Summer Language Program
Summer Language Program
June 14-August 5, 2027 | Online
The Summer Language Program (SLP) is an eight-week, online intensive language study program designed specifically for the curriculum in theological and religious studies taught with a focus on translation and reading comprehension in a foreign language.
Designed to support the HDS curriculum, HDS students may count their initial enrollment in SLP toward the course requirements. Students from other Harvard schools, universities, and colleges may participate in the Summer Language Program.
The application for the 2027 Summer Language Program will be available in mid-March.
Languages Offered
The following list reflects typical courses offered during the Summer Language Program. Please refer to the SLP Courses page for information on course prerequisites and 2027 offerings.
- Arabic (Classical; prerequisite)
- French
- German
- Elementary Greek (New Testament)
- Intermediate Greek (New Testament; prerequisite)
- Elementary Hebrew (Biblical)
- Intermediate Hebrew (Biblical; prerequisite)
- Latin (Christian)
- Pali
- Spanish
- Syriac (Intermediate, prerequisite)
- Coptic (Intermediate Coptic will be offered for the SLP 2028)
Learning Outcomes
- Develop linguistic and translation skills needed for academic research in religious and historical text and in preparation for language qualifying exams
- Strengthen language proficiency to engage directly with primary and original texts rather than relying on translations
- Learn advanced research skills through reading-focused language, translation training, and comprehension
- Engage with an intellectually stimulating community of learners from Harvard and beyond
Cost of Attending
The tuition and fees for the 2026 Summer Language Program are:
- Full tuition: $5,800
- Reduced tuition: $2,600
- Program fee: $500
- Tuition for auditing: $2,600
For descriptions of tuition categories and payment deadlines, please see the SLP Tuition & Fees page
Summer language study enriches the students' ongoing coursework at HDS and elsewhere, and grounds them for future work in academia and ministry.