Need detailed info on Harvard Extension School.

Hi all,

Can you please help me in gathering information about Harvard extension school. I want to know what is the format of the school. Like I can enroll for a semester program (4 credits that is) and then after that what?? Can I apply for another course or can I apply for an undergrad program??

Also, I read somewhere that HES degree cannot be earned completely online, one has to attend at least one semester on campus(depends on the program). So am I suppose to go to Harvard for that time and be in residency?? Which I don't mind but I need to know before hand.

Also, I live in Dubai so does this apply for all the international students??

I am looking for an online ungrad program but from a well recognized institute so after wards when I apply for my Masters in a reputable uni, I should not be turned down.

Please help me in getting a clear picture of HES.

Thanks.

 

I think it's all pretty well laid out on their site:

Harvard Extension School | Online Courses & Harvard Continuing Education | Boston

 

If you use the search function, you will see that HES has been discussed, analyzed, picked apart, and debated on here ad nauseum. You should be able to find anything and everything you need on their site and on the threads here.

 

HES is open enrollment. You will need to maintain a B+ average in order to be admitted. You will not be able to take all the courses required online so there will be some time in residence required and that applies to international students.

Many students have graduated from HES and have gone on to fine masters programs but the same can be said for students that have attended schools of less prestige and are 100% online. I will add that of the online schools I have attended, HES has been the best in quality in relation to price at ~$250 per credit hour.

 

Like everyone said, their website really does answer all of those frequently asked questions. You absolutely can not complete your undergrad degree at a distance. They do accept transfer credit- which you could do at a distance. Also they offer some distance courses, but you have to be careful not to exceed the maximum. You can live there in dorms over summer, but you can't apply for enrollment until after you visit- meaning financial aid is an issue. In other words, you pay out of pocket to qualify for enrollment, and once enrolled you can get loans.

I've taken a few semesters there, if you have specific questions I can try to help.

 

The ALB (bachelors) is open, requiring a B+ average in 3 pre admission courses of which 1course must be expo 25 Expository Writing. That's it, no other admission criteria.

You can transfer in 64 of the required 128 credits. 12 credits can even come from clep.

Of the remaining credits most must be taken online or in person with a Harvard instructor.

16 credits must be earned at Harvard, in residence. Any combination of evening classes, summer school, or January semester is fine....take them anytime.

Financial aid commences as soon as you enroll as an admitted student (after passing the three pre admission courses) my daughter should be admitted after this semester and they have advised that aid will be available to her for summer session.

It really isn't an easy degree process, expect to work hard. If you had trouble finding the answers to your own questions HES might not be the best fit for you.

 

One thing I'd like to point out because the OP mentioned he is in Dubai, HES will not sponsor student visas for foreigners. That seems like it would be his/her biggest obstacle.

 

Specifically I want to know as an International student based in Dubai, If I am suppose to take a summer in residency, does HES provide the F-1 Visa because that is indeed crucial for my travel and stay there. Also, just trying to understand how it actually works, because I have studied in different set up, I first take some pre admission courses through HES and then transfer the credit from the same towards my degree from HES as well and during that time I have to go and stay there?? Am I getting this right?? Please Help.
Many Thanks.

 

Thanks for informing. I read this but was confused between one thing. They say HES doesn't issue a visa but Summer school does. What is the difference between the two??

 

They are different. Summer school does not offer degrees, only courses. So, you can take courses over the summer and HES will accept them toward your degree.

 

But HES does not issue F-1 visa.. its like going in circle!! I highly doubt that this is the right online degree for me given my geographical placement. You think I can go ahead with this??

 

We are lucky to have a group of intelligent, experienced members who know a lot about higher education and distance learning. I think of this site as being a good first step for people interested in distance learning. In some cases we are their second and third step as well. However, I would not encourage anyone to consider us as being the final word on any subject related to the policies of a particular school. For the sorts of questions you're asking (visas, etc.) don't you want the security of getting the answer directly from the school itself?

 

She's right. Also, go back up and re-read what Rebel said. Good luck!

 

Thanks for all the help. I just needed a bit more elaborated information to be sure of everything that I know as coming from a different set of curriculum, style of education sometimes things can get a bit confusing. We don't have credit system here and I just wanted a personal opinion that I am on the right path as far as understanding the system goes.
Thanks for all the help. Means a lot to me.