Welcome to Harvard Extension School
Going back to school as a working adult is a big commitment. At Harvard Extension School, you’ll join a community that’s invested in your growth and success. All of us — our staff, faculty, and current students — are here to support you every step of the way.
Check out our guide to becoming a student below. We invite you to join us in class in spring 2024!
Read through our entire guide, or jump to the section you need:
Whether you choose to earn a degree or certificate, pursue premedical studies, or build a new skill in a single course, we offer flexible pathways to fulfill your time, budget, and learning needs.
Not sure which path is right for you? You can start with a single course. Then, continue coursework to earn a certificate — and ultimately stack all your courses toward a degree.
We offer full-term and short-session courses throughout the year. When you choose to start depends on your academic goals, life priorities, and course availability.
Registration for January and spring courses opens November 6.
You can choose from online synchronous (live) and asynchronous (no live class meetings) course formats to fit your busy schedule. Whether live or on demand, our online courses provide you with personal attention from instructors and teaching staff as well as an active community of talented peers.
7- and 15-week courses, late August to mid-December
3-week intensive courses
7- and 15-week courses, late January to mid-May
3- and 7-week sessions, late June to mid-August
Courses Online
Courses on Harvard Campus
At Harvard Extension School, most of our courses are open to the public for registration. You know best which courses will help you meet your goals. After reading the description and prerequisites, if you believe you have the background to be successful in a course, you can register — no application required.
In the DCE Course Search and Registration platform, you can search all our course offerings for the academic year.
Select a term, then start your search:
Considering beginning your path degree? Check out our tips for starting a degree for guidance on checking eligibility, choosing courses, and more.
Review our Academic Calendar and add critical registration deadlines to your personal calendar, so you won’t miss important deadlines, including:
While all our courses are open enrollment, there are several important enrollment requirements that you should be aware of before you begin the registration process:
English Proficiency
If English is your second language, you’ll need to prove English proficiency before registering for a course. We have multiple proficiency options.
Reading and Writing Placement Test
Some courses — including many courses for admission to degree programs — require you to pass the Test of Critical Reading and Writing Skills (CRWS) before you can enroll. This free, online test helps ensure that your journey at Harvard Extension starts strong with the right course.
Immunization Requirements for On-Campus Study
You’ll need to meet vaccination guidelines to take courses on campus. This requirement doesn’t apply to online courses.
Registration for January and Spring 2024 opens on November 6.
In our interactive orientation, you can learn more about the Harvard Extension experience from our students and deans. You’ll find helpful tips for succeeding as a student, engaging with faculty, and embracing our community values.
Ready to get started?
If you need support as you consider and choose a program, and you’ve never taken a course with us before, an enrollment coach will work with you one-on-one. Your coach can help you find a program that fits your goals and life, select courses, and finalize enrollment.
Our dedicated staff of Enrollment Services professionals can answer any of your questions about creating a student account, using the course search, registering for courses, and making payment.
(617) 495-4024
Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, Eastern time
inquiry@extension.harvard.edu
Our Predegree Advising & Admissions team hosts virtual office hours, where you can ask questions about the admissions process. Learn more about virtual office hours.
