PART-TIME STUDY AND SPECIAL STUDENTS
We admit a limited number of part-time students as candidates for the S.M. degree to study at a rate of one or two half-courses per term. Under unusual circumstances, full-time candidates for graduate degrees may petition for permission to study part-time, ordinarily at a rate of two half-courses per term.Similarly, candidates for the master's degree who need fewer than four half-courses to complete the requirements for the degree can arrange to be charged tuition on a per course basis. Visa regulations prohibit foreign nationals who are not permanent residents of the US from registering for part-time study.
Note: This program is separate from the Harvard Extension School’s open admissions program leading to the Certificate of Advanced Standing in Applied Sciences (C.A.S.). Admission toward part-time study in engineering and applied sciences is highly competitive and limited to practicing professionals whose outstanding undergraduate preparation and performance in mathematics, science, or engineering qualify them to work at the graduate level.
Degree Requirements
The S.M. degree is awarded for the successful completion of eight semester courses comprising of an integrated program planned in accordance with the student’s faculty advisor. The Committee on Higher Degrees must approve plans of study. A tentative program of study must be submitted for approval by the end of September of the student’s first year. Plans of study may be modified as student interests and course offerings change, but it is important that each program demonstrate clear and coherent educational objectives.The eight semester courses are ordinarily selected from those which are designated in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences catalog as “Primarily for Graduates (200 series).” Under certain circumstances, up to three of the eight courses may be chosen from those listed as “For Undergraduate and Graduates (100 series).” Courses designated as “Graduate Courses of Reading and Research (300 series)” and courses taken at the Extension School may not be counted for credit toward the S.M. degree. Neither a thesis nor a foreign language is required for the degree.
Part-time S.M. degree programs should be completed in no more than four years. Students are strongly encouraged to work at more than the minimum one course per semester rate, two being ideal.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees will be assessed at the prevailing rates for the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. For information on current tuition and fees, visit www.gsas.harvard.edu. Master’s degree candidates are not eligible for University funding, however it is advised that candidates check with the Financial Aid office at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences on eligibility for Federal and private loan programs.Special Students
Individual courses are open to students who hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, who are able to present evidence of fitness for admission at the graduate level, but who are registered as Special Students and are advised by the director of Special Students.For more information, contact:
Harvard University
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Holyoke Center 350
Cambridge, MA 02138-3654
Telephone: 617-495-1814
Facsimile: 617-495-2928
gsas@fas.harvard.edu
Special Students are not degree candidates. Credit for a limited number of acceptable half-courses can, however, be transferred into a degree program if the student is later admitted to graduate study. Special Student status ordinarily is limited to a maximum of two terms, with extension possible only by reapplication.