Access to Excellence
Dean's Message
The Harvard Extension School--recognized as a national and international leader in the field of continuing studies--has offered access to many of the University's academic resources for nearly a century. Our distinguished faculty, motivated students, and innovative programs create a rich learning environment that is worthy of Harvard's tradition of academic excellence.
Our faculty, whether Harvard University professors or practitioners in the field, share a commitment to teaching, collectively averaging a 4.5 rating on a 5.0 scale. Many of our faculty, some of whom have taught here for more than a quarter of a century, return year after year, drawn by the prospect of teaching able and motivated students from all walks of life.
Our students, professionals by day and scholars by night, bring to the classroom diverse life experiences and a strong desire to learn. As the eminent Boston historian Thomas H. O'Connor said upon his retirement last year, after teaching at the Extension School for more than 30 years: "The exciting facet of the Harvard Extension School is its diversity of students. What pulls these diverse populations together is the one thing they have in common--they all want to be here . . . they want to be educated. They are willing to spend long days, and longer nights, taking in whatever they can to improve their minds and enrich their lives." Equally impressive, Extension School students are well-educated, with 74 percent possessing at least a bachelor's degree and 24 percent a graduate degree.
Our curriculum, grounded in the liberal arts, has evolved to meet the needs of our students. We have expanded our post-graduate offerings to include Professional Studies, with several cutting-edge concentrations. For the convenience of our local students, as well as students from afar, we offer more than 50 courses online through our innovative distance education program. Recognizing the importance of English language skills in a global society, our Institute for English Language Programs helps students from 100 countries connect their class work to their lives in America.
Affordable tuition has been a cornerstone of the Harvard Extension School since its inception. Our tuition is still competitive today, and you will be pleased with the quality and affordability of your academic experience.
On behalf of the Harvard Extension School faculty and staff, I invite you to participate in a historic tradition of academic excellence and wish you every success in your studies.
Michael Shinagel, Dean
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