Harvard University is one of the most prestigious names in education, but for many people, attending full-time just isn’t realistic due to work, family, or other commitments. That’s where Harvard Extension School (HES) comes in. It offers flexible programs designed for adult learners and working professionals who want to earn a Harvard degree, but on their own terms.
Unlike traditional Harvard College programs, HES allows students to study part-time and online, making it possible to earn a degree or certificate without leaving your job or uprooting your life. HES offers a range of programs, including graduate degrees, certificates, and microcertificates, in fields like data science, creative writing, cybersecurity, and more. Students can take classes from anywhere, and many programs also have short, immersive experiences on the Harvard campus.
While earning a degree from HES isn’t the same as being a full-time Harvard student, it’s still a legitimate Harvard degree, and students graduate with the same quality of education and the opportunity to join the Harvard Alumni Association. It’s a great option for people who want to benefit from the Harvard name and network but need a more flexible path to get there. So, while it’s not a “shortcut” to the Ivy League, Harvard Extension School offers a unique and accessible way to achieve your educational goals.
Does Harvard Extension School Offer Online Graduate/Master’s Programs?
Yes! Harvard Extension School has online graduate programs, including master’s degrees in fields like information technology, sustainability, and management. Students can complete most of these programs online, with some classes held in-person or on-campus for a more hands-on learning experience.
These online graduate programs are especially helpful for busy adults who want to earn a degree from Harvard but need the flexibility to study while working, traveling, or taking care of their families.
Hybrid Master’s Programs at Harvard Extension School
One of the unique features of Harvard Extension School is its hybrid programs. A hybrid program mixes online learning with on-campus experiences. This way, students can complete most of their coursework online, but also come to campus for some classes, group work, or special events. It’s a good balance for students who want the flexibility of online learning but still enjoy the chance to meet classmates and professors in person.
For example, the Master’s in Sustainability program has a hybrid format, where students do most of their work online but attend a few on-campus sessions. This flexibility is perfect for students who have a job or other commitments but still want to experience the Harvard classroom and network with peers.
Paying for Harvard Extension School: Is it worth the price?
Let’s get real: paying for school can feel like a mountain you’re never going to climb. The price tags for prestigious institutions like Harvard can be overwhelming, but here’s the deal with Harvard Extension School (HES) — it’s a lot more affordable than you might think. And, while tuition is no small expense, there are ways to manage the costs and make it work for your budget.
Tuition Breakdown: Not as Crazy as You Think
For the 2024–2025 school year, HES offers competitive rates compared to many other top universities. Here’s a quick look at the costs:
- Undergraduate Courses: $2,100 per 4-credit course ($525 per credit)
- Graduate Courses: $3,340 per 4-credit course ($835 per credit)
When you compare that to the average tuition at similar institutions (around $2,900 for undergrad and $4,330 for grad), HES is definitely on the more affordable side. Sure, it’s still a hefty investment, but for a Harvard degree, it’s a bargain.
Total Cost for Programs
How much will you pay in total? It depends on the program. Here are some estimated costs for completing your degree or certificate:
- Undergraduate Certificate: 3 courses, totaling $6,300
- Graduate Certificate: 3-5 courses, ranging from $10,020 to $16,700
- Undergraduate Degree: 16-32 courses, ranging from $33,600 to $67,200
- Graduate Degree: 10-12 courses, ranging from $33,400 to $40,080
These costs may seem steep, but remember, it’s a Harvard degree that carries some serious weight in the professional world.
Extra Expenses: The Hidden Costs
On top of tuition, you’ll have some additional costs to consider. While HES doesn’t charge extra fees as part of tuition, there are things like:
- Housing and Food: Around $12,075 per term if you need to live on campus or near Harvard.
- Books and Materials: Expect to spend about $400 per term for books and supplies.
- Personal Expenses: Around $1,500 for things like clothes, personal care, and fun.
Don’t forget about health insurance if you’re studying in Massachusetts, plus any extra costs for technology or software needed for your courses. So, when you add it all up, the total cost per term can be closer to $13,890 (plus your tuition).
Payment Plans and Financial Aid: Making it Easier
Harvard Extension School gets that paying for school isn’t always easy, which is why they offer several ways to manage your costs. You can use interest-free payment plans to spread out your tuition over four installments. This is great if you need some breathing room in your budget.
And if you’re working, don’t forget about tuition reimbursement programs through your employer. Many companies cover part or all of your tuition costs — you just need to check with your HR department.
If you’re admitted as a degree candidate, you may also qualify for financial aid, including federal loans, private loans, grants, and even scholarships. For veterans and active military personnel, there are special funding options available as well.
Bottom Line: It’s a Big Investment, but worth it?
At the end of the day, paying for a Harvard Extension School degree is no small decision. But with the flexible payment options, financial aid possibilities, and the opportunity to work while studying, it can be a more manageable expense than you think. The key is planning ahead, using resources like employer reimbursement, and understanding all the costs involved before you commit.
So, is it worth it? If you’re looking to level up your career with a Harvard degree, it could be one of the best investments you ever make. Just be sure you’re ready for the financial commitment — because while it’s a stretch, the value of a Harvard degree could pay off big time in your career.
Graduate Degrees at Harvard Extension School
One of the most appealing features of Harvard Extension School (HES) is its graduate degree programs. Offering an impressive array of Master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and microcertificates, HES provides flexible learning options for adult learners, working professionals, and anyone looking to further their education without putting their career or other commitments on hold. These programs allow students to receive a rigorous Harvard education while balancing their personal and professional lives. But how exactly do these graduate programs work, and what makes them stand out?
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) Degree Programs: A Pathway to Advanced Expertise
At the core of HES’s graduate offerings is the Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies (ALM). This degree offers students the opportunity to pursue a wide range of fields, from Anthropology to Sustainability, and everything in between. The ALM programs are designed to help students develop critical thinking, leadership skills, and specialized knowledge that they can apply to their careers or scholarly pursuits. With over 20 different fields of study, the ALM offers remarkable flexibility and customization.
Some of the most popular programs include:
- Anthropology Master’s Degree – This program allows students to explore human cultures, societies, and their complexities. Students can tailor their studies to areas such as archaeology, cultural anthropology, or medical anthropology.
- Biology Master’s Degree – Focusing on real-world applications of biological research, this program equips students with the knowledge to approach scientific problems critically, with an emphasis on cutting-edge theories and experimental methods.
- Biotechnology Master’s Degree – Students interested in the rapidly evolving world of biotechnology can gain deep insights into the latest discoveries and trends shaping industries like healthcare, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
- Creative Writing and Literature Master’s Degree – For those who have a passion for writing, this program helps students unlock their creative potential, hone their craft, and develop their voice as authors.
- Cybersecurity Master’s Degree – With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, this program prepares students with the technical knowledge necessary to address security risks, privacy issues, and cyberattacks.
- Data Science Master’s Degree – As the world generates more data than ever, the Data Science Master’s Degree program teaches students how to harness data, extract meaningful insights, and apply analytical skills to solve business problems and global challenges.
- Healthcare Management (MHCM) Degree: This Master’s program in Healthcare Management is made for professionals in the healthcare field who want to strengthen their leadership and management abilities. The MHCM program is mainly offered online, with a few in-person sessions required.
- Sustainability Master’s Degree – Designed for those interested in environmental and social responsibility, this program focuses on evaluating and designing solutions for sustainable development, including environmental conservation and sustainable business practices.
- Management Master’s Degree – Aimed at those looking to advance into leadership roles, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of business operations, organizational management, and strategic decision-making.
- Systems Engineering Master’s Degree – Students in this program learn how to design and manage complex systems that integrate technology, people, and processes to meet the needs of businesses and organizations.
These Master’s degree programs offer both online and hybrid formats, giving students the flexibility to study from anywhere while still experiencing the rigor of Harvard-level instruction. While most of the coursework can be completed online, many of these programs include short, immersive on-campus experiences where students can meet faculty, collaborate with peers, and engage in hands-on learning.
Graduate Certificates At Harvard Extension School: Specialized Knowledge in a Shorter Time Frame
For students looking to gain advanced knowledge but who are not ready or able to commit to a full Master’s degree, graduate certificates are a great alternative. Harvard Extension School offers over 30 graduate certificate programsacross a variety of disciplines, including business, technology, sustainability, and humanities. These programs typically require students to complete between 3 to 5 courses and are designed to be completed in a shorter time frame than a full graduate degree.
Graduate certificates are ideal for professionals who need to develop new skills or deepen their expertise in a specific area without committing to a multi-year program. Upon successful completion, students earn a certificate that is awarded by Harvard Extension School, signaling their achievement and specialized knowledge.
Some popular graduate certificates include:
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Creative Writing
- Finance
- Sustainability
The best part about graduate certificates at HES is that they offer students the opportunity to stack credits toward a full Master’s degree. This means that if you complete a graduate certificate and decide you want to pursue a full Master’s degree later, you may be able to apply the courses you’ve taken toward your graduate degree program.
Micro certificates At Harvard Extension: Focused, Immersive Learning
For students looking for even more specialized, bite-sized learning experiences, microcertificates are a great option. These short programs are designed to deliver focused, intensive learning on a specific skill or topic in just a few weeks. Microcertificates from Harvard Extension School typically focus on high-demand areas such as:
- Digital Media Design
- Creative Writing
- Project Management
- Data Analytics
Microcertificates are particularly useful for professionals who need to gain immediate skills that can be directly applied to their jobs. They also serve as a way for students to test the waters in a new field before committing to a more extensive degree program. These programs typically involve online courses and are designed to be self-paced with clear learning outcomes.
Online Programs with Short, Immersive Experiences on Campus
One of the key advantages of graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School is the hybrid format that combines online courses with in-person immersion experiences. Many of the graduate programs, such as Sustainability, Management, and Data Science, incorporate these short, immersive experiences held on-campus at Harvard’s historic Cambridge location.
These immersive experiences are essential for students who want to build connections with their peers and professors, engage in collaborative projects, and gain hands-on exposure to their field of study. The on-campus components of these programs usually take place over a few days to a week and provide students with the opportunity to:
- Network with faculty, industry experts, and fellow students
- Participate in hands-on workshops and case studies
- Attend seminars and discussions on current trends and challenges in the field
- Gain practical experience in their field of study
The combination of flexible online learning and immersive on-campus experiences gives students the best of both worlds: the ability to study from home while still benefiting from the dynamic, interactive learning environment that Harvard is known for.
Your degree will say “Harvard Extension School”
It’s important to understand that a degree from Harvard Extension School will clearly say “Harvard Extension School” on it, which is different from a degree from Harvard College or other Harvard schools. This shows that the degree was earned through HES, a part-time program designed for adult learners.
However, the degree is still from Harvard University, and students who graduate from HES are considered part of the Harvard Alumni Association. This means they can access Harvard’s career services, alumni events, and other networking opportunities, just like students from other Harvard schools.
Is Harvard Extension School a shortcut to the Ivy League?
While Harvard Extension School gives you access to Harvard’s education and network, it is not a shortcut to the Ivy League. HES is designed for adult learners who want a flexible, part-time education. It provides the same level of academic rigor and Harvard-quality education, but it’s not a fast-track way to get a Harvard degree.
In fact, the admissions process for HES can be challenging. Students must meet specific requirements, such as achieving good grades in introductory courses, before being accepted into degree programs. So, while it is a way to earn a Harvard degree, it still requires hard work and dedication.
Harvard Extension School is a flexible pathway to a Harvard education, but it’s designed for people who need a non-traditional, part-time study schedule. If you are a working professional, a parent, or someone with other life commitments, HES can be a great way to earn a degree from one of the world’s most prestigious universities.