 The history of the Harvard Extension School dates back to its founding in 1910 by Abbott Lawrence Lowell . From the beginning , the Harvard Extension School was designed to serve the educational interests and needs of the greater Boston community , but has since extended its academic resources to the public , locally , nationally , and internationally . Growing out of the vision of its founding Dean , Dr. живело 1920. The Harvard Extension School is one of the 12 degree-granting schools of Harvard University. The Extension School offers undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as professional certificates, in a wide range of fields