Degree Candidate Privileges

While registered in a course, you have access to many resources like computer labs, tutoring, academic and career workshops, and electronic library resources. Once you are admitted to a Harvard Extension School program, you gain additional privileges, including discounts and priority registration, outlined on this page. 

Early registration

You have the privilege of enrolling in classes before the general population. See the calendar for dates.

ID card privileges

You receive a Harvard University photo ID card that opens the doors to benefits like library privileges and Crimson Cash. To learn more, download the degree candidate ID card information sheet.

Athletics and dining

You can purchase discount athletics privileges, open a Crimson Cash debit account, and dine on campus.

Student research and employment

You can work as a research assistant for an instructor through the Faculty Aide Program. Or search for nonworkstudy jobs at the Student Employment Office (Harvard ID card required).

Academic support

Each degree program has a professional advising staff who supports you from admission to graduation. In addition, the Harvard’s Bureau of Study Counsel provides academic counseling to a limited number of candidates on a referral basis. Find information at Study Skills and Tutoring.

Take courses at Harvard College or Harvard graduate schools

Enroll in Harvard College or Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences courses to complement your degree course selection at Extension School. For information about Special Student status, see Special Options in your degree program section.

Career services

The Office of Career Services provides extensive career resources. Visit Career Services to learn more about how the office can help you. The Career and Academic Resource Center also offers workshops for degree candidates.

Business cards

If you are currently registered in courses or are pursuing a thesis or internship, you may order business cards with the Harvard Extension School shield. You must be in good academic standing with no disciplinary action or charges pending.

Example of degree representation on a card: Harvard University Extension School, Master of Liberal Arts (ALM), Biotechnology, Concentration: Bioinformatics

The purpose of a student business card is to display degree candidacy at the Harvard Extension School, and only this affiliation can be displayed. This relationship must be clearly stated by displaying both the Extension School insignia and the names Harvard University and Extension School. No other insignias, school, department, or affiliations are permitted. In addition, only your University issued FAS e-mail address may appear on the card. Personal or business e-mail accounts will not be approved.

To order cards, visit the Mail Services website and fill out the Extension School order form.

Harvard University online directory

Your name, school affiliation, and e-mail address is automatically included in the public and internal Harvard University online directories. In the internal directory, your ID card photo also displays. You can request that your information be removed from the directory or only viewable by the Harvard community. To request a change, submit the privacy level selection form to the Registrar’s Office.

Harvard University housing

Full-time master’s degree candidates who are currently registered in courses are eligible to live in Harvard University housing. You must receive approval from Harvard Extension School before submitting an application to Harvard Real Estate Services. To apply for approval, submit the Harvard University housing form to HousingConfirmationRequest@dcemail.harvard.edu. You can also get help with real estate searches at the Harvard Real Estate Services.

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. Visit the HESA website.

Beyond graduation

Harvard Extension Alumni Association

Alumni can attend the many events sponsored by the Harvard Extension Alumni Association (HEAA). For information about upcoming events, see the HEAA website.

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.