Anyone familiar or have experience with this option for Masters Degree
Son is interested just graduated with BS working and wants to pursue masters online which he will get tuition reimbursement.
He just learned about this program not familiar with the ALM Degree vs traditional Masters
Thanks
You get this degree: Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies degree
Graduate Degrees | Harvard Extension School
There are many options for an MA or MS degree online. Is there a reason he picked Harvard Extension? What area of study is he pursuing?
I believe- and someone can correct me if I am wrong- that the degree terminology serves to differentiate extension students from the other Harvard students. But I have heard the courses have good quality and professors enjoy teaching in the Extension school.
A typical 4 credit course is $3,440 which is more affordable than peer privates and comparable to publics, the site says. But it is a different degree, technically.
There is a requirement for some on campus participation (which varies).
Admission is dependent on doing well in a certain number of courses. Financial aid isn’t available until after admission based on finishing those courses well enough.
You have access to Harvard resources, including career services, library and so on.
Why Harvard Extension School
He just found out about this program and he is curious but has some questions
The Harvard name is world class and the extension school has been a part of Harvard for over a hundred years
However, the title of the degree not a straight forward masters of Art/Science in International Relations .
and as a recent graduate from what we been able to find out majority of students are more advance in the career
He is also looking at pursuing a Masters of Public Policy degree or a traditional Masters in International Relations/Global Affairs depending on the school
Currently looking at online options
Employed as a Legislative aide and does not want to leave that to pursue a traditional on campus degree
I looked into this some years ago. You walk with other Harvard grads but as I recall the certificate has HES on which some look on as a “lesser” degree as the entry requirements are not stringent like other Harvard masters. It will also require some “selling” of the degree on your son’s behalf as it’s not immediately obvious to many employers what the degree is - as you already note. I would personally tend towards a more traditional degree, especially as he is a recent graduate. I think HES attracts more of an older crowd looking to change direction or even just doing it for interest.
If he wants an online degree (and I would caution- as someone who has done an IR masters, there is a lot of benefit to classroom discussions) there are probably better options. However a number of the better names in IR online in the US are aimed at people who are already working, such as the American University and Tufts Fletcher School ones. I think Northeastern’s doesn’t require work experience. For good names in IR from the UK, Kings College offers an online masters in international affairs, as well in some related areas like global political economy and security studies (where it is very strong). There is also the Cambridge part time IR masters, but that’s not online - it’s taught in two week blocks once a quarter and the rest of the work is done between. That probably requires more time away from the office than a typical early-career employee would have though.
Does he understand that admission does not happen until you do well in a three or so classes?
It looks like Northeastern (MS) and American (MA) offer online master’s in international relations. I thought of Fletcher at Tufts too but not online.
Another option might be doing evening and weekend classes wherever he is located.
State universities would be more affordable than private of course.
People are drawn mainly by the Harvard name but although the Extension is under the Harvard umbrella and does bring some resources, there are drawbacks to the program as you can see by the terminology of the degree. I think he should investigate what curriculum and courses are offered. Focus on what he wants to learn.
Does he need that degree right now? Would it be better to wait and clarify his goals, then attend an on campus traditional degree ?
It is not true that Extension students have the same access to recruiting opportunities as everyone else. Harvard college students don’t have access to HBS postings/interview slots/meet and greets; Kennedy School students don’t have access to the law school recruiting facilities unless they are in the dual enrollment program, etc. Harvard keeps their “lanes” tidy, which is what recruiters prefer. The Extensions school can be a good option for a mid-career professional, but students should know that they will NOT be in the same pool as Harvard’s professional school recruiting seasons.
Thanks for clarifying my unclear post @blossom.
The specific resource for career help: if you are a registered student, degree candidate, or alumni, you are welcome to use our Career and Academic Resource Center (CARC)
That is clearly separate for the Extension School.
That said:
By registering for a course at the Extension School, you become eligible for many Harvard student supports and services. Our degree candidates receive a Harvard student ID card, which grants them access to an wide range of other Harvard Resources and Benefits.
It would be good to check exactly what resources this refers to.
Exactly. A Harvard student ID is likely to get someone free entry to several cool museums, a discount at Banana Republic, and access to the U’s athletic facilities. All of which is fantastic. But it’s not the same as thinking that you’re attending meet and greets with Heads of State and CEO’s when they speak at a recruiting event at HKS or HBS, respectively.
Thanks for the feedback, Ive been sharing it with him
He is set on the online option he wants to keep working
Without getting into too much detail he’s worked one legislative session at the capital and now in the district office and will be working on reelection campaign next year.
We were not familiar at all with the extension school and he is intrigued by it.It is a Harvard degree and yes he understands its not HBS or HKS
However, he is debating how that would compare to other schools not Harvard master degrees
His biggest concern is the age and experience gap between him and other students.
He had a couple calls with admissions, the average age is 38 and 49% have IR experience
He is also looking into other schools for a master in IR
and also looking at a Masters in Public Policy
I was thinking - he should wait. Like an MBA, you want 3-5 years experience. The top schools like the older kids because they can bring it in discussions. What’s the rush?
Have you looked at Syracuse Maxwell / MPA with an International Affairs focus - it’s #1 in the country. They have a part time…ahead of Harvard. Indiana is ranked with it. It’s be an MPA though (Maxwell).
Can he wait until he knows exactly what he wants to do? Personally I would not do the Extension. There is an argument for an in-person master’s but also for programs with traditional degrees. To me, his lack of certainty on what program to pursue would signal a need to wait for more clarity, but I don’t know much about these fields to begin with. The people you meet at, say a master’s program at Harvard or Tufts are an important positive and many connections (and friendships) are made.
Agree 100%. The education is the least of the experience- it’s the face-to-face contact and networking with classmates, professors, visiting lecturers, etc. that makes the Master’s programs valuable…
A few years from now he’ll know what he wants to do…
Update
He is taking a break on applying
wants to work with the Senator thru election next November and then start Grad school in January 2027 now
Looking at more in person options
Thanks for the feedback
I think that makes a lot more sense, both for him to have more time to figure out what he wants, as well as to make his application more compelling for grad schools.