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Graduates of our degree and certificate programs participate in Harvard Commencement.

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About Us

As Harvard University’s primary resource for continuing education for nearly a century, Harvard Extension School offers an open and comprehensive academic curriculum, with courses and programs to meet the interests and needs of a diverse public.

Explore a subject in depth. Gain advanced training for a career change. Earn specialized field credentials. Whether you take a course or work toward a degree or certificate, we have options for you.

Why continue your education at Harvard Extension School?

Satisfy your intellectual curiousity.

Courses in liberal arts and professional fields

With more than 600 courses, Harvard Extension School offers a range of possibilities for study, representing more than 65 fields.

Classes are open to any student up to the challenge. You don’t have to be in a degree program to enroll. Whatever your goals or experience, the only general requirement is a true commitment to learning.

Browse our abundant fall and spring course offerings.

Pursue a rigorous program of study.

Accredited degree and certificate programs

As one of 12 degree-granting schools at Harvard University, Harvard Extension School has degrees and certificates that allow you to enhance professional skills, prepare for a new career, or pursue intellectual inquiry for personal enrichment.

Learn about the programs, including our unique admissions process.

Learn from the best.

World-class faculty

Instructors from the Harvard University and Greater Boston communities bring scholarly expertise and real-world experience to the classroom. You study with

An investment in your future.

Competitive tuition rates

Harvard Extension School tuition ranks among the lowest in Boston, offering an educational opportunity that is unmatched. On average, the cost ranges from $800 to $1,975 for undergraduate and graduate 4-credit courses. Charged per course and not per credit, tuition is listed in course descriptions. Financial aid is available to students in degree and certificate programs.

Read about tuition.

A stimulating academic community.

Motivated classmates and rich resources

Harvard University is a place of intellectual stimulation and discovery, where ideas foster change and awareness inspires commitment. Harvard Extension School—a cornerstone of Harvard University for nearly a century—represents the University’s dedication to extending its rich academic resources to the public, locally, nationally, and internationally.

A Wealth of Resources

As a student, you can take advantage of the extensive resources available through Harvard’s libraries, career and academic workshops, and computer facilities. You can attend campus lectures and participate in student organizations.

Read more about the benefits of being an Extension School student in Resources.

Our Students: Focused, Independent

The student population of nearly 13,000 women and men is diverse, but they all share a goal of engaging themselves in thought-provoking pursuits. In class, you might encounter a lawyer studying creative writing, a teacher broadening her knowledge of technology, a parent pursuing graduate studies part time, or a traditional college student working toward a degree. The age of our students ranges from the teens to the eighties, with the average of 33 years. Most students already have degrees, and all bring abundant life experience to the classroom.

Every one of our past and present students has a story. Meet our students and faculty.

Alumni Success

Graduates of our programs, who are members of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association, have gone on to attend prestigious graduate programs and become leaders in fields such as business, medicine, education, law, and politics.

Read about the success of some of our notable alumni.

Accreditation

Harvard Extension School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Learn more in Policies.