Academics
This page contains content from the Summer School 2009. For current information, visit the Harvard Summer School website at www.summer.harvard.edu.
What better way to experience college than by taking a course for credit at one of the best universities in the world with college students?
Students accepted to the SSP can choose from among 200 courses in 45 liberal arts fields, many of which are taught by Harvard faculty who teach the same courses to Harvard undergraduates during the academic year. Credits earned are recorded on an official Harvard transcript and are transferable toward a future undergraduate degree at most colleges and universities.
In addition, international high school students who want to study English can apply to the Secondary School Intensive English Language Program.
Summer session
June 20–August 8
The summer session at Harvard is seven weeks, and most courses open to SSP students meet for six weeks, with a final exam on Monday, August 3. SSP students residing on campus must enroll for a letter grade in either two concurrent 4-credit courses or one 8-credit course. Students who live with relatives in the Boston area and apply as commuters may enroll in either 4 or 8 credits for a letter grade.
SSP students take college courses for undergraduate credit (UN) only. The single exception to this policy is EXPO S-C, a writing course that is offered only on a noncredit basis.
Distance education
Can’t travel to Cambridge this summer? No problem—you can still study at Harvard. The Summer School offers several distance education courses via the Internet that are particularly well suited for SSP students. These courses feature videos of course lectures held on campus, along with other course-related materials and, in many cases, a bulletin board or chat room that students and faculty can use to communicate.
If you are interested in enrolling as an SSP distance learner, first apply to the program. Once accepted and registered for a distance course, you will complete the same coursework as students on campus. You will earn credits that will be recorded on an official Harvard transcript and are transferable toward a future undergraduate degree at most colleges and universities.
Learn more about distance education.