Harvard Division of Continuing Education

About Harvard Division of Continuing Education

Harvard Division of Continuing Education (DCE) extends Harvard University's educational mission to students and professionals who pursue learning outside traditional degree programs. Established to make Harvard's resources accessible to broader audiences, DCE enrolls tens of thousands of students annually through the Harvard Extension School, Harvard Summer School, and Harvard Professional Development Programs. Harvard Extension School, the largest DCE program, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional certificates, and individual courses to students who combine study with work and other responsibilities. Unlike Harvard's highly selective undergraduate and professional schools, Extension School maintains open enrollment for individual courses while requiring demonstrated academic performance for degree candidacy. This approach allows motivated learners to prove themselves through coursework rather than traditional admissions gatekeeping. The connection to Harvard provides access to exceptional faculty and resources. Many courses are taught by Harvard faculty from across the university, alongside experienced practitioners and dedicated Extension School instructors. Students access Harvard's libraries, attend campus events, and engage with the broader Harvard community while pursuing their studies. Notable alumni include professionals who advanced their careers through Extension School credentials, career changers who gained new expertise, and lifelong learners who pursued intellectual interests. The flexibility of part-time study attracts students from diverse backgrounds and stages of life, creating a community quite different from traditional student populations.

Harvard Extension School maintains open enrollment for individual courses, allowing anyone to register and attend without a competitive admissions process. This accessibility distinguishes Extension School from Harvard's other programs and reflects its mission to extend educational opportunity. For degree programs, admission occurs through a candidacy process after initial coursework. Students take three graduate-level courses in their intended field, earning grades of B or better in each. After demonstrating capability through this coursework, students apply for degree candidacy. This performance-based process offers an alternative path for students whose backgrounds might not support competitive traditional admissions. Registration for courses occurs online through the Extension School website. Course sections may fill, so registering early is advisable for popular courses. Payment is due at registration, with financial assistance available for qualifying students. Professional certificate programs typically do not require admission beyond course registration. Students complete the required courses for their chosen certificate area and apply for the credential upon completion. Harvard Summer School has a more traditional application process for certain programs, particularly pre-college programs for high school students. College students and adults generally register directly for courses without competitive admission. International students should be aware of visa implications. The Extension School offers a form of student visa sponsorship for students meeting certain enrollment requirements, but the details are complex and students should consult with the school directly. Online study may be appropriate for international students who cannot obtain visas.

Harvard Extension School offers bachelor's and master's degrees in fields including software engineering, management, liberal arts, and data science. Degree programs combine online and on-campus courses, with most students completing degrees while working full-time. The curriculum reflects Harvard standards while accommodating the scheduling needs of working professionals. Admission to degree programs occurs through a process distinct from traditional Harvard admissions. Students first take three courses as non-degree candidates, demonstrating capability through performance. Those earning B or better grades can then apply for degree candidacy, with admission based primarily on demonstrated academic ability rather than the holistic factors dominating traditional admissions. The course catalog spans subjects from computer science to humanities, drawing on expertise across Harvard's schools. Evening and online courses allow students to fit study around work schedules. The academic year runs year-round, with fall, spring, and summer terms providing flexibility in pacing progress. Professional certificates offer focused training in specific areas without the commitment of a full degree. Certificate programs cover topics including data science, digital marketing, sustainability, and museum studies. Completion requires several courses in a specified area, demonstrating competence in a way employers recognize. Harvard Summer School serves a different population, primarily undergraduates from other institutions and Harvard students who take courses during the summer term. The concentrated summer format allows intensive study, and courses carry Harvard credit that may transfer to other institutions.

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Harvard Extension School differs fundamentally from traditional college experiences. Most students balance study with full-time employment, family responsibilities, and other commitments. The student body includes working professionals, career changers, retirees, and young adults beginning their education. This diversity creates classroom discussions that draw on varied professional and life experiences. On-campus courses take place primarily in the evening, after most traditional Harvard activities have ended. Students commute to campus for class sessions, typically returning home afterward rather than spending extended time on campus. This pattern limits the traditional extracurricular and social aspects of college life but accommodates students with full schedules. Online courses provide flexibility for students who cannot regularly attend Cambridge-based sessions or prefer remote study. Live online classes maintain real-time interaction, while asynchronous options allow students to engage with content on their own schedules. The blend of online and on-campus options lets students customize their experience. Student organizations serve Extension School students specifically, organizing social events, professional networking, and community service activities. These organizations provide connection opportunities for students who might otherwise feel isolated from the broader Harvard community. Annual events bring together students, faculty, and alumni. The demands of combining study with other responsibilities require discipline and time management. Students should expect to invest significant hours in coursework each week, with assignments and readings that demand attention amid competing priorities. However, the flexibility to pace progress and choose course formats helps students sustain their studies over the multiple years typically required for degrees.

Location & Surroundings

Harvard Extension School operates primarily from the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. On-campus classes meet in Harvard Yard and surrounding facilities, allowing students to experience the historic campus even if their time there is limited. The Extension School's administrative offices are located in the nearby Harvard Square area. Cambridge provides a vibrant urban environment centered on its universities. Harvard Square offers bookstores, restaurants, and cultural venues within walking distance of campus. The broader Boston metropolitan area provides additional amenities, all accessible via public transit. For students attending evening classes, commuting to Cambridge is a significant consideration. The MBTA subway system connects to Cambridge, with the Harvard Square station a short walk from most class locations. Students commuting by car should be aware of limited parking on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Many students find public transit more practical despite longer commute times. The climate features cold winters and warm summers. Students attending evening classes should prepare for darkness and potentially harsh weather during winter terms. The campus is well-maintained in winter conditions, but commuting may be more challenging when snow or ice affects travel. Online course options eliminate location constraints for students who cannot regularly travel to Cambridge. Students from anywhere in the world can participate in Extension School courses and complete degree requirements, though some programs include on-campus residency requirements at certain points. Boston's Logan International Airport provides domestic and international connections for students who need to travel to campus occasionally. The area's high cost of living affects students who live locally, though many attend from the suburbs where housing is somewhat more affordable.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Harvard Extension School course tuition is significantly lower than traditional Harvard programs, reflecting the school's accessibility mission. Individual courses typically cost approximately $2,000-3,500 depending on the course level and format. Master's degrees require approximately 12 courses, making total tuition roughly $30,000-40,000 for complete degrees. Additional costs include fees, textbooks, and, for students not local to Cambridge, travel and accommodation for any required on-campus components. Living expenses are not relevant for most Extension School students, who maintain their existing housing while studying part-time. Financial assistance is available for qualifying students. The Extension School offers scholarships and grants based on financial need, and federal student loans are available for degree-seeking students. The relatively low tuition compared to other Harvard programs reduces financial barriers, though the overall investment is still significant. Career outcomes vary widely given the diversity of Extension School students. Many students pursue degrees to advance in their current careers rather than to enter the job market fresh. For these students, the value comes through promotion, new responsibilities, or increased effectiveness in current roles. Career changers use Extension School credentials to enter new fields. The Harvard name carries recognition with employers, though Extension School credentials are understood differently than Harvard College or Business School degrees. Employers familiar with Extension School appreciate the dedication required to complete degrees while working. The credential signals academic capability and commitment rather than the selectivity that traditional Harvard degrees imply. Career services support is available to Extension School students, including advising, employer connections, and professional development resources. Alumni networks provide connections, though students should proactively engage to benefit from these resources.