See Also
Admission
To be admitted to the program:
- Complete the 3 preadmission courses.
- Meet all other admission criteria.
- Submit your application materials.
1. Complete the 3 preadmission courses.
Earn a B or higher in 3 graduate-credit courses (12 credits) from the program curriculum. The courses can be taken at the Extension School or Summer School. For the software engineering concentration, 1 of the courses must be CSCI E-124, CSCI E-181, or CSCI E-207. These courses count toward the degree upon admission.
To choose these courses, refer to the degree requirements, talk with the admission advisor, and use the degree course search.
Tip: In your first semester, we recommend taking only 1 course.
2. Meet all other admission criteria.
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Possess a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree or its foreign degree equivalent.
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Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in any degree courses already completed at Harvard Extension School or Summer School.
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Be in good academic and financial standing with Harvard University, with no disciplinary or administrative procedures pending.
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Demonstrate English language proficiency.
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Possess either solid experience in mathematics or programming using a modern object-oriented programming language.
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If you already hold a graduate degree, you may earn the degree provided the 2 degrees are in different fields.
3. Submit your application materials.
You should apply in the semester you anticipate completing your preadmission courses. The earlier you are admitted, the more time you have to take advantage of benefits such as early registration and Harvard library access.
See How to Apply and Candidate Perks.
International students
The Extension School does not issue I-20s. But you may be able to earn the degree through online courses and Harvard Summer School on-campus courses. See Online Course Options.
Financial aid
Before you apply and are admitted, you can work with Student Financial Services to secure private funding to cover the cost of the first 3 courses required for admission. Learn about financial aid for nonadmitted students.
Once you apply and are admitted, you may be eligible for a number of loan and grant programs. Learn about financial aid for admitted candidates.