Key Takeaways
- Harvard offers 41 graduate certificates and four undergraduate certificates in business, technology, global studies, sustainability and education.
- Flexible online certificate programs build critical skills with an emphasis on career advancement.
- Most graduate certificates cost under $13,000, while undergraduate certificates cost around $6,000.
- You don’t need to apply to Harvard’s online certificate programs; simply enroll in your first class.
Certificate programs offer focused coursework with an emphasis on career-ready skills. These short, structured programs allow you to explore complex topics, study leadership theory and expand your technical skills.
You can earn a certificate at Harvard, one of the most respected names in higher education, without even submitting an application. With courses in business, STEM, social sciences and sustainability, completing a Harvard online certificate program adds specialized knowledge and skills to your résumé.
Certificates cover in-demand skills in data science, project management or web development, and topics including social justice, nuclear deterrence and digital storytelling. You’ll customize your certificate with electives to design a personalized course of study. And when you finish the three to five required courses, you’ll be able to add Harvard to your résumé.
Why Pursue a Harvard Online Certificate Program?
Pursuing an online certificate from Harvard can help you strengthen critical skills and advance your career. Harvard reports that nearly 90% of certificate earners feel confident that their program prepared them for their next career step.
Certificate programs provide a focused course of study that takes less time than earning a degree. Harvard’s online certificates require three to five courses, and learners can customize their course of study by selecting electives based on their interests or professional goals.
An online format makes it easier to work while earning your certificate. In fact, 78% of Harvard certificate students work full time. More than half have an advanced degree, and most report pursuing a certificate for professional reasons.
How To Earn a Harvard Certificate Online
Starting a Harvard certificate is easy: Simply enroll in your first class. You don’t even need to submit an application. After identifying the undergraduate or graduate certificate that interests you, use Harvard’s course search and registration tool to find course offerings. You can register in fall, January, spring or summer.
After starting your certificate, you must finish within three years and earn a grade of B or higher in each course. After completing your final class, you can request your certificate from Harvard.
How much does a Harvard certificate cost? You’ll pay $2,040 per course for undergraduate classes and $3,220 for graduate courses.
Management and Finance Certificates
Interested in management and finance? Harvard offers 13 graduate certificates and one undergraduate certificate in business and management. These certificates require three to five courses; the total ranges from $6,120 for a three-course undergraduate certificate to $16,100 for a five-course graduate certificate.
Data Analytics
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four, with required courses in statistical modeling and quantitative methods
Program Overview: You’ll strengthen your business analytics, statistical analysis, and programming skills with this data analytics certificate. Customize the program with elective options in data mining, artificial intelligence and advertising analytics.
Other Options:
Information Technology Certificates
Harvard offers seven graduate certificates and two undergraduate certificates in technology. These certificates require three to four courses and cost $6,120 to $12,880, depending on the certificate. Options include programming, web development and data science.
Cybersecurity
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four courses; two required courses in cybersecurity and network security plus two electives
Program Overview: Develop technical expertise in information security, risk mitigation and information security policies with this cybersecurity certificate course. You’ll choose from electives such as artificial intelligence, cloud security and cybersecurity ethics.
Other Options:
Sustainability Certificates
Deepen your understanding of environmental issues with your choice of five graduate certificates. Each certificate includes four courses and costs $12,880.
Environmental Policy and International Development
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four courses, two to four core courses and up to two electives
Program Overview: In this environmental policy and international development certificate course, you’ll examine the connection between diplomacy, environmental policy and global development with a focus on economic development and leadership. You’ll learn how to apply change management principles to issues linked with climate and development.
Other Options:
- Corporate sustainability and innovation graduate certificate
- Sustainable cities and communities graduate certificate
Life Sciences Certificates
Harvard offers four graduate certificates in the life sciences, focusing on the intersection of biology and technology. You’ll take four courses to finish a graduate certificate, which costs $12,880.
Bioinformatics
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four courses in molecular biology, bioinformatics, programming and an elective
Program Overview: Explore bioinformatics tools while strengthening tech skills in this bioinformatics certificate program. Optional focus areas include bioinformatic algorithms, genomics or medical informatics.
Other Options:
Education Certificates
Harvard offers two options for graduate certificates in education. Each program costs $12,880 and includes four customizable courses that can be customized.
Learning Design and Technology
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four courses, including foundations, technology for education, application of knowledge and skills, and an elective
Program Overview: With a learning design and technology certificate, you can explore instructional design theory while learning how to apply your knowledge in K-12 or higher education. You can also customize the courses to focus on corporate training or nonprofit education.
Other Options:
Social Sciences Certificates
Harvard’s certificates in social sciences and cultural studies can deepen your understanding of literature, society, religion and philosophy. Choose from seven graduate certificates and one undergraduate certificate. These certificates require three or four courses and cost $6,120 to $12,880.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Leadership
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four courses in history and context, leadership, and applied learning
Program Overview: Build strategic leadership skills focused on inclusive workplaces with this certificate program in equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging leadership. Learn how to address DEI issues and implement equitable policies.
Other Options:
Global Studies Certificates
Explore international relations and global issues by choosing from four graduate certificates in global studies. Each certificate requires four courses and costs $12,880.
International Relations
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four courses, with one international relations course and three electives
Program Overview: By earning an international relations certificate from Harvard, you’ll examine international conflict and cooperation while gaining insight into political systems and diplomacy. Design your courses around topics like foreign policy, human rights or geopolitics.
Other Options:
Arts and Literature Certificates
Strengthen your communication, analytical and art skills with a Harvard certificate in arts, literature and media. You can choose from one undergraduate or five graduate options, which require three to four courses. The cost ranges from $6,120 to $12,880.
Museum Studies
Tuition: $12,880
Certificate Level: Graduate
Required Courses: Four courses with options in museum law, exhibit design and museum technology
Program Overview: In this museum studies course, you’ll improve your museum management skills by studying visitor experience, collection management and exhibition development. Customize your certificate by choosing from over 20 courses, including art crime, technology and house museums.
Other Options:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harvard Online Certificate Programs
Does Harvard offer online certificates?
Yes, Harvard offers 41 graduate certificates and four undergraduate certificates online. These programs require three to five courses and range from $6,120 to $16,100.
Are Harvard online certificates worth it?
An online certificate from Harvard can pay off. According to Harvard, nearly 90% of certificate graduates say the certificate prepared them for their next step. Harvard also reports that many certificate students earned a promotion or landed a new job while earning their certificate.
Are Harvard certificates respected?
Yes, Harvard certificates are respected. Offered through the Harvard Extension School, Harvard’s certificate programs are fully accredited. Employers know these certificates are backed by Harvard’s long history in higher education.
