Degrees are awarded 3 times a year:
- November (if you finish your requirements in a summer term)
- March (if you finish your requirements in a fall term)
- May (if you finish your requirements in a spring term)
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.
Graduation confirmation
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:
- For November graduation, by June 1
- For March graduation, by August 1
- For May graduation, by November 1
Learn more about available Honors and Prizes.
To graduate and participate in May Commencement, you must fulfill all degree requirements 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).
Thesis deadlines for graduation
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If your final thesis proposal is submitted to your research advisor by February 1, you may be eligible for a November gradation. November graduates submit their final thesis to thesis director and research advisor by September 1 and the bound thesis to their program office by October 15
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If your final thesis proposal is submitted to your research advisor by June 1, you may be eligible for a March gradation. March graduates submit their final thesis to thesis director and research advisor by January 2 and the bound thesis to their program office by February 15
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If your final thesis proposal is submitted to your research advisor by August 1, you may be eligible for a May gradation. May graduates submit their final thesis to thesis director and research advisor by March 1 and the bound thesis to their program office by April 15
Thesis forums
The week before Commencement, graduates present their thesis research to the Harvard community. This 3-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 will be invited to participate, and all current degree candidates will receive invitations.
Degree name
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 Master of Liberal Arts, Sustainability and Environmental Management, Harvard University Extension School. Include concentration (such as ecosystems) and graduate awards when applicable.