English Proficiency
Students whose primary language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in order to register for most courses in accounting, communication in business, creative writing, expository writing, finance, information systems management, journalism, management and operations, marketing, and organizational behavior and human resources. Proficiency must be demonstrated in one of the following ways:
- Earn a score of 70 or higher on the English language placement test. The last test is given September 8 for fall courses and January 17 for spring courses. Reservations are required.
- Submit an official score of at least 250 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), 600 on the paper-based test, or 100 on the Internet-based test. Scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. The Harvard Extension School TOEFL institution code is 3458 and the department code is 02.
- Submit an official transcript that shows four full years of study at an English-language college or university in a country where English is the standard language of instruction (for example, England, India, Pakistan).
TOEFL scores and transcripts for students interested in Certificate in Management courses should be submitted to the Certificate in Management Office; scores for students interested in writing courses should be submitted to the Registrar's Office. TOEFL scores and transcripts must be received by September 16 for fall courses and by January 27 for spring courses.
Students who do not meet this English proficiency requirement and who register for Certificate in Management or writing courses are withdrawn from those courses. The Extension School reserves the right to withdraw students from other courses if they do not meet the English proficiency requirement. Students who do not have the necessary proficiency are advised to enroll in IEL courses that are appropriate for their level of proficiency, provided space in these courses is available and they have taken the English language placement test.
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