Harvard Extension School

[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)