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Liberal Arts, B.A.

  • Application Deadline
  • 48 months
    Duration
Harvard Extension School, Harvard University
University rank #1 (ARWU) Cambridge, MA, United States| Online
The Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree offered by Harvard University is designed for adult professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part time, both on campus and online. The typical student is 30 years old, has previously completed one or two years of college, and works full time.
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Overview

Key learning outcomes:

Through the Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree at Harvard University you gain:

  • A well-rounded academic foundation, through a blend of courses in traditional liberal arts fields and focused subject areas, such as business management and administration, computer science, international relations, economics, and psychology.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills to convey views and opinions in academic and professional contexts.
  • The ability to think critically across a variety of subjects, fostering an informed, independent worldview.
  • Membership in a diverse student community of adult learners with years of full-time work experience, providing an enriching learning environment. 

Program overview

  • Get started. You begin by completing three stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This coursework establishes your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
  • Apply to the program. While completing your third degree course, you submit the admission application. We have application cycles in the fall, spring, and summer.
  • Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you can choose from courses offered online and on campus, year round in the fall, spring, or summer. To fully experience Harvard, you are required to complete at least 16 credits (roughly four courses) on campus. Intensive three-week and weekend options available.
  • Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) in Extension Studies.

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity Full-time
    • Full-time duration 48 months
  • Credits
    128 alternative credits
  • Languages
    • English
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  • Delivery mode
    On Campus, Blended, Online

Programme Structure

Concentrations:

  • Humanities (including creative writing, English, philosophy, religion, visual arts)
  • Science (including biology, computer science, environmental studies, mathematics)
  • Social sciences (including anthropology, business administration, economics, government, history, international relations, psychology).

Fields of Study

  • Your second choice is to declare a specific field of study (similar to a major). You complete courses in one subject area. Top fields of study are business administration and management, computer science, economics, government, international relations, and psychology.

English Language Requirements

  • Minimum required score:

    7

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

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  • Minimum required score:

    100

    The TOEFL iBT ® measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The test has four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing), each with a score range of 0-30, for a total score range of 0-120. Read more about TOEFL iBT ®.

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  • Minimum required score:

    600

    The TOEFL®PBT is administered in a paper format and measures your ability to use and understand English in a classroom setting at the college or university level. It accurately measures how well you can listen, read and write in English while performing academic tasks. Read more about TOEFL®PBT.

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Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: 3

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3 on a US 4.0 grading scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on a 4.0 scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

General Requirements

All applicants must possess proof of high school graduation, including those who were homeschooled. Acceptable credentials include a high school diploma or a high school diploma equivalent as determined by your home state or by the Center for Educational Documentation, through a general evaluation, if you are an international student.

If you earned credits or degrees outside the United States, you must have transcripts sent directly from these schools to the Center for Educational Documentation (CED) for evaluation. Request a course-by-course evaluation if you wish to receive transfer credit or a general evaluation if you do not. Direct the CED to send a copy of your evaluation directly to the Admissions Office.

Tuition Fee

  • International

    11928 USD/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 47730 USD for the full programme and a duration of 48 months.

  • National

    11928 USD/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 47730 USD for the full programme and a duration of 48 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Cambridge

  • 1814 - 3760 USD/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

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