How to Start Your Path to Graduate Admission at Harvard Extension School

Earning Your Way In

Each degree program requires you to take 2 or 3 admission courses — all of which are offered online and count toward your degree — before you become an official degree candidate. You’ll qualify for admission by earning at least a B in each course. 

Earning a strong grade is the cornerstone of our earn-your-way-in admissions. No standardized test scores, past GPAs, or letters of recommendation required. 

Our philosophy is straightforward. As Kimberly Parke, executive director of Predegree Advising and Admissions, says, “We simply believe that the greatest indicator of someone’s ability to successfully perform and persist in our degree program here and now is how they perform and persist in our degree program courses here and now.”

Our students are mid-career professionals — like you. The admission courses empower you to prove your capabilities, become familiar with graduate-level material, and prepare for success in the program. And remember: because these courses are offered online, they offer flexibility to fit into your life.

[The admission classes were] a great way for me to build self-confidence that I could do the master’s level work because I really wasn’t sure when I started this process.

Amber Selfe, current degree candidate

What Does the Admissions Process Look Like for a Typical Student?

1. Confirm your initial eligibility

You’re eligible to begin degree coursework if you hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 

If you earned your degree outside of the United States, you’ll need to verify your international credential before beginning any coursework.

2. Enroll in your first course

You can find the admission courses listed in your program’s degree requirements. Many programs offer these courses in the fall, spring, or summer, so you can start during the semester that works best for you. A note about summer: this accelerated term is half the length of fall and spring. A fall or spring start will give you more time to dedicate to your first classes.

To check course availability, use your program’s search filters in the Course Search and Registration platform. From there, you can register for your course during your preferred term’s registration period. 

Tip: Most students enroll in only one admission course at a time to ensure they can be successful. Read our blog post to get more tips for a successful start.

3. Continue your preadmission path with the support of a predegree advisor

You can connect with our team of predegree and admission advisors while you’re enrolled in your first course. And, as you continue with additional admission courses, they can offer course guidance, answer eligibility and application questions, and connect you with school and university resources to enhance your studies. 

4. Apply to your program

There are three application cycles each year: fall, spring, and summer. You’ll apply to the program during the same semester that you’re completing your final admission course.

The process includes submitting official transcripts from prior schools and completing the online application. The Office of Predegree and Admissions sends regular communication to preadmission students, so we’ll remind you when it’s your time to apply. 

Learn more about gathering your materials and submitting your application, as well as how we review applications.

5. Begin your journey as an admitted degree candidate.

Once you are accepted as an official Harvard Extension School degree candidate, you gain access to all the benefits of a Harvard student, including:

• Academic advising
• Career advising
• Entrepreneurship opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs
• The global Harvard network 
• Faculty expertise and faculty aide opportunities
• Harvard libraries and museums
• Stackable graduate certificates
• And more!

Get Started Today!

Our alumni are smart, talented, and motivated learners like you. Their advice? Take the leap and get started on fulfilling your academic goals.

The process is designed for you: flexible and accessible with support at every step of the way.

FAQs About Admissions 

Is financial aid available to cover the cost of my admission courses?

To be considered for federal, state, or institutional aid, you must be admitted to a degree program. Many predegree students enroll in our payment plan to pay admission course tuition in installments. You may also look into whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.   

Is there a limit to the number of spots in the program, and how can I make myself a good candidate for admission?

There are no enrollment caps for our programs. We typically accept all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, earn a B or higher grade in the admission courses, and submit a complete application.

To stand out as a good candidate, familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for the program to make sure that you do meet those requirements, work hard in your admission courses, and give a lot of care and attention to your application materials.