Academic Gap Year

• Spend a semester or year challenging yourself in online classes with Harvard faculty and industry experts.
• Build academic and professional proficiency through skill-building and career webinars, student resources, and Harvard University Library access.
• Prepare for graduate school while participating in student programming and utilizing Harvard student resources.

Through an array of interactive classes available for credit or noncredit, you can explore interests for a major or build specialized knowledge.

Browse our curated list of courses below, or search the full course catalog for classes that fit your schedule and align with your academic passions.

• Economics
• Foreign Language
• Global Citizenship
• Literature and Writing
• Math and Computer Science
• Meaning and Existence
• Medicine and Health
• Psychology and Neuroscience

Beyond the Classroom

No matter which path you choose, you’ll have access to student services to help you succeed.

Sample Webinar Topics

• Getting Your Groove on as a Student
• The Power of Habit in Academic Learning
• Speaking Up in Class
• The Not-So-Secret Secrets to Successful Online Learning

Student Resources

• Full Harvard Library online access
• Career and Academic Resource Center (CARC) academic skills building, and career services.
• Math Question Center
• Writing Center (for credit students)

How to Get Started

To participate in the Academic Gap Year at Harvard Extension, you simply enroll in courses—no application required. To begin:

1. Choose your path of study.

   • First, if you’re deferring college, make sure you understand your home institution’s gap year policies.
   • Next, decide whether you want to enroll in courses for credit or noncredit.

2. Plan ahead for registration.

   • Map out your semester or year based on your preferred courses and important dates.
   • Review the course registration guidelines page and Academic Gap Year policies.
   • To get a head start, set up a student account before registration opens.

3. Register for your fall or spring course.

   • During registration, you’ll be asked to indicate the reason you’re taking classes. Select “Academic Gap Year,” so we can invite you to academic and career workshops as well as advising events.
   • You’ll choose your credit status when you register.
   • Limited-enrollment courses fill quickly. It’s best to register early!

Key Dates

See the full academic calendar for all dates and deadlines.

Noncredit vs. Credit