Harvard Extension School

[cookderosa]

Who cares what a geeky 18-22 year old thinks? Seriously! With that said your going to earn a degree from one of the top three universities on the planet. Outside of Cambridge/Boston I doubt anyone will know or care that it happened to be earned in a tough, academically serious night school version of Harvard offered via the Con-Ed Dept for nearly the past 100 years.

Mu daughter is taking her first three courses this semester...is is worlds away from her CC experience. HES is the real deal taught by serious professors for serious students. Taking a course is easy...earning a degree is very hard, only around 3% of HES students actually go on to earn a degree.

HES is not HC, nor is it the Divinity School or the Kennedy School of Government, or HBS...its HES.

If a HC student looks down on you so freaking what! You will seldom be in a class with them anyway and unless you wear a HES t-shirt or something I don't think they are gonna cull you from the crowd.

If an employer can't be made to understand that a Harvard University degree is legitimate even if the nearer worked extra hard to get in and stay in, went to school primarily at night in order to finish, and had the fortitude to persevere through a tough academic program...then that employer is probably better suited with another candidate anyway.

I think you are right to address these fears up front...second guessing yourself once your committed would really suck and provide you an easy way out when the going gets tough...and it will get tough....its Harvard!

Great place to crawl around for legit info on ES All Discussions

You know I think your daughter is a rock star, every now and again you should post an update Especially interested in how her Global Health class is going!

People ALWAYS mix up Harvard College (undergraduate) with the other colleges of Harvard University (graduate). The Continuing Education college offers associate, bachelor, and master's options. There are NO master's degrees available through Harvard College.
The concept of various colleges within one university throws many people off. I've said it a dozen times, but it's worth repeating- MOST of the online option programs in this country that are offered through public universities are offered through extension/ continuing education colleges. Guess what, no one cares. Until you start talking about Harvard. I'll give anyone a big kiss if they can find me 10 Harvard college kids that even know Harvard has an extension option. But, people will do what people will do. If you're looking for reasons to rule out a college, maybe that's one. HOWEVER, I always laugh when Harvard's continuing education college is dismissed when the poster (not THIS poster) then goes on to enroll in a continuing education college elsewhere...lol

[cookderosa]

Uppity HES student

BTW, I have books for you and need to know where to ship them.

Indeed- I'm in my HARVARD HOODIE as I type this (really, I am lol)

[ATTACH=CONFIG]890[/ATTACH]

[cookderosa]

Quite the contrary, actually. I've been looking over the program and reading not just one blog, but several. I've been looking at various websites, Harvard Extended, etc. for about three years now, so this certainly isn't an out of the blue thing. I really do have my reservations. Education is always an investment, and as such, should always require research, etc. which is why I'm asking in the first place. Do I think it will be life-changing? No. Because by the end of this year I'll already have two bachelors. And as far Instantcert goes, although I wasn't a paying member, I've been reading posts on here for 2 years now. So, people here aren't "strangers" to me. I may be to them because I haven't posted much or been on here, but I've always come here for information.

Ok. So what questions do you have exactly? No one can determine if someone in your future will take issue with one or more of your degrees. You are finishing your bachelor degree, so are you considering the ALM (Masters) degree options? In a nutshell, if you earn a master's degree, you're joining an elite group- fewer than 8% of people in the United States hold a master's degree. My encouragement to you is that the BEST degree is the one you finish.

Harvard University is the most recognized university on the planet. A master's degree from Harvard, if you earn it, will be a gold star on your resume. Like Rebel said, most won't earn it. I've worked on mine off and on for a long time- since 2008. I may never earn it. If I made a list of the 10 barriers that stand between me and successful completion of that program, "what other people think" wouldn't be there. Just sayin.

[dartheminence]

Ok. So what questions do you have exactly? No one can determine if someone in your future will take issue with one or more of your degrees. You are finishing your bachelor degree, so are you considering the ALM (Masters) degree options? In a nutshell, if you earn a master's degree, you're joining an elite group- fewer than 8% of people in the United States hold a master's degree. My encouragement to you is that the BEST degree is the one you finish.

Harvard University is the most recognized university on the planet. A master's degree from Harvard, if you earn it, will be a gold star on your resume. Like Rebel said, most won't earn it. I've worked on mine off and on for a long time- since 2008. I may never earn it. If I made a list of the 10 barriers that stand between me and successful completion of that program, "what other people think" wouldn't be there. Just sayin.

My questions were if anyone who had studied there encountered any issues with people or other Harvard students. I was hoping to get an idea of the enjoyment level of the coursework. I wasn't considering Harvard for a Masters, but another Bachelors. I'm also wondering if I should go ahead and just get a Master's instead. As advised before, I'm strongly considering WGU for that. Whether or not I enroll in a degree program is irrelevant as I will already have one, but I would also like to take some courses for enjoyment. I want to know if Harvard coursework will transfer to other schools, in case I do want to enroll at another school.

My opinion of Harvard extension is quite great. I've looked through the site, did a lot of research. I think it's quite a steal, which is why I was surprised by some of the things I had read that were negative. There's also the on campus requirement which concerns me, as I'm not sure that's affordable for me. How has the Harvard coursework been for you?

[cookderosa]

I don't believe that there are too many of us here who have taken HES courses, but I'll share my experience.

My questions were if anyone who had studied there encountered any issues with people or other Harvard students. No.

I was hoping to get an idea of the enjoyment level of the coursework. Very high, but you must enjoy writing and reading. It's a very writing-reading intensive school. One course that I'd considered (but decided not to take) had 12 required reading text books. <cha-ching> I'm on a budget, so I pick courses with 3 or fewer books. So far, I've never had one with fewer than 3. Every graduate class will include at least one 10-page academic paper. (my abnormal psych class had 2 I think) Reading in the range of 100-200 pages per week. Sometimes journals articles are included. All classes will be via lecture (two that last 1 hour each). I just had a class last semester that allowed us to participate in lecture live via webcam/chat box. All are uploaded though, so you typically view on your own.

I wasn't considering Harvard for a Masters, but another Bachelors. I'm also wondering if I should go ahead and just get a Master's instead. Absolutely. A second bachelor's is a lateral move. It's like multiple high school diplomas. There are only 9 courses + thesis in a master's at HES.

As advised before, I'm strongly considering WGU for that. Whether or not I enroll in a degree program is irrelevant as I will already have one, but I would also like to take some courses for enjoyment. I want to know if Harvard coursework will transfer to other schools, in case I do want to enroll at another school. Yes, of course. They are regionally accredited. If, however, the college you are transferring to doesn't accept transfer credit, Harvard's will not trump that. The credit will be equal to any other transfer credit.

My opinion of Harvard extension is quite great. I've looked through the site, did a lot of research. I think it's quite a steal, which is why I was surprised by some of the things I had read that were negative. There's also the on campus requirement which concerns me, as I'm not sure that's affordable for me. How has the Harvard coursework been for you? Yes, very enjoyable. The campus component is important to pay attention to, because that's #1 on my barriers list Depending on the major (all liberal arts) will require no less than 1 full length semester plus a second (full length or summer option). In addition, you can't use financial aid unless you're enrolled, and you can't enroll unless you've completed the 3 pre-courses. One of which is the proseminar (on campus). So, they want you to do that first, however, like I mentioned, I've been taking classes at the rate of about 1 every other semester since 08. I've never had the proseminar or field course (required) which require campus time. If I get to the point in my life where I can get there for a full semester, I will have to take the proseminar and field in the same semester. That works- technically speaking- but it costs a lot of cash to do it that way and it crunches the thesis time in a huge way. There is always the risk of them not accepting earlier courses (5 year rule once you take the proseminar, but you never know). It's possible that I will not get to use all of my courses toward a degree because I almost always use the degree as a guide-not a hard and fast rule. I search for classes that interest me, and then, within that group, I see if any fit into the bio or psych program (I have equal coursework in both, but intend on pursuing only bio)

My suggestion is to take 1 distance course, and take it for grad credit. Why? First of all, the course will be identical and your class will be a mixture of both undergrad/grad students. The grad students will do more writing assignments, but everyone takes the same class. For my money/time, it's silly to take for undergrad.
Second, you don't have to have a BA degree finished to take grad courses. (I think they require verification after 3, but you'd have to check)
Third, some schools (TESC is one, WGU maybe) will allow you to transfer in a grad course that was not part of a degree as upper level courses. My science courses at HES could, in theory, go back to TESC for a biology or natural science degree. I may, in the future, finish the HES degree, but those credits are not part of a degree plan and I am not enrolled, so I'm not breaking any rules. (double-dipping)
And lastly, then you'll know more and can make an informed choice. It's currently $2000 for a graduate level course. ($20,000 for a well planned master's degree)

[dartheminence]

I don't believe that there are too many of us here who have taken HES courses, but I'll share my experience.

My questions were if anyone who had studied there encountered any issues with people or other Harvard students. No.

I was hoping to get an idea of the enjoyment level of the coursework. Very high, but you must enjoy writing and reading. It's a very writing-reading intensive school. One course that I'd considered (but decided not to take) had 12 required reading text books. <cha-ching> I'm on a budget, so I pick courses with 3 or fewer books. So far, I've never had one with fewer than 3. Every graduate class will include at least one 10-page academic paper. (my abnormal psych class had 2 I think) Reading in the range of 100-200 pages per week. Sometimes journals articles are included. All classes will be via lecture (two that last 1 hour each). I just had a class last semester that allowed us to participate in lecture live via webcam/chat box. All are uploaded though, so you typically view on your own.

I wasn't considering Harvard for a Masters, but another Bachelors. I'm also wondering if I should go ahead and just get a Master's instead. Absolutely. A second bachelor's is a lateral move. It's like multiple high school diplomas. There are only 9 courses + thesis in a master's at HES.

As advised before, I'm strongly considering WGU for that. Whether or not I enroll in a degree program is irrelevant as I will already have one, but I would also like to take some courses for enjoyment. I want to know if Harvard coursework will transfer to other schools, in case I do want to enroll at another school. Yes, of course. They are regionally accredited. If, however, the college you are transferring to doesn't accept transfer credit, Harvard's will not trump that. The credit will be equal to any other transfer credit.

My opinion of Harvard extension is quite great. I've looked through the site, did a lot of research. I think it's quite a steal, which is why I was surprised by some of the things I had read that were negative. There's also the on campus requirement which concerns me, as I'm not sure that's affordable for me. How has the Harvard coursework been for you? Yes, very enjoyable. The campus component is important to pay attention to, because that's #1 on my barriers list Depending on the major (all liberal arts) will require no less than 1 full length semester plus a second (full length or summer option). In addition, you can't use financial aid unless you're enrolled, and you can't enroll unless you've completed the 3 pre-courses. One of which is the proseminar (on campus). So, they want you to do that first, however, like I mentioned, I've been taking classes at the rate of about 1 every other semester since 08. I've never had the proseminar or field course (required) which require campus time. If I get to the point in my life where I can get there for a full semester, I will have to take the proseminar and field in the same semester. That works- technically speaking- but it costs a lot of cash to do it that way and it crunches the thesis time in a huge way. There is always the risk of them not accepting earlier courses (5 year rule once you take the proseminar, but you never know). It's possible that I will not get to use all of my courses toward a degree because I almost always use the degree as a guide-not a hard and fast rule. I search for classes that interest me, and then, within that group, I see if any fit into the bio or psych program (I have equal coursework in both, but intend on pursuing only bio)

My suggestion is to take 1 distance course, and take it for grad credit. Why? First of all, the course will be identical and your class will be a mixture of both undergrad/grad students. The grad students will do more writing assignments, but everyone takes the same class. For my money/time, it's silly to take for undergrad.
Second, you don't have to have a BA degree finished to take grad courses. (I think they require verification after 3, but you'd have to check)
Third, some schools (TESC is one, WGU maybe) will allow you to transfer in a grad course that was not part of a degree as upper level courses. My science courses at HES could, in theory, go back to TESC for a biology or natural science degree. I may, in the future, finish the HES degree, but those credits are not part of a degree plan and I am not enrolled, so I'm not breaking any rules. (double-dipping)

That's super informative!!! Thank you so much!!!!

[excelsiorstudent]

I attended the extension school about a decade ago. I had some family issues that caused me to have to move away from Boston and I never completed my degree through them. I ended up finishing my degree through Excelsior. Classes taken at the extension school are leagues above anything you will encounter at WGU or TESC. The difference between the college and the extension school is the extension school has a limited offering of courses. You will not have access to all the star professors of Harvard. However you will have access to some great ones. Some classes are identical to the college ones. I took one that if you missed a class the professor could arrange for you to sit in the class at the college, because the lecture was identical. Now some courses at the extension school are not by Harvard professors. Some are from professors from other colleges. My favorite college courses were actually taught by a professor that headed the history department at Boston College. He enjoyed teaching at the extension school specifically to reach beyond the elite and teach adults who truly wanted to learn. Classes are tough and I was not truly prepared at 20 for the level of work, I so wish I could go back now though. I had one class that I ended up deciding not to take because it required around 20 books. You almost never read textbooks, at least in history classes, you read books written by current scholars often Harvard professors.

One thing I must tell you is Harvard Extension does not offer second bachelor's. At this stage you can take courses for enjoyment for credit or non credit, or you can enroll in a master's program. You will have to attend some courses in person. They do offer a January and a summer session. I suggest taking a course you are interested in and see how you like it. You have to take and pass classes before you can even apply anyway. Courses are open enrollment but getting admitted is harder.

[cookderosa]

I attended the extension school about a decade ago. I had some family issues that caused me to have to move away from Boston and I never completed my degree through them. I ended up finishing my degree through Excelsior. Classes taken at the extension school are leagues above anything you will encounter at WGU or TESC. The difference between the college and the extension school is the extension school has a limited offering of courses. You will not have access to all the star professors of Harvard. However you will have access to some great ones. Some classes are identical to the college ones. I took one that if you missed a class the professor could arrange for you to sit in the class at the college, because the lecture was identical. Now some courses at the extension school are not by Harvard professors. Some are from professors from other colleges. My favorite college courses were actually taught by a professor that headed the history department at Boston College. He enjoyed teaching at the extension school specifically to reach beyond the elite and teach adults who truly wanted to learn. Classes are tough and I was not truly prepared at 20 for the level of work, I so wish I could go back now though. I had one class that I ended up deciding not to take because it required around 20 books. You almost never read textbooks, at least in history classes, you read books written by current scholars often Harvard professors.

One thing I must tell you is Harvard Extension does not offer second bachelor's. At this stage you can take courses for enjoyment for credit or non credit, or you can enroll in a master's program. You will have to attend some courses in person. They do offer a January and a summer session. I suggest taking a course you are interested in and see how you like it. You have to take and pass classes before you can even apply anyway. Courses are open enrollment but getting admitted is harder.

Emphasis mine. This is true, and I'll be frank, it scares the crap out of me! Talk about being accountable for the work. In my first class, our professor LITERALLY was the author of the writing policy book for Harvard. Gulp. By the middle of the semester, I was quite freaked out because I hadn't done a lot of undergrad academic-styled writing (about 12 short papers to be exact). Like many here, I tested out a lot, so I felt like a kindergartener in high school! Psych uses APA style, and I recall being given good resources here and found OWL (still one of my fav websites).

While I can't speak to the other professors, I will say that in MY experience, none have EVER been eager to hit you with red marks- in other words, they want you to be successful. I remember sending the TA a note because I had a section of my final paper (due the next morning) and I couldn't for the LIFE OF ME figure out if reference needed a period or a semi-colon or whatever it was. His reply was "don't worry about it, it's about content and overall correctness." So, after that day, I do my best to write in the style of the class (some use Chicago style) and be generally correct, but I seriously don't stress about it anymore. No one has EVER dinged me on periods vs commas in reference sections or date after name/before name, in parentheses.... yet. And don't read that as apathy, I definitely try and do it right, I just have never been knocked points for making style errors (which I'm SURE I've made a zillion of).