Harvard Extension School courses are open to the public, and most require no application.

REGISTRATION FOR JANUARY AND SPRING COURSES OPENS NOV. 12

To start planning, browse the course catalog here. 

Late registration is not permitted, so be sure to register by the registration deadline. For information on making course changes after registering, see ...

Arboretum for Educators monthly explorations are a professional development opportunity for elementary and middle school teachers to introduce the Arboretum landscape as an outdoor classroom. Participants learn about specific hands-on life science topics that may be used or adapted by teachers for their own classrooms and outdoor spaces. Meet and network with other like-minded educators, and engage in life science learning.

Free, but ...

Autumn is a great time to appreciate the beauty of viburnums, with their vibrantly colored fruits and leaves. Join Wendy Clement to explore the diversity of viburnums and the hidden features of their leaves and fruits that facilitate interactions with other organisms in their communities. Hear about the important role the living viburnum collections at Arnold Arboretum have played in notable studies on the diversity, classification, ecology, and evolutionary history of this group. See for yourself why horticulturalist Michael Dirr wrote: "A garden without Viburnum is akin to life without...

Explore large tropical insects from an evolutionary standpoint with a hands-on look at gargantuan species! Utilizing sustainably sourced Atlas beetles (5” + wingspan), students will learn about insect development and anatomy by preparing and preserving specimens of their own. Each student will get to keep a set of illustrated instructions, tools, and their own finished specimen to display at home. With newfound knowledge, students will also get to explore the arthropod gallery to take in all of the subtle nuances of Earth's invertebrate species.

This is a fun and engaging...

Instructor: Mickey Alice Kwapis

Explore large tropical insects from an evolutionary standpoint with a hands-on look at gargantuan species! Utilizing sustainably sourced empress cicadas (8"+ wingspan), students will learn about insect development and anatomy by preparing and preserving specimens of their own. Each student will get to keep a set of illustrated instructions, tools, and their own finished specimen to display at home. With newfound knowledge, students will also get to explore the arthropod gallery to take in all of the subtle nuances of Earth's invertebrate species...

Instructor: Mickey Alice Kwapis

Learn about the anatomy and life cycles of insects and prepare your own beautiful butterfly specimen for display. Participants will explore the wild world of insects through a visit to the arthropod gallery, accompanied by an activity where you will learn to prepare and preserve a butterfly that you get to display in your home. Tools and illustrated instructions are provided for students to keep.

This is a fun and engaging activity that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age.

Students under 12 must be accompanied by an...

Celebrate reptiles! Join Harvard students from the Harvard College Conservation Society for a variety of reptile themed activities including a scavenger hunt, storytime, and crafts. Come learn about the history and diversity of reptiles, and why they need to be conserved! All ages are welcome.

Click here to learn more.

This course is taught by HUPD officers. The course will review basic safety and awareness principles and introduce basic options for physical self-defense. 

Audience: University-Wide 

Pre-Requisites: After registering for this class, you must sign a release form.

Cost: None 

Late Drop/Cancel Fee: None 

Please email hupdselfdefense@hupd.harvard.edu with questions. ...