About the School

The Harvard Extension School offers part-time study in the evenings on an open enrollment basis. Its vigorous and challenging environment annually attracts more than 13,000 students of many ages from every New England state. They come from all walks of life and academic backgrounds, holding a variety of degrees--from doctorate to associate's--or no degree at all. Most Extension School students take one or two courses to learn something new or to enhance job skills. The varied curriculum also meets the needs of students who wish to complete unfinished degrees or begin study for new degrees, graduate certificates, and diplomas. Undergraduate, graduate, and noncredit instruction is offered in more than 550 courses in 50 fields of study. Courses range from anthropology to Swedish, with special programs in administration and management, computer science, writing, English for non-native speakers, and medical sciences. Many of the Extension School's outstanding instructors, its greatest resource, are Harvard affiliates, and many arts and sciences faculty teach the same course at night as during the day in Harvard College.

Extension School courses meet in or near historic Harvard Yard (with the exception of several that meet in the Harvard Medical Area). Harvard University, in the heart of bustling Harvard Square, is just four subway stops from downtown Boston on the Red Line. Before or after class, Extension students can browse in the Square's nearly two dozen bookstores, or dine in one of the many ethnic restaurants. They can also attend University events, lectures, and concerts. Parking in University garages is available for a small nightly fee. Visit the Help/FAQ section for driving directions or to download a map.