As part of the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, Harvard Summer School offers 3-, 4- or 7-week courses. You can take a single course during the summer, or you can earn credits toward a Harvard Extension School bachelor’s or master’s degree, microcertificate, or graduate certificate — online or on campus.

Here are 4 reasons why Harvard Summer School could be a great opportunity for you.

1. Get started on your degree path in an admission course.

Interested in applying to a Harvard Extension School (HES) degree program? You can take courses required for admission to programs during the summer — and get a jumpstart on your admissions journey.

To find which courses are available for your program of interest, visit the DCE Course Search & Registration platform and filter by:

 A selection of program admission courses are available at the HES tuition rate. You can see a list of courses by program on the Summer School website’s Harvard Extension Students page.  

2. Accelerate your degree or certificate progress online. 

An online summer course is a great way to gain momentum outside the fall and spring semesters. In an intensive 3-, 4-, or 7-week session, you can continue your progress toward a degree or certificate.  

Online courses are offered synchronously (live) for real-time engagement or asynchronously (no live class meetings) for more flexibility. In some cases, asynchronous courses also offer opportunities for live engagement.

You can explore which online courses are available for your program of interest.

3. Immerse yourself in a Harvard campus experience.

Attending Harvard Summer School in person allows you to fully immerse yourself in the unique Harvard environment, both academically and socially. 

You’ll be surrounded by students from around the world and have the opportunity to make lifelong friends and connections. You can choose to live on Harvard campus housing, dine in the historic Annenberg Hall, and explore Harvard’s many libraries and museums. 

Studying on campus also allows you to connect with fellow students, faculty, and advisors in person through classes, events for HES students, and campus activities.

Meet Cindy and Taylor

This mother-daughter duo attended Harvard Summer School as part of their sustainability degree and certificate programs.

4. Meet an on-campus degree requirement in a compressed timeframe.

Harvard Extension School degree programs have an on-campus requirement. Summer is a great time to complete this requirement.

Enjoy the weather studying in Harvard Yard, or take advantage of all the summer activities the Harvard community and wider Boston area have to offer.

If you are an international student, summer is also the time to fulfill this requirement. Unlike Harvard Extension School, the Summer School issues I-20 certificates for the F-1 student visa.

Want to learn more about the on-campus experience? Review the degree requirements for your program.

Image of Dexter Gate, Harvard
Photo by alumnus L. Brent Gilmore

I did come seeking to grow in wisdom. My surprise has been that I’m leaving imbued with an unexpected urgency to find a more selfless way to express what I’ve learned.

L. Brent Gilmore, alumnus & former Harvard Summer School student.

Registration and Support

Check out our step-by-step Summer School registration guide, and learn more about summer campus housing.

If you would like help considering whether summer is right for you, we invite you to contact our Enrollment Services team, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm eastern time: