Brandeis combines the resources of a world-class research university with the personal attention of a liberal arts setting. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers 17 doctoral programs and more than 40 master's and postbaccalaureate programs.
One of the key differences at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is our emphasis on interdisciplinary learning. You will learn the importance of connecting with people who have a broad range of expertise and experience.
We support all doctoral students and the majority of master’s and post-baccalaureate students who maintain satisfactory academic progress with loans and scholarships.
Keep up to date with the latest news and events from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Find important resources and information to help you succeed as a GSAS student.
Professional development at GSAS is for PhD and MA students in all departments and in all stages of their career. Whether you are just starting or are about to finish your degree, the resources we provide are for you. Our goal is to enable students to pursue fulfilling careers in the private sector, academia, non-profits and government.
Find a member of staff who can address your questions. Meet your Graduate Department Representative and your Director of Graduate Study.
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences would like to extend a special welcome to all of our new matriculating students. Please review the checklist below, which is separated into items that need to be addressed prior to the start of classes and items that can be addressed afterwards. Please note that you must confirm your intention to enroll before addressing the items on this checklist.
Description: The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences requires official transcripts for post-secondary education that occurred prior to matriculation at Brandeis University. The transcripts that were uploaded to your application are not considered official. For more information on how to submit your official transcripts, please view your Application Portal.
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences reserves the right to revoke admission of anyone who does not provide official transcripts.
When: Please submit your official transcripts for all levels of your post-secondary education as soon as possible. If you are still completing your bachelor’s degree, you will need to wait until you complete your studies in order for degree conferral information to be included on your transcript. If you very recently completed your studies, this information may not be available on your transcript yet. Prior to requesting your official transcript, please check with your Registrar’s Office to ensure that it will include the degree you were awarded and date it was conferred.
Description: Your Brandeis account will provide you access to Brandeis University’s electronic systems including the Brandeis email system. Once you have accessed this system, most of GSAS’ subsequent correspondence will be sent to your Brandeis email address.
When: Incoming students who have confirmed their intention to enroll and have paid any required enrollment deposit will receive Brandeis account instructions by email.
Description: Information about the enrollment and waiver process, benefit information, and FAQs can be found at the UHP website.
Domestic Students (Full or 3/4 Time): You must enroll in or waive health insurance every year you are a student. You will not be officially enrolled in the health insurance plan unless you sign up at the UHP website. Failure to enroll in the university health plan by the deadline may result in an inability to actively utilize your insurance benefits until approximately one month into the semester. PhD students who receive a health credit as part of their financial aid package will not receive the credit unless they enroll through the UHP website.
International Students: You will be automatically enrolled in the health insurance plan every year and any health insurance credits that you received as part of your financial aid package will be added to your student account. No action is necessary.
Part-time Students: Part-time students are not eligible to enroll in the graduate health insurance plan. Please note the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all citizens be enrolled in a state approved health insurance plan. Visit the Massachusetts Government website for more information on Massachusetts health insurance options.
When: Waiver and enrollment forms will be available on the University Health Plans website beginning in mid-May. GSAS will contact students in mid-May with information about deadlines and links to the forms once they are available. The deadline for enrolling in or waiving the insurance is typically June 1.
Description: In accordance with Massachusetts state law, all full-time and ¾-time students (students registered for nine or more credits per semester) must submit documentation of all required immunizations before arriving on campus. These forms and any related questions should be addressed to the Health Center, not to GSAS.
When: GSAS will begin contacting incoming students in late May regarding the completion of the health forms.
Description: While on-campus graduate student housing is not available, students are able to find convenient rental housing that is walking distance to campus or a car, bus, or commuter rail ride away. For information about campus parking, please see the "Obtain a Campus Parking Permit" section below.
Description: International students whose visas will be sponsored by Brandeis must complete the VIDOF (Visa Information / Declaration of Finances) form in order for our International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) to issue a Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility. One of these forms will be required for the visa interview. For specific and detailed questions about immigration and your specific visa (including J-1 holders), please contact the ISSO at isso@brandeis.edu.
When: ISSO will contact incoming summer and fall international students (who have confirmed their intention to enroll and have made a required enrollment deposit, if applicable) after March 15 to begin the process. If you are offered admission after March 15, you will receive this information shortly after confirming your intention to enroll and paying any applicable tuition deposit. If you will begin your studies in the spring semester, ISSO will contact you after October 15 to begin the process.
Description: New graduate students must open a Brandeis account prior to registering. If you have not done so, please refer to the Setting up your Brandeis Account section. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences encourages students to be in touch with their department administrators and/or faculty advisors to determine which courses they should enroll in during their first semester. Review the Registrar’s Schedule of Classes to determine what courses are being offered in the upcoming semester. Incoming fall students can add, drop, and swap classes in the Workday system.
When: Registration typically opens the month prior to the first day of classes. Please refer to the Office of the Registrar’s website for the official date that registration opens. Please note that registration requires you to have set up a Brandeis account.
Description: The Student Resources Page contains useful information ranging from academic resources to student life to graduation requirements. Please note that the Resources for Students Page supplements the University’s Rights and Responsibilities and the Office of the University Registrar’s Bulletin.
When: You should review the resources page prior to the start of classes and reference it as needed throughout your education.
Description: In order to receive your stipend, you must be able to present original identification to the University that satisfies the requirements of Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). Students receiving a stipend or who have been hired as a Course Assistant, Teaching Assistant, or Grader will receive an from Workday with a link to complete the I-9 task. There are two steps to complete the I-9 form. First, students are to complete Section 1 of the I-9 on their own in Workday. Once Section 1 is submitted, GSAS will contact the student about the completion of Section 2, which requires providing appropriate documentation during an in-person appointment.
All U.S. employers require employees to have a social security number (SSN). International students without an SSN can complete all other portions of the I-9 prior to receiving the SSN. Please visit the International Students and Scholars Office website for information on obtaining an SSN as an international student.
When: You will receive an email from Workday by the end of the second week in August prompting you to complete Section 1 of the I-9 in Workday. After Section 1 is complete, GSAS will email you to schedule an appointment for Section 2. Your I-9 must be completed by the first day of classes at the absolute latest. International students without an SSN must complete everything on their I-9s except the SSN by the first day of classes. If the I-9 is not complete prior to the final week of August, there may be a delay in the processing of your first payment.
Description: Brandeis' Hospitality division runs several locations on campus, each outfitted with different menu items and hours of operation. Dine in, take out, and delivery options are available. Interested students are able to sign up for a dining services plan.
When: Incoming students are welcome to visit the dining locations upon their arrival to campus. Please note that there might be special hours of operation at the beginning of the semester. If interested in a meal plan, students are welcome to sign up during the week prior to the start of classes.
Description: Student ID cards are printed in the Campus Card Office located in Epstein Building room 101. Your student ID card can be used at campus libraries, dining services, and marked vending machines, as well as for printing/copying and entry to various campus facilities.
When: The Campus Card Office allows students to obtain their IDs no earlier than the week before the start of the semester in which they are first enrolling.
Description: GSAS maintains a graduate student lounge on the first floor of the Rabb Building, Room 121. This lounge is intended as a space for graduate students working collaboratively together or taking a break between classes. It has one computer, a coffee maker, and a free library.
Additionally, the Office of Graduate Student Affairs (OGA) maintains two Graduate Student Lounges on campus:
Kutz Hall Graduate Student Center is located across from the Registrar's office on the first floor of Kutz Hall. This lounge has computers and a printer, as well as a kitchenette and a lounge with a television. Students looking to do group work or quiet study can also reserve the adjacent conference room. It is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 8:00 am to 8:00 pm on Fridays.
Gerstenzang Graduate Student Study Lounge is located on the main floor of the Gerstenzang Science Library. It is a quiet study space, perfect for when you really need to focus. Additionally, a lactation room is available by email request to graduateaffairs@brandeis.
When: You are welcome to visit the centers at your leisure.
Description: If you intend to drive to campus, then you will need to obtain a campus parking permit for the academic year. The permit allows you to park in the Athletics and Theater parking lots.
When: The week prior to the start of classes, you can submit an application for a campus parking permit. The Office of Public Safety will be in touch when your permit is ready for pick up. The cost of the permit will be charged to your student account approximately one month after your parking permit is issued.
Description: Once you receive onboarding task items from Workday, you will be able to log in and establish your direct deposit and W-4 information. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, your tax liability is dependent upon any treaties that exist between the U.S. and your country, among other factors. In order to claim a tax exemption you must complete a Foreign National Information Form if you have not previously done so. This form is available online or in the Payroll Office.
When: As soon as you receive onboarding task item emails from Workday, you can access direct deposit and W-4 information. International students should complete the Foreign National Information Form as soon as possible.