See Also
This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
Thesis and Capstone
Depending on which track you pursue, you complete either a master’s thesis or a capstone course. The requirements for each are described on this page.
Master's Thesis
The master’s thesis is an opportunity to synthesize the skills and knowledge you acquired in your classes. You work with a thesis director to produce well-documented investigations of an aspect of teaching with technology, incorporating ideas from the courses and fieldwork in an educational institution at the appropriate level. To conduct research, you might:
- Develop materials for a new course.
- Use an experimental teaching method and document the process.
- Investigate the effectiveness of teaching technology.
You are encouraged to publish your findings in scholarly journals.
Getting Started on Your Thesis
When you have completed seven courses, including the proseminar, consult Catalina Laserna to define your topic, develop a thesis proposal, and secure a thesis director. Typically it takes six months and several drafts to develop an acceptable proposal. If you cannot produce an acceptable proposal, you may be required to withdraw from the program. Thesis directors can be Harvard faculty members, active Harvard principal investigators, or suitable professionals. Complete the following steps once your proposal has been approved by Dr. Laserna:
- Submit your approved research proposal to Stephen Blinn.
- Register after receiving a letter of authorization from the Dean of Continuing Education. Tuition for the thesis is $1,875.
The thesis takes nine to 12 months to complete. Note the thesis deadlines for graduation in November, March, and June.
When to register. International students with I-20 certificates from the Extension School should meet with the research advisor before completing the sixth course and must register for the thesis during the regular registration periods.
All other students may register for the thesis throughout the year. To receive credit for the thesis in the fall term, register by December 7; to receive credit in the spring term, register by April 26. If you register after the April deadline, you will be registered in the summer term and may pay a higher tuition.
Capstone in Educational Technologies
When you have completed 11 courses, you should register for the capstone course. In this course, you demonstrate your mastery of the content presented in the educational technologies program by completing a project of your own design. The project allows you to synthesize your learning by directly applying your understandings to your professional practice.
The seminar environment of the capstone supports you in the design, development, and evaluation of your projects. You discuss your project and what you have learned in a presentation to the faculty and other students in the program. Additionally, students submit a completed e-portfolio that represents their learning throughout the program.