This page contains content from the 2008–09 academic year. For current information, visit the Harvard Extension School website at www.extension.harvard.edu.
English Proficiency
The following English proficiency requirement pertains to course enrollment. It differs from the English proficiency requirement for admission to degree and certificate programs.
All courses except those in the Institute for English Language Programs (IEL) require English language proficiency. However, if your primary language is not English you must demonstrate proficiency to remain enrolled in courses in the following subjects:
- Accounting
- Communication in Business
- Creative Writing
- Expository Writing
- Finance
- Information Systems Management
- Journalism
- Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Organizational Behavior and Human Resources
If you do not meet the requirement, you will be withdrawn from courses in the above subjects. You may be withdrawn from other courses if the instructor determines that you do not have sufficient proficiency.
Proof of Proficiency
To demonstrate proficiency, you can take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Harvard English language placement test.
Test of English as a Foreign Language
You must earn one of the following scores on the TOEFL:
- 250 on the computer-based test
- 600 on the paper-based test
- 100 on the Internet-based test
Your official score reports should be sent from the Educational Testing Service to the Registrar’s Office by September 12 for fall and January 23 for spring. The institution code is 3458 and the department code is 02.
Harvard English Language Placement Test
You must earn a total score of 70 or higher to meet the English language proficiency requirement. The test is offered on campus during each registration period; see the test schedule.
Exceptions to the Requirement
Requests for exceptions to this requirement are considered only if you have registered for courses that require proof of English proficiency and, due to extenuating circumstances, are unable to take the TOEFL or the Harvard English language placement test.
You may request an exception if you have completed courses in subjects other than English language at a school or university at which English is the language of instruction.
To request an exception, register for your Extension School course(s) and submit a letter of request and transcript to the Registrar’s Office as early as possible, and no later than September 12 for fall and January 23 for spring. Requesting an exception does not guarantee that it will be granted. Exceptions granted for the purpose of registration do not apply to English proficiency requirements for Extension degree, certificate, and diploma programs. Submit your request and transcript(s) by e-mail to proficiency@dcemail.harvard.edu; by fax to Registrar’s Office, Harvard Extension School (617) 496-4181; or by mail to Registrar’s Office, Harvard Extension School, 51 Brattle Street, Cambridge MA 02138.