Distance education by video and web conference
Study from anywhere in the world. We offer more than 150 Harvard online classes, available in 2 formats, in fall and spring semesters.
Video courses—watch weekly when and where you choose
Most of our distance education courses feature videos of faculty lecturing on campus. You watch each week’s distance education lecture at your convenience, submitting assignments as scheduled.
Next step > Choose an online course, see the technical requirements, and note the registration dates and steps.
Live web-conference courses
A handful of distance learning courses are conducted live at a scheduled time weekly. Instead of videos, you log in to a virtual classroom to participate.
Next step > Use the course search to find web-conference courses, see the web-conference guidelines, and note the registration dates and steps.
Watch a sample distance learning video
The following sample distance education lectures will give you a feel for the online course experience.
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Understanding Islam and Contemporary Muslim Societies sample course video
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Creativity: Geniuses, Madmen, and Harvard Students sample course video
Sample distance learning courses and preview lectures are also available to download to your computer or mp3 player for free at Harvard Extension School on iTunes U.
Harvard faculty and rigorous academics
Our faculty create rigorous and engaging online classes. In fact, nearly 40 courses are Harvard College lectures, taught by Harvard faculty. Other courses are taught by faculty from nearby universities and by industry practitioners.
Popular distance education subjects include management, computer science, environmental management, and biological sciences. You can earn undergraduate or graduate degree credit or take a course for noncredit.
Learn how to apply course credit toward an Extension School degree.