Why Harvard Extension?
This online Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Psychology offered by this large Ivy League university extension school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Admission to the program is based primarily on performance in three specific Harvard extension courses that you complete before submitting an application.
For the psychology degree program, these courses are: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Anthropology and Psychology. Applicants must also take a test of critical reading and writing skills or an equivalent course. No standardized test results are required for your application.
Program Snapshot
| University Name | Harvard Extension |
| Location | Cambridge |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Niche.com Grade | A+ |
| Name of Degree | Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Psychology. |
| School or Department Administering Program | Harvard Extension School |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | $775.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $27,900.00 |
| Test Requirements | none |
| Minimum GPA | none |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | admission based primarily on performance in three specific Harvard extension courses that you complete before submitting an application: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Anthropology and Psychology; test of critical reading and writing skills or equivalent course; one psychology course; course im statistics |
| Campus Visit Required? | Must come to Cambridge for at least 3 courses e.g. weekly courses, weekly online classes with weekend intensive, 3 week intensive courses in January, or 3 or 7 week intensive courses in summer |
| Typical Time to Complete | 3-4 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring |
| Program Concentrations | none |
| Synchronous classes | both |
| Required Courses | 3 courses required for admission plus: 5 psychology courses; 1 psychology seminar, 2 psychology elective; 2 thesis courses and a thesis or one additional elective plus 2 capstone courses and a capstone project |
| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | No |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | designed for older students, most students work full time |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | Be exposed to a range of topics in the fields of psychology, cognitive science, and human development; Develop greater understanding of how environmental and biological factors interact in determining cognitive, emotional, and psychological functioning across the lifespan; Have the opportunity to conduct empirical research (thesis track) or apply research to practice (capstone track); Learn ethical standards that ensure human subjects are protected in every aspect of the study of human behavior. |
| Program Description | Students in this program gain familiarity and competence in a broad array of topics in psychology, cognitive science, and human development. They also learn crucial research skills as they complete a required capstone project. The program consists of 36 credits and can usually be completed within 3-4 years. |
What will I Learn?
The Harvard Extension psychology curriculum is designed to expose students to a range of topics and approaches in the field of psychology. Students gain foundational understanding of human development, cognitive science, and the influence of biological and environmental factors on mental and emotional functioning from infancy to old age. They learn to conduct research and apply research evidence to practical problems, behaving ethically and professionally throughout their time at Harvard.
The curriculum for this program divides into two tracks: the capstone track and the thesis track. In the capstone track, students complete more required courses and complete a less intensive research project. In the thesis track, an additional thesis course takes the place of one elective course, and students focus more intensively on the thesis as a way of consolidating curriculum and building research acumen.
In both tracks, students are required to take the three courses that were required for admission, plus the following additional courses: 5 psychology courses; 1 psychology seminar and 2 psychology electives.
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 3-4 years and pay $775.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just under $28,000 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
Courses may be taught synchronously, meeting at a scheduled time each week. In asynchronous classes, students complete class work on their own schedule.
Students must come to Cambridge for at least three courses. These in-person courses can be completed weekly on a commuter model, as weekly online courses with one weekend intensive visit, as 3-week intensive courses in January, or as 3-7 week intensive courses completed in the Summer semester.
Students complete the program within 3-4 years. Students can start the program in the Fall or Spring semesters. The curriculum is quite adaptable to meet the needs of students balancing work, family and academic obligations.
Summary
This degree pathway is primarily designed for older students re-entering higher education. Most students in the program expect to work full-time throughout their studies. Affiliated with this highly prestigious university, this program provides students with opportunities for research collaboration and in-person learning not available in many other degree options profiled here.
However, these opportunities come at a higher cost than many other options, and aspiring applicants should also be aware that the structure of the curriculum makes it difficult to complete on an accelerated timeline.
