This page answers some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about getting started at Harvard Extension School.
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Time-Management & Flexibility
How much time should I expect to spend on coursework?
One credit in a Harvard Extension School course is equal to one semester hour. The hours you need to dedicate to your studies depend upon how many courses you take per semester and the intensity of the class.
Instructors determine the workload for their individual courses, but students should expect to have at least two hours of work outside of class for every hour in class. Please refer to course syllabi, once available, to learn more about coursework and assignments.
Can I do everything online?
Most courses are offered in an online-course format to allow flexibility to our students. All graduate certificates may be completed entirely through online education. However, our graduate programs require at least one on-campus learning experience.
Can I take more than one on-campus course?
Yes, you can take more than one on-campus course if you choose. Please note all registered students who will have a presence on campus must comply with Massachusetts and Harvard University regulations requiring proof of immunization.
If I sign up for a course that offers both online and on-campus formats, can I attend both?
Flexible attendance courses that offer the option to participate synchronously online. These courses may give you the option to watch class recordings and participate asynchronously online. You may also be able to attend on campus. Please see the meeting information for details about which options are available in your course.
Student Resources
How can I get an internship?
Harvard Extension School does not provide student employment for course takers; however, registered students, degree candidates, and alumni are welcome to use our Career and Academic Resource Center (CARC), which provides effective internship and job-search strategies. Please see CARC’s website for more information.
Do I have access to tutoring?
Several services are available to registered Harvard Extension School students, including online study tools, writing resources, and student success coaching. Please visit our Academic Skills Building page for more information.
Can I join Harvard clubs and student organizations?
Some of our organizations are for degree-candidates only, but plenty of virtual and on-campus events take place throughout the semester. Please visit the Harvard Extension Student Association for more information.
As an online student, how can I get in touch with peers in my class?
The Gather Study Lounge is a tool built into your course’s Canvas site that gives you and your peers a space to meet outside of class time. You are able to access the lounge 24/7 without needing to have teaching staff open a Zoom room for you.
Admission
What is your admissions process?
Harvard Extension School undergraduate and graduate degree programs offer students a flexible, affordable opportunity for academic and professional advancement.
Students will need to complete two or three Harvard Extension School courses towards admission (available online) and earn the required cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (equivalent to a grade of B) or higher from all Harvard courses.
If you haven’t earned at least a B in all of your Harvard courses, use our GPA Estimator tool to determine your GPA. See Academic Standing for information on grade-point average calculation for the graduate degree program.
The degree courses vary by program and count toward the completion of a degree.
When do I need to apply?
Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree should apply during the semester of their second or third degree course to ensure their progress and avoid a $300 delayed application fee.
How can I tell if a course counts toward a degree or certificate?
On the website, students will find detailed application and admission requirements for each field of study. To find courses that specifically fulfill these requirements, by term or other sort options, use the course catalog to filter by specific degree or certificate. You may then also filter by Admissions Courses, Degree Courses, and other requirements.
What happens if I don’t pass the CRWS test?
You may take the Critical Reading and Writing Skills (CRWS) test once per term (fall, spring, or summer). If you do not pass your first attempt, you may take it again during the following term. If you do not pass the test after two attempts, you will not be allowed to take it again. If you don’t pass the test on the first try, we strongly advise you to take the course that the exam graders have recommended.
Financial Services
How much is a course?
At Harvard Extension School, we believe that a quality education should also be affordable. Our tuition rates are comparable to public universities and only a fraction of the tuition of our peer institutions. Our tuition rate is calculated by credit, and the majority of courses are 4 credits. To see the average tuition rate per 4-credit course for the current school year, please visit our Paying for School webpage. To find the specific tuition for your course of interest, please consult the course description within the course catalog.
Tuition fees listed are the same for all students regardless of the course format. There are no additional fees on top of tuition. Full payment of tuition is due by the full payment deadline. Please view the calendar for the specific deadline each term.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Limited financial aid funding is available to non-U.S. citizens. You may be eligible to borrow a private education loan through a lender of your choice with a U.S. citizen as a cosigner. See Paying for School webpage for more information.
Harvard Extension School Credentials
What is the difference between HES and Harvard?
Harvard Extension School is part of the Division of Continuing Education, in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University. As one of the 12 degree-granting schools at Harvard, the Extension School is distinguished by its part-time evening and online courses available to the global community.
Harvard Extension School is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Extension School courses are approved each year by Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences to count toward the Harvard University degrees of Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies and Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies.
We believe the most important predictor of successful program participation and completion is your current ability to perform at the honors level at Harvard. The application process for degree programs is nontraditional and based heavily on the student’s performance in two or three field-specific Harvard Extension School courses taken before application. For more information on our programs, please see Academics. Please see About Us and Why Harvard Extension School? to learn more.
Do Harvard professors teach at HES?
Sixty percent of Harvard Extension School instructors are Harvard University affiliates (professors, administrators, or teaching fellows). Learn more about HES faculty. Our degree candidates receive a Harvard student ID card, which grants them access to a wide range of Harvard University’s Resources and Benefits.
Do I get a certificate of completion once I finish a course?
Harvard Extension School does not offer certificates upon the completion of individual academic courses. However, students looking to receive proof of courses taken at the Extension School may request an official transcript. This document will indicate any courses from the Extension and Summer Schools that have been completed, and the grades received in courses taken for credit.
