At Harvard Extension School, we offer multiple paths to enrollment. Regardless of whether you plan to take a single course or pursue a certificate or degree, your initial step to your first course begins with our open-enrollment registration process.
Registration for January and Spring 2024 is now open.
Ready to learn more? Check out our guide for prospective students. Or explore the various paths of study below.
Beginning Your Path of Study
- Registering for a Course (open enrollment)
- Beginning a Certificate (no application required)
- Getting Started on a Degree (earn-your-way-in admissions)
- Pursuing Premedical or Pre-PA Studies (by application)
Registering for a Course
At Harvard Extension School, most of our courses are open to the public for registration. Whether you’re taking an individual course to explore an interest or you’re enrolling to get started on a credential path, registration is open several times a year.
| Term | 2023–24 Registration Dates |
|---|---|
| Fall Full term (15 weeks) Half term (7 weeks) | Monday, July 24–Thursday, August 31 |
| January (3-week session) | Monday, November 6–Tuesday, January 2 |
| Spring Full term (15 weeks) Half term (7 weeks) | Monday, November 6–Thursday, January 18 |
| Summer (3- and 7-week sessions) | March–June Specific 2024 dates to be announced |
Next Steps
- Planning to take a single course? Explore your options in the Course Search & Registration platform.
- Prepare to enroll with our complete steps to course registration.
Beginning a Certificate
Certificates require no application. Once you’ve decided which certificate you’d like to pursue and when you’ll get started, you simply browse available certificate courses and register.
Microcertificates at a Glance
| Enrollment | Courses | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| No application required | 2 graduate-level courses | $6,440 |
Graduate Certificates at a Glance
| Enrollment | Courses | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| No application required | 3–5 graduate-level courses | $9,660–$16,100 |
Undergraduate Certificates at a Glance
| Enrollment | Courses | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| No application required | 3 undergraduate-level courses | $6,120 |
Next Steps
- Explore microcertificates, graduate certificates, or undergraduate certificates.
- Learn more about pursuing a certificate.
- Browse the courses for your certificate of interest using the certificates filter in the course search.
Get Started on a Degree
If you’re planning to earn a degree, before submitting an application, you’ll complete the 2 or 3 courses required for admissions to your program of choice.
Master’s Degrees at a Glance
| Admissions | Courses | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Earn your way in: Start with 2 or 3 program courses to qualify for admission | 10–12 courses Online courses plus 1-course condensed on-campus experience | $32,200–$38,640 |
Bachelor’s Degrees at a Glance
| Admissions | Courses | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Earn your way in: Start with 3 degree courses to qualify for admission | 16–32 courses Online courses plus 4 courses on campus Up to 64 transfer credits accepted | $32,640–$65,280 |
Next Steps
- Explore a graduate degree program or undergraduate degree program field of interest.
- Review the admission and degree requirements for the program that interests you.
- In Course Search & Registration, filter courses by bachelor’s degree or your graduate degree of interest, and browse the courses required for admission.
Pursue Premedical or Pre-PA Studies
To prepare for medical, dental, or pre-PA school, you may fill in gaps from your prior undergraduate education by simply registering for a few medical science courses. Or, you may apply to the Premedical Program to complete all the pre-med coursework, secure advising, and apply for sponsorship.
Next Steps
- Visit the Course Search and Registration platform to find courses in the medical sciences.
- Learn about applying to the Premedical Program.
