Join the ranks of Harvard alumni.
After graduating, you can enjoy the privileges of the Harvard alumni network.
Candidate Perks
Once you are admitted to the program, you gain a variety of privileges, including discounts and priority registration.
Benefits before you are admitted to the program
By registering for a course, you are eligible to use a number of resources through the Extension School, such as:
- State-of-the-art computer labs
- Writing and math tutoring
- Computer software and hardware discounts
Details can be found in the Resources section.
Benefits after you are admitted
Priority registration
Program candidates have the privilege of enrolling in classes before the general population. See the calendar for dates.
ID card privileges
As a candidate in a program, you receive a photo ID card that opens the doors to the following benefits.
World-class libraries
With your student ID, you may use many Harvard libraries and approximately 3,000 databases and journals through the Harvard Libraries Portal.
Arts and entertainment
- Harvard’s renowned museums include 3 art museums and 4 research centers and are free with your ID card, adding a special dimension to your area of study.
- Office for the Arts at Harvard programs enable Harvard students to explore an art form in depth and to work directly with professional artists in a wide range of classes, workshops, and apprenticeships.
- American Repertory Theatre offers tickets for 5 plays for just $60 when you present your ID at the box office.
Discounts
As a registered degree or diploma candidate, you can purchase athletic privileges at a discount (see the athletics website), open a Crimson Cash debit account for on-campus and a growing number of off-campus purchases, get help with your apartment or home-buying searches with the Harvard Real Estate Services, and dine on campus with ease.
Extension School students are also eligible for discounted gym memberships at the Wellbridge Athletic Club. For more information and the latest offer, see News.
Student employment
Using your Harvard ID card, you can search for non-workstudy jobs—such as research and library positions—at the Student Employment Office.
Business cards
Admitted degree and certificate candidates may order business cards with the Harvard Extension School official shield through Harvard’s Mail Communication Center. The Harvard Extension School will not release the use of its shield to any other vendor. Candidates must be currently registered or actively pursuing a thesis or internship. In addition, they must be in good academic standing with no disciplinary action or charges pending. Alumni cannot request cards.
Degrees are represented as follows:
Master’s degrees
Harvard University Extension School, Master of Liberal Arts (ALM), Biotechnology (for example), Concentration: Bioinformatics (for example)
Certificates
Harvard University Extension School, Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management (for example)
To order cards, visit the Mail Communication Center’s website and fill out the Extension School order form.
Program and academic advising
Your program staff is here to guide you, providing advice on choosing courses and helping you understand the requirements.
In addition, Harvard’s Bureau of Study Counsel provides academic counseling to a limited number of candidates on a referral basis. You can explore potential interests, challenges, and blocks to your learning . You can find more information on Study Skills and Tutoring.
Career services
The Office of Career Services (OCS) helps you identify career options and develop résumé-writing, job-search, and interviewing skills. The OCS also provides access to a number of resources, such as the reading room and a variety of databases containing alumni contact information and internship listings. Additionally, candidates and alumni can meet with career counselors on a referral basis and set up appointments for career counseling. Visit the Career Services section to learn more about how OCS can help you in your career search.
Additionally, the Career and Academic Resource Center offers free academic, career, and graduate school workshops.
Harvard Extension Student Association
The Harvard Extension Student Association (HESA) is the umbrella organization for all student groups at the Extension School. Program candidates are voting members of HESA, and many of the organization’s events and activities are open to all Extension School students. Visit the HESA website.
Beyond graduation
Harvard Extension Alumni Association
Not only is there an active student association, but alumni of the Extension School can also look forward to the many events sponsored by the Harvard Extension Alumni Association (HEAA). These events are often free and open to all HEAA and HESA members. Look forward to stimulating colloquiums and lectures by fellow alumni and thought-leaders, banquets that welcome new alumni and honor others, and fun sunset or island cruises. For information about upcoming events, see Alumni.
Harvard Alumni Association
Alumni of the Harvard Extension School also have access to the benefits of the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA). The HAA is the official alumni association of Harvard University, and it sponsors events, continuing education opportunities, and activities around the world. To find out more, visit the HAA website.