This is an archive. See the current website at www.extension.harvard.edu.

  

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Help/FAQs

Open-Enrollment Courses

What is the Extension School's connection with the rest of Harvard?

Harvard Extension School is part of the Division of Continuing Education, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University. One of 12 degree-granting schools at Harvard, the Extension School is distinguished by its program of open admission, part-time study, evening courses, and low tuition.
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Can anyone take an Extension School course?

Yes. The Extension School has an open enrollment policy, which means that anyone can take Extension School courses. Our classes are open to students with diverse backgrounds and academic experiences. The only general requirement is a commitment to your own potential and a willingness to meet the academic challenges. For prerequisites, see individual course descriptions.
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Do any courses require placement tests?

Yes, some do. See individual course descriptions.
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Can I audit an Extension School course?

You can enroll in many courses as a noncredit student, often for a reduced fee. See Credit Status for more information.
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Do Extension School courses fill?

Some courses have limited enrollment and close if the limit is reached.
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Does the Extension School offer distance-learning courses?

Yes, the Extension School offers a number of distance education courses via the Internet in which videos of course lectures along with other course-related material can be viewed by students with Internet access from anywhere in the world. For information see the Distance Education website.
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Does the Extension School offer English as a second language?

The Extension School offers intensive, noncredit language classes through the Institute for English Language (IEL) Programs. For information on these programs, refer to IEL courses.
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Certificate Programs and Degrees

Do you offer degree and certificate programs? How do I apply?

Yes, the Harvard Extension School awards undergraduate degrees, master's degrees, certificates, and diplomas. See Programs for information about applying.
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How are Extension School degree programs different from traditional Harvard degree programs?

Extension School degree programs have open enrollment and are designed for the adult student, the average age ranging from 30 to 80. Courses are held at night, and students have the option to attend full or part time. Many Extension instructors have other Harvard affiliations, teaching at Harvard College or graduate schools. Extension School graduates attend Commencement Day in Harvard Yard with the University's entire graduating class.
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Can I take Extension School courses and then transfer to Harvard College?

No. Harvard Extension School and Harvard College are two separate schools within Harvard University.
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Do you accept transfer credit?

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) Program accepts up to 64 units of C- or higher liberal arts coursework completed elsewhere, if the college or university is fully accredited. Other Extension School degree and certificate programs do not accept transfer credit.
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Can I transfer Extension School courses toward degrees at other universities?

Harvard Extension School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges; however, each university has its own transfer credit policy. Check with the school to which you want to transfer credit.
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Can I earn a degree or certificate online?

The Extension School does offer some distance education courses but we do not offer any online degrees or certificates. Although a substantial portion of the Master of Liberal Arts in Information Technology courses may be taken via the Internet, the program requires a minimum residency of one semester at Harvard Extension School or Harvard Summer School.
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How long will it take to earn a degree or certificate?

It depends on the number of courses you take each term and, in the case of the ALB Program, the amount of transfer credit accepted. Attend one of the information sessions for the program you are interested in at the beginning of each term, and meet with a program advisor to discuss your academic plans.
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Is housing available for degree students?

The Extension School does not provide student housing. Degree and certificate candidates with photo ID cards can check listings at the Harvard Real Estate Housing Office.
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Does the Extension School offer courses in the summer?

No, but the Harvard Summer School offers courses that may count toward Extension School degrees and certificates. The Summer School catalogue is available in February, and courses are listed on the Summer School website. To determine whether a summer course will fulfill degree or certificate requirements, contact a program advisor.
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Registration

Why won't the downloadable registration form print?

If you have carefully followed the instructions on the Registration page and can download and view (but not print) the application, try downloading an Adobe postscript Printer Driver (the most reliable available) from the Adobe Printer Drivers site.
Also, if you are printing from your web browser window (instead of from the Acrobat application), make sure you use the print button inside the Acrobat window (not the default browser print button or menu selection).
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Can I register online?

Yes. See Registration for more information, or download a registration form.
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Financial Information

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid is available for admitted degree, certificate, and health careers candidates. See Programs for more information.
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Does the Extension School have a deferred payment plan?

No. Payment must be made in full by the deadlines.
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Can my company be billed?

Yes, in certain cases. See Payment for information on company billing.
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Grades, Transcripts, and Online Services

Will my grades be mailed to me?

Grade reports are not mailed to students; instead, they will be available via Extension School online services beginning June 9. See Grades Online for more information.
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How do I request a transcript?

Transcript requests must be made in writing. See Transcripts for more information.
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Why do I need a personal identification number (PIN) to access online services?

Your PIN serves as a secure means of authenticating your identity when using Extension School online services to register for courses, update your personal data, or view your grades. For more information about online services and PIN, refer to the frequently asked questions at online services .
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How do I access my course website?
Every Extension School course website follows the same general format: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~extxxxxx, where the xxxxx is your course's 5-digit course reference number (CRN). CRNs are listed in parentheses after course titles in the Courses section of the catalogue and website.
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Privacy of Online Data

How do you protect the personal information that I submit online?

When you browse or enter information on our website, we store that information on a different system apart from where our website resides. Once you register for courses, the privacy of your educational record is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
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Will you give my e-mail address to a third party?

We do not sell, trade, or rent any of your information to others.
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What are “cookies”?

Cookies are small pieces of information stored on your hard drive so that the web server can “remember” you the next time you visit a website. The cookies created by Harvard Extension School websites do not contain any personally identifying information and therefore do not put your privacy at risk.
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