Fastest & Cheapest Way to Complete ALM in Management – Health Care (Harvard Extension

[Lyd]

Hi everyone,

I’m a hospital director focused on the management side of operations. It’s always been a dream of mine to earn a degree from Harvard, especially with the long-term goal of moving into higher leadership roles in healthcare.

I’m currently looking into the ALM in Management – Health Care at Harvard Extension, and I’d love to connect with anyone who has gone through the program or is currently enrolled.

My main priorities are speed, flexibility, and affordability — I work full-time and long hours, so I’m trying to be smart about this. A few things I’d really appreciate help with:

• What’s the fastest possible timeline to complete the ALM realistically?
  
• Has anyone successfully transferred in 8 credits (2 courses) to save on cost and time? I’m considering ASU Universal Learner and UMass Global.
  
• Can most of the coursework be done online, and are there any non-proctored course options?
  
• For those who’ve finished the degree — how do you typically present it on LinkedIn or résumés? I know it’s through Harvard Extension, but I’d still love to reflect the Harvard name professionally.
  
• Any tips for scholarships, financial aid, or using FAFSA?
  

This means a lot to me personally and professionally, and I just want to make sure I’m planning things in the most efficient and realistic way.

Thank you so much for any guidance or experiences you can share!

[Jonathan Whatley]

Hi everyone,

I’m a hospital director focused on the management side of operations. It’s always been a dream of mine to earn a degree from Harvard, especially with the long-term goal of moving into higher leadership roles in healthcare.

I’m currently looking into the ALM in Management – Health Care at Harvard Extension, and I’d love to connect with anyone who has gone through the program or is currently enrolled.

My main priorities are speed, flexibility, and affordability — I work full-time and long hours, so I’m trying to be smart about this. A few things I’d really appreciate help with:

• What’s the fastest possible timeline to complete the ALM realistically?
  
• Has anyone successfully transferred in 8 credits (2 courses) to save on cost and time? I’m considering ASU Universal Learner and UMass Global.
  
• Can most of the coursework be done online, and are there any non-proctored course options?
  
• For those who’ve finished the degree — how do you typically present it on LinkedIn or résumés? I know it’s through Harvard Extension, but I’d still love to reflect the Harvard name professionally.
  
• Any tips for scholarships, financial aid, or using FAFSA?
  

This means a lot to me personally and professionally, and I just want to make sure I’m planning things in the most efficient and realistic way.

Thank you so much for any guidance or experiences you can share!

I was a Harvard Extension non-degree student and president of a student society in an adjacent field.

There's no "ALM in Management – Health Care" program at Harvard Extension. There is an ALM in Extension Studies, Field: Management. Every HES ALM has that "in Extension Studies notation" but is often listed without it, as in "ALM in Management."

It's a general management degree. There's no specialization in health care. Looking at courses applicable to that ALM in Management from the current academic year, there is no course whatsoever with health, bio*, or medic* in the title.

It's a great general management degree and maybe it would work for you! You might also look at the ALM in Biotechnology, which is designed to combine management and life science courses. The Extension School also offers some related graduate certificates, such as Biotechnology Management, and Health and Society.

ALMs can all be completed online with a brief on-campus intensive at Harvard. The details of the on-campus intensive vary for each degree program.

No ALM accepts ANY transfer credit from a source outside Harvard, except that a few MITx MicroMasters can attain de facto transfer credit through an "admissions pathway" to certain specific ALM programs. The MicroMasters might actually be harder rather than easier than the corresponding HES courses. Also, ASU Universal Learner does not offer graduate credit.

Each ALM is 12 courses x 4 credits = 48 credits. During each Fall and Spring term, you can take up to 4 courses per term, although that would be a demanding, full-time-student schedule. During the Harvard Summer School Summer term, you can take up to 2 courses. Additionally, there's a short January term during which you can take one course, though there might or might not be a J-term course offered in any given year that can fit in to one of your degree requirements. Working as a full-time student, you could potentially take 12 courses in 1.5 years. But I wouldn't plan on that, especially while also being employed full-time.

There are basically no internal scholarships for these programs at Harvard Extension. Federal financial aid is not available for the pre-admission courses you'd have to take to earn your way in, but may become available for later courses.

A Harvard Extension School degree is also a Harvard University degree. But never, EVER represent it as a degree from a different school within Harvard, such as Harvard College or Harvard Business School. Never represent it by a different title, such as Master of Arts or Master of Business Administration.

[Lyd]

Hi everyone,

I’m a hospital director focused on the management side of operations. It’s always been a dream of mine to earn a degree from Harvard, especially with the long-term goal of moving into higher leadership roles in healthcare.

I’m currently looking into the ALM in Management – Health Care at Harvard Extension, and I’d love to connect with anyone who has gone through the program or is currently enrolled.

My main priorities are speed, flexibility, and affordability — I work full-time and long hours, so I’m trying to be smart about this. A few things I’d really appreciate help with:

• What’s the fastest possible timeline to complete the ALM realistically?
  
• Has anyone successfully transferred in 8 credits (2 courses) to save on cost and time? I’m considering ASU Universal Learner and UMass Global.
  
• Can most of the coursework be done online, and are there any non-proctored course options?
  
• For those who’ve finished the degree — how do you typically present it on LinkedIn or résumés? I know it’s through Harvard Extension, but I’d still love to reflect the Harvard name professionally.
  
• Any tips for scholarships, financial aid, or using FAFSA?
  

This means a lot to me personally and professionally, and I just want to make sure I’m planning things in the most efficient and realistic way.

Thank you so much for any guidance or experiences you can share!

I was a Harvard Extension non-degree student and president of a student society in an adjacent field.

There's no "ALM in Management – Health Care" program at Harvard Extension. There is an ALM in Extension Studies, Field: Management. Every HES ALM has that "in Extension Studies notation" but is often listed without it, as in "ALM in Management."

It's a general management degree. There's no specialization in health care. Looking at courses applicable to that ALM in Management from the current academic year, there is no course whatsoever with health, bio*, or medic* in the title.

It's a great general management degree and maybe it would work for you! You might also look at the ALM in Biotechnology, which is designed to combine management and life science courses. The Extension School also offers some related graduate certificates, such as Biotechnology Management, and Health and Society.

ALMs can all be completed online with a brief on-campus intensive at Harvard. The details of the on-campus intensive vary for each degree program.

No ALM accepts ANY transfer credit from a source outside Harvard, except that a few MITx MicroMasters can attain de facto transfer credit through an "admissions pathway" to certain specific ALM programs. The MicroMasters might actually be harder rather than easier than the corresponding HES courses. Also, ASU Universal Learner does not offer graduate credit.

Each ALM is 12 courses x 4 credits = 48 credits. During each Fall and Spring term, you can take up to 4 courses per term, although that would be a demanding, full-time-student schedule. During the Harvard Summer School Summer term, you can take up to 2 courses. Additionally, there's a short January term during which you can take one course, though there might or might not be a J-term course offered in any given year that can fit in to one of your degree requirements. Working as a full-time student, you could potentially take 12 courses in 1.5 years. But I wouldn't plan on that, especially while also being employed full-time.

There are basically no internal scholarships for these programs at Harvard Extension. Federal financial aid is not available for the pre-admission courses you'd have to take to earn your way in, but may become available for later courses.

A Harvard Extension School degree is also a Harvard University degree. But never, EVER represent it as a degree from a different school within Harvard, such as Harvard College or Harvard Business School. Never represent it by a different title, such as Master of Arts or Master of Business Administration.

Thank you for sharing all this! I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately and wanted to share where I’m at in hopes of getting some honest insight from those who may have been in my shoes.

There are definitely faster and more affordable master’s programs out there. Some are under ten thousand dollars and can be finished in less than a year. I know programs like UMPI, WGU, Capella, and even ENEB in Spain could technically help me meet the promotion requirement sooner. At my current company, a master’s degree is expected at the VP level, and I’ve already been in leadership for quite some time.

I do want to be honest that the shortcut route appeals to me because I have been used to taking faster paths, and given I’m already a director, my tenure here does help me advance. But I’m torn about whether to choose a quick, cheaper master’s or the Harvard ALM, which is more costly, time-consuming, and might be criticized throughout my life.

The more I think about it, the more I feel drawn to the Harvard ALM in Management. Even if it takes closer to two years and costs more, I feel more inspired by its structure, its academic rigor, and the long-term value. It’s not just about checking a box. I want a degree that reflects real growth and something I can truly be proud of.

That said, I do wonder how the ALM is perceived compared to a traditional MBA or other master’s degrees, especially in healthcare leadership. I understand it is a real Harvard degree, but I have come across mixed opinions. I want to make sure I’m making a decision that will be respected and not misunderstood. I never want to feel like an impostor or worry that people might think I am misusing the Harvard name. My goal is to earn something meaningful and credible.

I’ve also thought about how meaningful this would be to my parents, who are aging, and how proud it would make them. I attend professional conferences regularly, and having the Harvard name attached to me might open doors or add weight to the credentials I already hold.

As a woman in a demanding director-level role and someone who hopes to start a family soon, I do have anxiety about the time commitment. But if the Harvard ALM is truly respected and can help open doors in leadership roles, I feel motivated to take it on and earn it the right way.

If anyone here has completed the ALM and moved into VP or C-suite roles, especially in healthcare, I would really love to hear your experience. Was it respected? Did it make a difference in your professional path? Did the Harvard affiliation help?

I’m not looking for just shortcuts this time, although I have always been the type to get the degree quick which is what I did with TESU and the ACE transferred credits and AAS double. I even did the PIERPONT back then just for the sake…. I want to pursue a path I can stand behind with pride, and I truly appreciate any insight or advice you can share.

Thank you so much for reading this and for hearing me out.

[FireMedic_Philosopher]

Hi everyone,

I’m a hospital director focused on the management side of operations. It’s always been a dream of mine to earn a degree from Harvard, especially with the long-term goal of moving into higher leadership roles in healthcare.

I’m currently looking into the ALM in Management – Health Care at Harvard Extension, and I’d love to connect with anyone who has gone through the program or is currently enrolled.

My main priorities are speed, flexibility, and affordability — I work full-time and long hours, so I’m trying to be smart about this. A few things I’d really appreciate help with:

• What’s the fastest possible timeline to complete the ALM realistically?
  
• Has anyone successfully transferred in 8 credits (2 courses) to save on cost and time? I’m considering ASU Universal Learner and UMass Global.
  
• Can most of the coursework be done online, and are there any non-proctored course options?
  
• For those who’ve finished the degree — how do you typically present it on LinkedIn or résumés? I know it’s through Harvard Extension, but I’d still love to reflect the Harvard name professionally.
  
• Any tips for scholarships, financial aid, or using FAFSA?
  

This means a lot to me personally and professionally, and I just want to make sure I’m planning things in the most efficient and realistic way.

Thank you so much for any guidance or experiences you can share!

Harvard does not appear to have a HES option for healthcare.

[Lyd]

Hi everyone,

I’m a hospital director focused on the management side of operations. It’s always been a dream of mine to earn a degree from Harvard, especially with the long-term goal of moving into higher leadership roles in healthcare.

I’m currently looking into the ALM in Management – Health Care at Harvard Extension, and I’d love to connect with anyone who has gone through the program or is currently enrolled.

My main priorities are speed, flexibility, and affordability — I work full-time and long hours, so I’m trying to be smart about this. A few things I’d really appreciate help with:

• What’s the fastest possible timeline to complete the ALM realistically?
  
• Has anyone successfully transferred in 8 credits (2 courses) to save on cost and time? I’m considering ASU Universal Learner and UMass Global.
  
• Can most of the coursework be done online, and are there any non-proctored course options?
  
• For those who’ve finished the degree — how do you typically present it on LinkedIn or résumés? I know it’s through Harvard Extension, but I’d still love to reflect the Harvard name professionally.
  
• Any tips for scholarships, financial aid, or using FAFSA?
  

This means a lot to me personally and professionally, and I just want to make sure I’m planning things in the most efficient and realistic way.

Thank you so much for any guidance or experiences you can share!

Harvard does not appear to have a HES option for healthcare.

Actually Management is fine and if I can stack it with the nonprofit graduate certificate… is this possible

---

Hi everyone,

I’m a hospital director focused on the management side of operations. It’s always been a dream of mine to earn a degree from Harvard, especially with the long-term goal of moving into higher leadership roles in healthcare.

I’m currently looking into the ALM in Management – Health Care at Harvard Extension, and I’d love to connect with anyone who has gone through the program or is currently enrolled.

My main priorities are speed, flexibility, and affordability — I work full-time and long hours, so I’m trying to be smart about this. A few things I’d really appreciate help with:

• What’s the fastest possible timeline to complete the ALM realistically?
  
• Has anyone successfully transferred in 8 credits (2 courses) to save on cost and time? I’m considering ASU Universal Learner and UMass Global.
  
• Can most of the coursework be done online, and are there any non-proctored course options?
  
• For those who’ve finished the degree — how do you typically present it on LinkedIn or résumés? I know it’s through Harvard Extension, but I’d still love to reflect the Harvard name professionally.
  
• Any tips for scholarships, financial aid, or using FAFSA?
  

This means a lot to me personally and professionally, and I just want to make sure I’m planning things in the most efficient and realistic way.

Thank you so much for any guidance or experiences you can share!

Harvard does not appear to have a HES option for healthcare.

Actually Management is fine and if I can stack it with the nonprofit graduate certificate… is this possible

[bluebooger]

> The more I think about it, the more I feel drawn to the Harvard ALM in Management.

https://extension.harvard.edu/academics/...i-outcomes

Your Harvard University Degree

Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will receive a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Management.

are you really going to be proud putting that on your resume ?

> I want to make sure I’m making a decision that will be respected and not misunderstood.

if I saw "Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Management." on a resume I'd ask "what the hell is that "

[Lyd]

How about just going for the ENEB And then VUH DHA? I have read some here had success here.
Is this a good route to take and can it be completed easily?

[ronm]

I completed 8 of the 12 courses for the ALM in Management, half the program plus two extras that would’ve counted toward the degree. As an adult learner balancing full-time work, I didn’t find it overly difficult, but I did find it required consistency and follow-through. I’ve taken graduate-level courses at other institutions since, and in hindsight, the ALM was actually more rigorous than I gave it credit for at the time. The workload is manageable, but you’ve got to keep up with it.

Like you, I was initially drawn to the Harvard name. Most of my professors were from other institutions, but I did have a few doctoral candidates from HBS, which was a great experience. If you’re working full-time, I wouldn’t recommend more than two courses per term. Summer terms are condensed; I’d stick to one course per Summer I and II session. In terms of pacing, 6 credits a year is very doable for working professionals.

The main reason I didn’t finish was that my employer stopped covering tuition. Otherwise, I’d probably have kept going.

As for outcomes: I know a few folks who’ve moved into VP/C-suite roles after finishing the ALM, but that’s probably more a reflection of them than the degree alone. That said, the ALM can definitely give you real personal and professional growth. And unlike many MBAs I’ve seen, it’s not just fluff. It actually prepares you for leadership.

For comparison, I recently looked into ENEB and posted about it. Honestly, it’s more like reading a stack of executive summaries. If you already have a solid business background, you likely won’t learn anything new. It checks a box, but not much more. For someone looking to grow, it’s probably not the right fit.

Bottom line: if you're leaning toward the ALM because it feels like something you’d be proud of, that’s a good reason. The credibility, structure, and name recognition are there. Just go in with your eyes open about the tradeoffs in cost and time.

Happy to answer any other questions as you weigh your options!

[Duneranger]

How about just going for the ENEB And then VUH DHA? I have read some here had success here.
Is this a good route to take and can it be completed easily?

No one takes healthcare administrators without clinical experience seriously.  So if you want the "crackjack box" approach, for a completely unserious degree, then sure.

I had one of those non-clinical healthcare "leaders" last week tell me about perioperative management efficiency (completely unrealistic take she had, which was expected given her lack of clinical acumen). I laughed and walked away after saying, "Yeah, not going to do that".

You are setting yourself up to fail, especially when you use the term "easily". How are you going to be a leader in healthcare with this approach?

[Lyd]

How about just going for the ENEB And then VUH DHA? I have read some here had success here.
Is this a good route to take and can it be completed easily?

No one takes healthcare administrators without clinical experience seriously.  So if you want the "crackjack box" approach, for a completely unserious degree, then sure.

I had one of those non-clinical healthcare "leaders" last week tell me about perioperative management efficiency (completely unrealistic take she had, which was expected given her lack of clinical acumen). I laughed and walked away after saying, "Yeah, not going to do that".

You are setting yourself up to fail, especially when you use the term "easily". How are you going to be a leader in healthcare with this approach?

Just wanted to clarify where I’m coming from. When I said “easily,” I didn’t mean without effort or seriousness. I simply meant a program that’s manageable alongside my current life. Like many here, I work full-time and balance a lot between work and family. So when I look into programs, I’m just trying to be realistic about what I can handle.

I also want to share that I do have healthcare experience—over seven years on the documentation and quality side in hospital systems. While I’m not clinical in the traditional sense, I work closely with clinical teams and have a deep respect for their work. I understand the clinical world, just from a different angle.

I’m looking at the ENEB-to-DHA path because it seems like a flexible and cost-effective option that won’t put me into deep debt. It’s not about skipping the hard work—I’ve never taken shortcuts. Every step in my career has been earned. I started with no degree, no traditional path, and worked my way up through determination, learning, and consistency. I’m now a director at a leading hospital system—not because I had all the credentials early on, but because I’ve worked hard to grow, adapt, and lead.

I get that this kind of path isn’t for everyone, and I respect that. I just hope people can also understand that there’s more than one way to build a meaningful career. I’ve already reached leadership without a master’s, but I want to keep growing—and yes, the “Doctor” title appeals to me, but only if I earn it with real work and dedication.

Also, I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for this forum. It helped me find the TESU Bachelor’s route, the AAS, and the Pierpont BOG—all of which gave me a shot when I felt like I had none. I was one of those people who thought it was too late, that I had missed my chance to go back and finish school. But with the help of this community, I went from low pay and no degree to a six-figure leadership role in under a decade.

None of that came easily. It took humility, grit, and learning everything the hard way. I know degrees help with credibility, but character and work ethic are what truly move someone forward. That’s what I’m continuing to build on. I want to find an educational path that fits, that’s challenging but doable—and still lets me be the mom, leader, and professional I need to be every day.

Thank you again to everyone who shares their time, resources, and feedback here. It’s changed my life and I know it’s changing others’, too.