“I won't say there aren't any Harvard graduates who have never asserted a superior attitude. But they have done so to our great embarrassment and in no way represent the Harvard I know.” — Derek Bok, President Emeritus of Harvard University
For many years I've seen people mention the Harvard Extension School as a possible way for eLearners and others to earn a Harvard degree at a reasonable price. HES is one of thirteen schools that make up Harvard University, along with Harvard College (the campus-based school for undergraduates), Harvard Law, Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical, and others. HES offers evening and online courses that apply to certificate programs, as well as Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degree programs.
The primary difference between HES and Harvard University's other twelve schools is that anyone who meets basic eligibility criteria is welcome to enroll in HES courses, and if one does well enough in those courses, to apply them to a degree. Unfortunately for eLearners, degree programs from HES require at least one semester in residence taking courses on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Still, for those who live in the Boston area, or who might conceivably live there for a few months, it's an enticing possibility.
Now, over on the forum, the subject of HES has come up again. This time, though, someone has referred to an opinion piece by an IT consultant named Don Burleson on HES and its relationship to Harvard University. Now, I've seen some whoppers in my time, but I have to say that this piece ranks as one of the most poorly-informed screeds I've ever read about higher education. Basically, Mr. Burleson believes that people who earn degrees from HES have not only not earned degrees from the "real" Harvard, but are liars and frauds for saying that they have!
As pretentious as this shows this fellow to be, before we summarily dismiss him as a crank, why not get it from the horse's mouth and see what Harvard University itself has to say? We can start with the About Us page on the HES site, which offers this:
As Harvard University's primary resource for continuing education for a century, Harvard Extension School offers an open and comprehensive academic curriculum, with courses and programs to meet the interests and needs of a diverse public. Explore a subject in depth. Gain advanced training for a career change. Earn specialized field credentials. Whether you take a course or work toward a degree, we have options for you.1
That's clear and concise, but since that's merely on the HES part of Harvard University's web site, maybe it's just part of the vast conspiracy of fraud that has Mr. Burleson so upset. Fortunately, for those who want more, there was also a lengthy article just three weeks ago in the Harvard Gazette celebrating the centennial of HES. Since the Gazette is an official university publication, it's undeniable that HES is not only part of Harvard University, but an integral part of which they have long been very proud indeed.
The underlying issue here is that some people, for whatever reason, just can't accept the idea that a program that is open access could possible also be rigorous. And that's nonsense. It is the coursework, assignments, and examinations that determine whether a course or program is rigorous. In no way does it diminish that rigor just because a school's policy is to let anyone who want to find out if they can handle that course or program give it the old college try.
So basically, when it comes to whether a degree from Harvard Extension School is really one from the "real" Harvard, we have two choices. Either we can believe an elitist curmudgeon who, as it turns out, never even went to Harvard, or we can believe Harvard University itself. I don't know about you, but that's the easiest thing I've had to decide all day.
Next up, bloggers and freedom of the press.
Photo of John Harvard statue courtesy of Tim Sackton