Summer Courses for Adult and College Students

Your Summer School Experience

In our classrooms — no matter in person or online — you’ll find:

• Harvard faculty and industry experts dedicated to helping you expand your skills and sparking intellectual curiosity
• A rigorous, inclusive learning environment filled with rich interactions
• An intensive curriculum designed to be completed in a shorter summer session than a fall or spring semester
• An international network of peers like you—driven, curious, and committed to growth
• Access to Harvard’s renowned libraries, museums, and computer labs

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The professors offered valuable tips and encouragement throughout my courses. I was not used to having professors who knew every student’s name and backgrounds, but the professors I had at Harvard truly made an effort to get to know all of us.

Meet Hanne Twedt Berli

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Course Formats

Harvard Summer School courses are offered in a variety of formats, so you can find the option that works best with your busy schedule. 

Course formats include:

Fully Online

• Live synchronous: attend your class online during assigned class times for live lectures and group discussions
• Live and on-demand: attend class live during assigned class times or watch recorded sessions on-demand
• On-demand: watch recorded sessions on-demand and keep up with course deadlines on your schedule

On campus at Harvard

Study and learn alongside your classmates on the beautiful and historic Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Online with one intensive on-campus weekend

Attend live synchronous (online) courses for most of the session, and enjoy an intensive weekend on campus with your classmates.

Learn more about the types of Courses offered for adult and college students at Harvard Summer School.

Courses

Harvard Summer School offers more than 400 courses for adult and college students, in more than 60 different subject areas. 

For a uniquely Harvard experience, explore one of our specially-designed Summer Seminars or Career Pathways.

Or you can find the course that’s right for you by browsing our comprehensive course catalog or previewing select topics here:

Cost & Aid

Tuition for adult and college students courses (both credit and non-credit) at Harvard Summer School in 2023 is:

• 4-credit course: $3,600
• 8-credit course: $7,200

Students planning to take on-campus courses in 2023 are also responsible for all travel costs, and if living on campus, room and board fees.

See Tuition, Fees, and Payment for Adult and College Students for complete tuition information.

Who takes Harvard Summer School courses?

Harvard Extension Degree and Certificate Students: You can make progress toward a certificate or degree during the summer. Taking a single course over the summer can help you accelerate your path to a credential. Learn more about graduate certificates or degrees offered through Harvard Extension School. If you’re a current Harvard Extension School student, see information for Extension students on taking Summer School courses.

College Students: Any college student, whether enrolled at Harvard College or another university, can take a Harvard Summer School course for college credit. Whether you want to complete a general education course over the summer, or if there is a course or professor at Harvard you’re interested in, all you need to do is register.

Lifelong Learners: The summer can be the perfect time to explore a subject you’re curious about. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn a new language or study psychology, or maybe you’re in a career that has changed since you earned your degree and you want to update your knowledge of a topic such as computer science. Harvard Summer School has hundreds of courses to choose from, and they’re open-enrollment.

International Students: Harvard Summer School sponsors F-1 student visas for international students enrolling full time for credit in courses on campus. Learn more about taking courses as an international student.

FAQs

Can High School Seniors take Summer School at Harvard?

High school seniors can only take courses at Harvard Summer School if they are accepted into the Secondary School Program for High School Students. To qualify for this program, you must submit a completed application by the appropriate deadline and be accepted into the program.

However, admitted Secondary School Program students are eligible to take most of the same courses offered to adult and college students.

How do I sign up for Summer School at Harvard?

Once you’ve decided to take a course at Harvard Summer School, the next step is to register for your selected class. 

Once your pre-registration is complete, you can add your course or courses to your shopping cart and submit your registration in the DCE Course Search and Registration platform.

Please be aware that some courses require that you complete eligibility assessments and submit additional documentation before you can register. 

For more information on how to register, as well as helpful on-demand webinars, visit Course Registration. 

When are the deadlines for signing up for Summer School Courses?

It is very important to pay attention to all registration, payment, and other deadlines as you begin the registration process, as all deadlines are strict and late registration is not permitted.

Registration for Harvard Summer School courses for adult and college students begins in early March. We encourage you to choose your course in advance and sign up early, as many of our most popular courses do fill up before registration closes in early June. 

View the Summer 2023 Academic Calendar or join our mailing list to be the first to know about deadlines and other helpful information.

Why Choose Harvard’s Summer School Program?

Summer is a great time to learn a new skill, get ahead in college credits, or simply explore a topic that fascinates you. 

With over 400 courses to choose from, in a variety of flexible formats to fit your schedule, we know that you’ll find the right course for you at Harvard Summer School.

We look forward to getting to know you on campus or online over the summer!