATA): A doctoral seminar requires between 18 - 30 hours of class teaching time. Content may be based on a single research topic or stream and may be specific to an individual instructor’s interest. The syllabus must contain a reading list and requires a final exam or final paper. Regular assignments are not required, but should be assigned as necessary. Students typically take this course to fulfill an elective requirement or to support their research interests. Grades are typically based on a letter scheme (A-E).
• Doctoral Workshop: (0 ATA) A workshop may also be characterized as a lab or discussion group. It is typically held once a week, but may meet as little as every other week. A faculty member coordinates or facilitates student, faculty, and guest presentations. Students should enroll, but grading is typically pass/fail. Students generally take this course to support and inform their research.