Professional certificates for advancement
Expand your career prospects by gaining expertise in a focused area of study. If you already have a degree, the 5-course professional certificate is an ideal complement to your educational training and professional experience. Through rigorous courses, you gain industry-relevant skills that meet current market demands.
Five on-campus and online certificates fields
Most of the following professional certificates can be completed as online certificates. You can choose courses that are offered online, on campus at Harvard, or both online and on campus. Select a certificate to learn more:
- Nanotechnology certificate >
- Religious studies and education certificate >
- Strategic management certificate >
- Sustainability certificate >
- Web technologies certificate >
Don’t see a field that interests you?
You might consider enrolling in Extension School courses separate of a professional certificate. Use the course search to find courses in your field.
Contact us with questions
We are happy to answer any questions you have about the on-campus and online certificates. E-mail us at professional_certificates@dcemail.harvard.edu.
Common questions
What’s the value of a certificate?
Online certificates are one of the fastest growing credentials in postsecondary education. The Harvard professional certificate offers concentrated coursework in a specialized topic. You can demonstrate to employers that you have knowledge in a relevant field. By gaining this expertise, you can add value to the organization’s mission and bottom line.
Do I need an undergraduate degree?
You do not need a bachelor’s degree to earn a certificate. But because courses are taken for graduate credit, you will need to be able to perform at the graduate level. Keep in mind that a certificate without an undergraduate degree to back it is unlikely to have as much currency in the job market.
Is financial aid available?
No, financial aid isn’t available. However:
- Veterans can use the post-9/11 GI Bill to cover 2 semesters of coursework. Contact Joseph Frechette in Student Financial Services.
- Lowell Scholarships are available for teachers.
How do I apply for a certificate?
Once you have received your grade for the fifth course that you will be using toward the certificate, send an e-mail to ishikawa@hudce.harvard.edu requesting the certificate. Certificates will not be awarded retroactively. The request must be made within 2 weeks of the official award of the final grade.
What will I receive when I finish the certificate?
The certificate is a document suitable for framing. Awarded by Harvard Extension School, it bears the signature of the dean of the Extension School and the head of the degree program whose fields relates to certificate. The certificate is recorded on your official transcript.
How do certificates differ from degree programs?
The on-campus and online certificates are quick professional development credentials. They require only 5 courses, while most Extension School degrees require 10 to 12 courses. Administrative tasks have been streamlined to minimize fees and paperwork.
ID cards and financial aid are not available, and there is no graduation or alumni status.