Alumni benefits
Harvard Extension School 51 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 USA (617) 495-4024
© 2012–13 President and Fellows of Harvard College
Degrees are awarded three times a year:
The University-wide Commencement ceremony is held once a year, in May. If you are a November or March graduate, you participate in the following May’s ceremony, after your degree has been awarded.
As you near graduation, you need to complete the graduation confirmation form, which is available through online services. Submit the online form according to the following schedule:
Learn more about available Honors and Prizes.
To graduate and participate in May Commencement, you must fulfill all degree requirements (no makeup or extension grades pending) and be in good academic standing with no disciplinary or administrative procedures pending. Moreover, you must be in good financial standing with Harvard University with no outstanding tuition bills or fees (a zero balance).
| Eligible for: | Final thesis proposal submitted to research advisor: |
Final thesis due to director and research advisor: | Grade submission | Bound thesis due to program office: |
| November graduation | February 1 | September 1 | October 1 | October 15 |
| March graduation | June 1 | January 2 | February 1 | February 15 |
| May graduation | August 1 | March 1 | April 1 | April 15 |
The week before Commencement, graduates present their thesis research to the Harvard community. This three-day event is an opportunity for master’s candidates to demonstrate scholarly presentation skills and for current candidates to learn more about thesis process.
Each evening is dedicated to a specific professional program: biotechnology, information technology, and sustainability and environmental management. November, March, and May graduates are invited to participate, and all current degree candidates receive invitations.
The diploma, in Latin, reads:
Universitas Harvardiana (Harvard University)
Magistri in Artibus Liberalibus Studiorum Prolatorum (Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies)
On your résumé, the degree may be listed as the Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies in the field of sustainability and environmental management with a concentration in ecosystems or sustainability. Include graduate awards when applicable.
© 2012–13 President and Fellows of Harvard College