While Extension School courses are open enrollment, degree programs are not. You must meet admission criteria, including grade and GPA requirements, and apply to earn the degree.
To apply to the program:
- Complete the 3 preadmission courses at Harvard.
- Meet all other admission criteria.
- Submit your application materials.
1. Complete the 3 preadmission courses at Harvard.
Earn a B or higher in 3 required graduate-level Harvard courses as described below. The courses count toward the program once you are admitted.
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You are required to take both MUSE E-100 and the proseminar MUSE E-101. If you earn a grade below B in the proseminar, you are only allowed to enroll in it once more for admission to the master’s program. If you are unable to pass the proseminar after 2 attempts, you may not attempt the proseminar in another area or degree program.
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The third course should be from the program curriculum. See the degree requirements.
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If you don’t meet the minimum GPA after completing three preadmission courses, speak with an admission advisor before registering for more courses. It may not be in your best interest to continue to register for courses in an attempt to raise your GPA.
You can also request via e-mail that an advisor calculate your pre-admission GPA and offer advice about future registration. Log in to online services, choose “Degree Program Admissions,” then “Pre-Admission GPA request.”
See the degree course search, which is the only accurate way to choose courses that count toward the degree.
2. Meet all other admission criteria.
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Possess a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent. Ordinarily 3-year foreign degrees are not equivalent. We highly recommend that you have your foreign undergraduate degree evaluated by the Center for Educational Documentation (CED), prior to registering for Extension School courses to ensure that you are eligible for the degree. CED’s general evaluation will confirm if your degree is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree.
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Demonstrate English language proficiency.
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Have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in all degree courses already completed at Harvard Extension School or Summer School.
- Be in good academic and financial standing with Harvard University, with no disciplinary or administrative procedures pending.
If you already hold a graduate degree, you may earn the master’s degree in museum studies provided the 2 degrees are in different fields.
3. Submit your application materials.
We admit students to the program 3 times a year. You should submit your application during the term you anticipate completing MUSE E-100 and the proseminar MUSE E-101, the third preadmission course, and all other admission requirements.
Your 5-year deadline to complete the entire degree starts at the completion of the third degree course (i.e., any course that can count toward the degree). It is crucial you register for the preadmission courses as your first 3 courses and apply to the program as soon as possible.
See How to Apply for more information.
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.