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 3.33 (B+) or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) in all degree courses taken before admission, with no grade below a B in the preadmission courses required for your track. These courses count toward the degree once you are admitted.
- General management track preadmission courses
- 1 economics course (ECON E-1010 or ECON S-1010 at the Summer School, or ECON E-1600)
- 1 accounting course (MGMT E-1000 or ECON S-1900 at the Summer School, or MGMT E-1600 or ECON S-1901 at the Summer School)
- 1 elective course in management
Please note that both economics courses (ECON E-1010 and E-1600) require previous background in math or economics here at the Harvard Extension School or the equivalent, meaning similar course work at another college or university. Review the course descriptions for more information.
- Finance track
preadmission courses
- 1 financial accounting course (MGMT E-1000 or ECON S-1900 at the Summer School)
- 1 finance course (MGMT E-2000 or FINC S-100 at the Summer School)
- 1 finance elective course
If you do not earn a 3.33, you will need to take additional degree courses before admission to bring your GPA up to 3.33. See Grades for the numerical values of letter grades.
If you earn a grade of B– or lower in 1 of the 2 specified preadmission courses, you can either repeat the course once or take the alternate specified course to earn a grade of B or higher. You will be denied admission if you fail to earn a B after twice enrolling in one of the specified courses.
Choose courses
Use the degree course search to select preadmission courses that will apply toward the degree.
2. Meet all other admission criteria.
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Possess a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent (see Acceptable Foreign Degrees).
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If English is not your native language: demonstrate English language proficiency. Please note you must provide proof of English proficiency before taking any courses toward the degree (including preadmission courses). Those who do not provide proof risk losing credit for up to half the courses completed before admission. See the English proficiency requirement for courses.
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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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If you have earned an undergraduate degree in business (or equivalent) within the past 3 years or an MBA within the past 10 years, you are not eligible for the general management track but are eligible for the finance track.
- Two or more years of professional experience is recommended for the general management track.
3. Submit your application materials.
To be admitted to the program, you must submit the application materials. See How to Apply.
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.