Harvard Digital Discovery invites you to explore courses taught by Harvard faculty — all from the comfort of home. Created for motivated students, this year-long subscription gives you access from wherever you are in the world. Sample multiple subjects, explore fields of study, and find your passion. On-demand workshops provide the opportunity to strengthen essential skills — positioning yourself for an impactful future.
What is Harvard Digital Discovery?
Harvard Digital Discovery is a year-long subscription to non-credit, online, asynchronous courses taught by Harvard faculty, and is brought to you by the Harvard Division of Continuing Education (DCE) and Harvard Online.
Courses are available year-round, so students can access them on demand when it is convenient, allowing for exploration of subjects that align with their passions and schedule. Along the way, students will build confidence, broaden their perspective, and take meaningful steps toward their future.
Subscribers will receive a digital badge upon successful completion of a course.
Discover Your Interests Before College
Many students graduate from high school without a clear sense of the wide range of subjects, ideas, and opportunities available in college. Harvard Digital Discovery is designed to help you discover what excites you before you have to choose a major or commit to a degree program.
- Explore course topics at your own pace in asynchronous and engaging formats with knowledge checks.
- Build a stronger sense of direction through guided reflection and skill practice.
- Develop habits and skills for college readiness: resiliency, time management, ethical AI use
Benefits
- Confidence from finishing meaningful work
- Conversation starters for applications, interviews, and advising meetings
- Shared touchpoints for students through webinars
- Clarity about interests and possible college majors
- Stronger writing, communication, and critical thinking skills
- Deeper understanding of college options
Learners will receive a digital badge upon successful completion of a course.
Who is Harvard Digital Discovery Designed For?
This program may be a strong fit for students who:
- Want to explore potential majors in an asynchronous format
- Are not able to attend a residential summer program
- Want access to Harvard courses for high school students year-round
- Want to strengthen college readiness skills in a self-paced environment
How is Harvard Digital Discovery Different?
| Digital Discovery | Pre-College Program | Secondary School Program |
|---|---|---|
| Online only | Residential | Residential, Commuter, or Online |
| Asynchronous | Live instruction | Live instruction |
| Non-credit | Non-credit | College credit |
| Open Enrollment | Application-based | Application-based |
| Year-round, on-demand | Summer only, three 2-week session options | Summer only, 4- and 7-week options |
Courses
Choose from a wide range of asynchronous, self-paced faculty-led courses; sample subjects, test your interests, and gain exposure to new ways of thinking. More courses will be added in the coming months, including Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking and Introduction to Computational Thinking, among others.
All courses and their descriptions are listed below. When you enroll and pay, you will have access to all of these on the Harvard Digital Discovery platform.
Make Better Decisions: The Psychology of Blind Spots for Leaders and Teams
Understand how hidden bias affects decision-making, relationships, and technologies like artificial intelligence. Learn how to recognize unconscious bias, question assumptions, make fairer decisions, and build stronger self-awareness. Ideal for learners interested in psychology, leadership, business, technology, and social impact.
American Civics by Zero-L
This course gives learners an overview of the foundations of the U.S. government, with a focus on the legal system and history that shapes it. Learners will explore topics such as the different branches of government, what distinguishes law from other rules, the major types and sources of law, and the interactions between federal and state governments. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the governmental institutions and laws that shape the daily lives of every U.S. citizen and resident, as well as the lives of many around the world.
Equality: Race and Constitutional History of the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution
In this course, learners will explore the struggle to end slavery in the United States and to redefine freedom in the aftermath of the Civil War. This course traces the historical path from emancipation and the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the contested promises of Reconstruction and the 14th Amendment, examining how the nation grappled with citizenship, political power, and equality.
Equality: Race and Constitutional History of the Supreme Court’s Internal Deliberations in Brown v. Board of Education
In this course, learners will go behind the scenes of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Brown v. Board of Education (1954). This course unpacks how justices with different perspectives weighed constitutional text, history, precedent, and the changing nation — and how new Chief Justice Earl Warren helped bring the Court to a unanimous decision against race-based school segregation.
Principles of Economics: Supply, Demand, and Market Fundamentals
Economics is about more than markets and money. It is a way of understanding how people, businesses, and governments make choices when resources are limited. In this course, you will develop an economic lens for examining decisions ranging from how you spend your time and money to how global events, public policies, and technological change shape markets and society.
Guided by Harvard Professors David Laibson and Jason Furman, you will explore foundational economic concepts including scarcity, trade-offs, supply and demand, market equilibrium, and optimization at the margin. You will learn to distinguish objective economic claims from value-based judgments, examine how individuals and institutions make decisions, and analyze how changes in economic conditions affect prices and behavior.
Throughout the course, you will also consider how economists evaluate evidence, distinguish correlation from causation, and use tools such as randomized controlled trials and natural experiments to test economic theories. Rather than memorizing ready-made answers, you will build a framework for asking better questions, evaluating evidence, and approaching personal and public decisions as a skeptical, informed citizen.
Personal Finance: Investing for Beginners
How can economics help you make smarter decisions about your money? In this course, you will apply economic concepts to personal finance, investing, and the long-term process of building wealth.
Through practical examples and financial market scenarios, you will explore how economists think about the value of money over time, investment growth, financial risk, diversification, and asset pricing. You will also examine why markets do not always behave rationally, including how speculative bubbles, meme stocks, and investment scams can push prices away from fundamental value.
By the end of the course, you will have an economic framework for evaluating investments, interpreting developments in financial markets, and making more informed financial decisions.
Learners without a background in economics may benefit from first completing Principles of Economics: Supply, Demand, and Market Fundamentals.
Adaptive Leadership: Practical Strategies for Change
This Harvard-developed course teaches learners essential leadership, problem-solving, and change-management skills for success in college and community life. Uncover a practical framework for addressing complex challenges, building trust, and leading change. Learn how to analyze problems from a broader perspective and develop effective solutions. Ideal for aspiring leaders who want to make a meaningful impact.
Disagreeing Productively and Collaborating Well
Master the art of effective disagreement with Harvard Professor Julia Minson via her discussions with producer/musician Jack Antonoff. This course offers tools for transforming difficult conversations into productive collaborations.
Learners will explore techniques for gathering valuable information and communicating strategically to navigate complex interpersonal issues and arrive at positive outcomes.
Effective Writing for Greater Impact
From emails to pitches, presentations, and briefs — clear and impactful communication is an invaluable professional skill. With Harvard Professor Todd Rogers and insights from comedian/writer Ilana Glazer, this course unpacks the core skills of effective writing.
Learn to identify communication goals, strip out unnecessary information, and make writing relevant and easy to engage with for any reader. Learners will practice writing goal-driven, action-oriented communications to help gain greater confidence in their abilities to make an impact with their writing at work.
Data Science and AI Principles
This code-free introductory course helps learners understand the fundamentals of data science, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and large language models (LLMs). Learn how data is collected, analyzed, and used to solve problems, make informed decisions, and power many of today’s most important technologies. Ideal for learners interested in STEM, computer science, technology, and innovation.
Innovation Strategy: Tools and Frameworks for Business
Develop an innovative mindset and tackle real-world challenges with confidence. Learn how to think creatively, generate new ideas, reframe complex problems, test solutions, and adapt through continuous improvement. The course provides proven tools for critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, and change-making, empowering learners to turn ideas into action and make a meaningful impact in their schools, communities, and future endeavors.
Fundamentals of Writing: A Harvard Framework for College Success
Fundamentals of Writing is a Harvard-designed course that helps students build the skills needed to write strong, college-ready essays. Through a clear step-by-step process, students choose a meaningful topic, develop research and argumentation skills, gather evidence, create strong claims, avoid logical fallacies, revise for clarity and impact, and learn how to use AI responsibly to support their learning. Featuring examples, checklists, and insights from current Harvard students, this course gives high school writers a repeatable writing method they can use throughout high school and college.
Data Privacy and Technology
Data Privacy and Technology is intended to help high school students understand the importance of data privacy, online safety, digital security, and responsible technology use. Explore real-world questions about personal data, surveillance, targeted advertising, cybersecurity, and the ethical trade-offs created by new digital tools.
Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health
This course provides actionable tools to help you become more resilient and thrive in school, at home, and beyond. Using proven psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you’ll develop practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and everyday challenges. Learn five essential resilience skills to better understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to build mental strength, solve problems effectively, and face difficult situations with confidence.
Health Care Economics
Why is health care spending so high in the US? What are the primary drivers of rising health care costs? What is the relationship between finance and health care? How does money shape your decision-making as a patient, provider, or payer? Is a sustainable healthcare architecture possible?
Even for those working within the health care industry, the economics of the U.S. health care system can be remarkably complex and difficult to navigate. Designed for health care professionals, managers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how health care systems function, Health Care Economics explores how different parts of the sector interact and how economic principles influence health care delivery. You will examine foundational concepts such as moral hazard and adverse selection and consider how the decisions of patients, providers, and other key stakeholders shape health care markets and outcomes. Through hands-on exercises, you will look beyond clinical outcomes to evaluate health care through the lenses of cost, value, incentives, and market dynamics.
Business and Climate Change
Business and Climate Change is an online course that will teach you to identify and communicate climate risks and opportunities and implement relevant strategies. You’ll understand the science, economic impact, and policy implications of climate change and explore how companies in various industries are adapting and preparing to do business in a changing climate.
Business Analytics
Business Analytics prepares you to make confident, data-driven decisions by interpreting statistical results, evaluating trade-offs, and applying insights to real business problems. The course focuses on building your judgment in using data and predictive insights effectively.
Skills Workshops and Webinars
On-demand workshops with reflection prompts will help you connect what you’re learning to your own goals and future plans. Choose from topics like resilience, managing perfectionism, and effective communication.
College Skills Discovery Series
- Fail Forward: Turning Flops Into Wins
- A Realistic Path to Your College Match
- Okay Guys, Let’s Lock In: Managing Time and Staying Organized
- Ready, Set, Thrive! Emotional Skills for College Success
- Thriving in Chaos
Harvard Faculty Signature Events
On-demand webinars, as well as a set of live webinars, with leading Harvard faculty experts offer learning experiences in engaging formats that align with the schedule and interests of today’s high school students. These webinars cover topics including:
Purpose, Happiness, & Well-Being
- The Good Life: On Preparing Young People to Lead Moral and Meaningful Lives (Richard Weissbourd)
- Meditation and the Brain (Sara Lazar)
- Time, Money, and Happiness (Ashley Whillans, Geoff Smart, Felicia Joy)
- Reluctant Heroes? The Ethics of Praise (Zoe Johnson King)
Communication, Critical Thinking, & Misinformation
- How to Engage in Productive Disagreements (Francesca Gino, Julia Minson)
- Teaching in the Age of Misinformation (Meira Levinson, Eric Torres, Shifali Singh, Neil McGaraghan)
- Para-fiction: What Contemporary Art Can Teach Us About Post-Truth Ways of Knowing (Carrie Lambert-Beatty)
AI & Technology
- Uncertainty in AI: Solution or Obstacle for Climate Action? (Francesca Dominici)
- From Victorian Trains to Chatbots: Exploring AI Interface Design (Fernanda Viégas, Martin Wattenberg)
- Marrying Human and Artificial Intelligence for Social and Personal Impact (Ted Ladd, Milind Tambe)
- Emotional Manipulations by AI Companions (Julian De Freitas)
- The Outsourced Mind: AI, Democracy, and the Future of Human Control (Mathias Risse, Linda Eggert)
- The Future of Generative AI: Transforming Education, Work, and Society (Rebecca Nesson, Latanya Sweeney, Vijay Janapa Reddi, Dustin Tingley, Bharat Anand)
- Beyond the Algorithm: How AI is Rewiring Human Creativity and Decision Making (Jacqueline Ng Lane)
Climate, Health & Justice
- Confronting Climate Change: Diverse Perspectives on the Path Forward (Rebecca Henderson, Jennifer Leaning, Peter Huybers, Jim Stock, Dan Schrag)
- Climate & Health (Kari Nadeau, Jim Stock)
- Environmental Justice and Green Infrastructure (Fushcia Ann Hoover, Jim Stock)
Politics, Policy, & Global Challenges
- Zero-Sum Thinking and the Roots of U.S. Political Difference (Stefanie Stantcheva)
- The Transformative Power of Civic Engagement (Tim McCarthy, Gretchen Brion Meisels)
- Leveling the Playing Field: Advocating for Trans Athletes’ Rights under Title IX (Alex Chen, Maya Reddy, Ellen Popko)
- Where Did Globalization Go Wrong, and How Can We Fix It? (Dani Rodrik)
Cost & Registration
The total cost for Digital Discovery is $3,100. This year-long subscription, which begins at the time of registration, provides you with access to all courses, workshops, and non-live webinars. There are also 1–3 live webinars per quarter.
This fully asynchronous high school enrichment program is non-selective. No application is required. Although there is no language proficiency requirement, comfort with written and spoken English is recommended for success in the program.
Learners will receive a digital badge upon successful completion of a course.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to register, you must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment and not older than 19.
FAQs
Who do I reach out to if I have questions?
If you have questions about the Harvard Digital Discovery program, please email Info@DCE.Harvard.edu.
What is Harvard Digital Discovery?
Harvard Digital Discovery is a non-credit, online, asynchronous high school enrichment program. Through the year-long subscription, students have access to world-class, pre-recorded, immersive learning experiences taught by Harvard faculty. Focused on academic exploration, Harvard Digital Discovery helps high school students explore topics that interest them and build skills for college readiness.
Who can enroll?
High school students who are at least 16 years old at the time of enrollment and not older than 19 are eligible to enroll in Harvard Digital Discovery.
Do I earn college credit?
No, you cannot earn college credit through Harvard Digital Discovery. It is a non-credit program designed around academic exploration and skill readiness.
Is there an application?
No, there is no application to participate in Harvard Digital Discovery.
How long do I have access?
You will have access to courses, workshops, and pre-recorded webinars for one year from the date of registration.
What credential will I receive?
You will receive a digital badge upon successful completion of a course that is part of the Harvard Digital Discovery program. Students can list the courses in the activities section of college applications.
How is Harvard Digital Discovery different from Harvard Pre-College?
Harvard Summer School’s Pre-College Program is a selective, two-week, non-credit residential experience for highly motivated high school students who are ready for the rigor and expectations of a college-level course. Students learn alongside peers in live, on-campus classes.
Harvard Digital Discovery is designed to help students explore college-level subjects they may want to major in. However, it is more flexible and self-paced, with fully online, asynchronous courses that can be accessed and completed throughout the year.
How is Harvard Digital Discovery different from Harvard Secondary School Program?
Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program (SSP) is a selective, credit-bearing summer college program for high school students interested in college-level coursework. Students earn college credit through live instruction during 4- or 7-week sessions, either on campus or online.
Harvard Digital Discovery also helps students explore college-level subjects and potential fields of study. However, it is designed to be more flexible and self-paced, with fully online, asynchronous courses that can be accessed and completed throughout the year.
Can I enroll in Harvard Digital Discovery and also attend a Harvard Summer program for high school students?
Yes, you can enroll in Harvard Digital Discovery (HDD) and attend a Harvard Summer college program for high school students. However, we do not recommend taking an HDD course at the same time as a Pre-College or Secondary School Program (SSP) course. Pre-College and SSP are selective, college-level academic programs designed for highly motivated high school students prepared to meet the rigor and expectations of a Harvard Summer School course. To stay focused on these demanding academic experiences, students should refrain from taking outside courses during the program.
Harvard Digital Discovery courses can be taken at any time during the year. We encourage you to access and work on your HDD asynchronous courses before or after your Harvard Summer School program, rather than while enrolled in a Pre-College or SSP course.
Are there any live events I can attend?
Yes, there are live events you can attend as part of Harvard Digital Discovery. The program will include a select set of digital live webinars each year, featuring leading Harvard faculty with moderated question-and-answer periods.
Can international students participate?
Yes, international students are welcome to participate in Harvard Digital Discovery. Although there is no language proficiency requirement, comfort with written and spoken English is recommended for success in the program, and all coursework must be completed in English.
How much does Harvard Digital Discovery cost?
Harvard Digital Discovery costs $3,100 for a year-long subscription.
Do you offer disability accommodations?
Harvard’s Digital Discovery courses are designed to be accessible and compatible with assistive technologies. There are no timed components. For any accommodation requests related to disability, please email Accessibility@Extension.Harvard.edu and indicate your participation in the Digital Discovery program.
Why Choose Harvard Digital Discovery?
Harvard Digital Discovery offers asynchronous high school enrichment programs that allow students to explore different subjects and build college readiness skills. Whether you prefer self-paced learning without the pressure of grades or are unable to attend a residential summer program, Harvard Digital Discovery gives you access to college courses to discover topics that excite you.
Harvard Digital Discovery is brought to you by Harvard DCE and the Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning.
