At Harvard Extension School, we offer flexible course options to help you balance school, career, and other commitments. Whether you prefer the structure of live online classes, the convenience of asynchronous courses, or the experience of joining us on campus, you can find a course format that fits your life.
Three Participation Options
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Online Synchronous. Most of our courses are held live online (Eastern Time).
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Online Asynchronous. 35% do not require live attendance.
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On Campus. 20% provide the option to attend on campus.
Online Courses
Synchronous
Online synchronous participation happens over Zoom, so you can see, hear, and speak with your classmates.
You can filter by online synchronous courses in the course search. Here, you’ll find:
- Live attendance web conference courses. These courses are held entirely live over Zoom.
- Online synchronous courses with a required on-campus weekend. These courses meet over Zoom and have a required weekend on campus.
- Flexible attendance courses that offer the option to participate synchronously online. These courses may give you the option to participate asynchronously online or on campus. Please see the meeting information for your specific course for details about which options are available to you.
Asynchronous
In online asynchronous courses, you are not required to attend class at a particular time. Instead, you can complete your coursework on your own schedule each week.
You can filter by asynchronous courses in the course search. Here, you’ll find:
- Online asynchronous courses. These courses give you materials to work through each week, with discussion boards or live section meetings for support.
- Streamed Harvard University courses. These are live Harvard College courses that are recorded so you can participate on demand.
- Flexible attendance courses that offer the option to participate asynchronously. These courses may also give you the option to participate synchronously online or on campus. Please see the meeting information for your specific course for details about which options are available to you.
Please note that while your course may be asynchronous, your lab or section may be synchronous.
On-Campus Courses
In our on-campus courses, you’ll join faculty and peers in person for an immersive experience on Harvard’s campus.
You can filter by on-campus courses in the course search. We offer multiple options to study on campus, so you can choose one that fits your needs:
- Active Learning Weekend. Come to campus for a weekend (Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday).
- 1- or 3-week January session. These on-campus courses offer an accelerated learning experience on Harvard’s campus.
- 3-, 4-, or 7-week Summer session. Through the Harvard Summer School, we offer a range of courses on campus across different subject areas and different parts of the term.
Harvard Extension School degree programs have a short, on-campus residency requirement. This is fulfilled by participating in one of the on-campus options — available options vary by program.
If you ever have the chance to enroll in an on-campus course: Do so! Go spend time with fellow students and have fun.
FAQs
What technology is required for online courses at Harvard Extension School?
You’ll need a computer with an up-to-date operating system, a reliable internet connection (5 Mbps or higher), and access to course materials on the Canvas platform using your HarvardKey. Most courses require Zoom, a webcam, and a microphone. Mobile devices and Chromebooks are not supported.
What is an active learning weekend?
An active learning weekend (ALW) is an in-person course offered over a single weekend at Harvard Extension School. Designed to fulfill the on-campus requirement for select degree programs, ALWs offer intensive, hands-on learning experiences through interactive sessions like discussions, workshops, and group projects.
These immersive weekends help students apply course concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and build connections with peers and faculty. ALWs are typically offered in fall, January, and spring terms to accommodate different schedules.
A course I’m looking at has required sections. What does that mean?
For any course type, there may be separate labs or section meetings. Information about the days and times of labs or sections will be listed on the course syllabus or announced by the teaching staff once class begins.
Can I search for courses by format?
Yes, you can search for courses by format. In the course search under “Additional Filters” you can select the participation option that best fits your needs.
I’m an international student. What options are best for me?
For more information about studying at Harvard Extension School as an international student, visit our International Students page.
As an international student, it is important to note that all online synchronous courses are held during Eastern Time.
If you wish to study on campus, it is best to do so during Harvard Summer School to meet the necessary visa requirements.
How will I meet other students online?
As an online student, you have access to the Gather Study Lounge — 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.
How long is a class at Harvard Extension School?
Classes typically meet one to two times a week for two to three hours. The number of times a course meets and the length will depend on which term your class is in. Classes that meet during a shorter term may meet for longer or more frequently.
Classes are usually held in the evenings to accommodate students who are taking classes while working full time.
What is your philosophy around online learning?
At Harvard Extension School, we focus on human-centered learning:
- People are at the core of every interaction — we’re connecting people for a shared learning experience.
- Our courses respect the full lives and varied preferences of adult, part-time learners.
- You receive personal, individualized feedback on your work.
- You will be part of a strong community of learners.
Iterative course design keeps our courses fresh and relevant for students and instructors, ensuring that what you’re learning is in line with changes in the field.
Read more about how Harvard Extension School approaches online learning:
