Harvard Proposes Merging Continuing Education Units

Harvard's Division of Continuing Education has proposed consolidating four academic units under a new School of Continuing and Professional Studies.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Adult Education

Harvard Proposes Merging Continuing Education Units

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The Harvard Division of Continuing Education proposed merging the Harvard Extension School, Harvard Summer School, Harvard Professional & Executive Development, and Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement under the Harvard School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The proposal also would replace the Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies with a Master of Liberal Studies and a Master of Professional Studies.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to better communicate the division's offerings to employers and bring the division in line with peer institutions. It requires approval from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the University's governing boards before taking effect.

The division served more than 16,800 learners from over 120 countries in 2025, according to the proposal materials. Approval by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard's governing boards is still required, and the Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies is under a separate review.

The players

Harvard Division of Continuing Education

The Harvard academic division that offers extension, summer, professional, and retirement learning programs and is proposing the restructuring.

Nancy J. Coleman

The dean of the Harvard Division of Continuing Education who announced the proposal to affiliates.

Kody Christiansen

A former president of the Harvard Extension Student Association who founded the Extension Studies Removal Initiative in 2020.

The details

Dean Nancy J. Coleman announced the proposal in an email to affiliates. If the faculty approves, the proposal would move to the Board of Overseers and the Corporation, with a possible effective date of April 6, 2027.

2007: Student groups and DCE deans began advocating for name changes.
2009: The FAS considered a similar rebranding plan before tabling it.
2020: The Extension Studies Removal Initiative was founded.
May 2025: HESA was recognized as an official student government body.
April 6, 2027: Proposed effective date if the plan is approved.

Adult Education Landscape

The current proposal revives a 2009 Faculty of Arts and Sciences plan to rebrand the division, which was postponed before being tabled. The renewed push reflects longstanding advocacy from student groups and deans dating back to 2007 to clarify the division's identity.

Learners considering Harvard's continuing education programs may see changes to program names and degree titles if the proposal is approved. The Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies would be replaced by new master's degree options.

The takeaway

Readers comparing continuing education options should check how program names and degree titles may change before enrolling. Program structures can shift as institutions seek clearer communication with employers.