You can earn an Extension School degree through a combination of online and on-campus courses.
Although we do not offer degrees solely online, our programs accept a limited number of online credits.
On-campus requirements for degrees
Undergraduate degree
At least 4 on-campus-only courses (16 of the 128 total credits) are required. See the options outlined on Online Options and Residency Requirement.
Graduate degrees
Liberal arts
Students are expected to spend at least 2 semesters in residence, during which they take the proseminar, the field seminar, and at least 1 other on-campus-only course at the Extension School or Harvard Summer School. No more than 6 online-only, online-option, or web-conference courses may be counted toward the degree. See the Master of Liberal Arts residency requirement outlined on Enrollment and Residency.
Biotechnology
At least 4 on-campus-only courses are required. One of these courses must be the proseminar. You are expected to spend at least 2 semesters in residence at Harvard Extension School or Harvard Summer School. See the online options for the biotechnology degree.
Information technology
At least 1 on-campus-only course is required. You are expected to spend at least 1 semester in residence at Harvard Extension School or Harvard Summer School. For full details see the online options for the information technology degree.
Journalism
Most courses for the degree are only available on campus. However, JOUR E-100 and JOUR E-110/W, both required courses, have an online option. Other online courses may meet elective requirements. See the online options for the journalism degree.
Management
At least 6 on-campus-only courses are required. See the online options for the management degree.
Mathematics for teaching
At least 4 on-campus-only courses are required. You are expected to spend at least 2 semesters in residence at Harvard Extension School or Harvard Summer School. A selection of electives are offered online. See the online options for the math degree.
Museum studies
Most courses for the degree are only available on campus. However, a selection of electives are offered online. See the online options for the museum studies degree.
Sustainability and environmental management
At least 1 on-campus-only course is required. You are expected to spend at least 1 semester in residence at Harvard Extension School or Harvard Summer School when you enroll in the proseminar or the capstone course. See the online options for the sustainability and environmental management degree.