Harvard Extension School and MIT Partner for MicroMasters Credential Pathway

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Learners who complete a MITx MicroMasters credential in Data, Economics, and Development Policy or Supply Chain Management can now apply their work toward a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) degree at Harvard Extension School (HES). The new MicroMasters credential pathway, announced as a collaboration between MIT and HES, provides opportunities in three fields of study: Management, Sustainability and Development Practice.

"Through this collaboration, we will gain highly qualified, self-motivated learners who have already proven they have the academic ability and drive to achieve our degrees," explained Huntington D. Lambert, dean of Harvard's Division of Continuing Education and University Extension, in a statement. "MIT cannot admit all of the qualified learners who apply to their related master's program and together we wanted to provide them a Harvard Extension School option. Harvard Extension School decided to offer a path for MITx's MicroMasters credential learners who are interested in pursuing HES's Management, Development Practice or Sustainability fields of study."

To become a degree candidate at HES, learners must have an accredited bachelor's degree, have completed the MicroMasters credential and take one more course with HES. They then become eligible for admissions to the related HES ALM program. Seven more HES graduate-level courses are required to graduate with the ALM degree.

The MicroMasters pathway "lowers the cost of the HES master's degree, continuing its tradition of creating increased access to adult part-time learners," according to a news announcement.

"The MITx MicroMasters credential program opens up a semesters-worth of graduate-level courses from MIT to anyone willing to learn. They can master new skills that will advance their careers without interrupting their careers, and without leaving home," said Krishna Rajagopal, MIT dean for Digital Learning, Open Learning, in a statement. "By adding Harvard Extension School and expanding the overall number of pathway institutions, the MITx MicroMasters credential program gives learners from across the globe even more opportunities to apply their credential toward a blended Master's program of their choice."

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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