Development Practice Degree

Program Overview

The degree program includes 12 courses with at least one, three-week course taken on campus.

• Get started. You begin by completing two stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.
• Apply to the program. While completing your second degree course, you submit your application. We have application cycles in the fall, spring, and summer.
• Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you choose from courses offered on campus or online, year round fall, spring, and summer. To fully experience Harvard, you are required to take at least one three-week capstone course on campus.
• Complete your capstone. You’ll apply coursework toward a development project that has a real-world application or solution for a client. Under the mentorship of your instructor in a classroom setting, you will identify your client and determine the scope of the project. Clients might include NGOs, governments, schools, and hospitals. You are encouraged to select a client local to where you live and align the project with community interests. The outcome of the capstone experience includes an optional presentation at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network annual conference.
• Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Development Practice.