Why study Engineering Sciences at Harvard?

• The concentration is flexibly structured and suitable for students planning to work as practicing engineers or researchers and for those preparing for careers in business, education, government, law, or medicine, and for those whose career objectives may be less specific.

• Our small classes, with an average 5:1 student faculty ratio, give students direct access to professors.
• Being at Harvard provides unmatched opportunities to use the latest tools and technologies — from analyzing soil samples in the Harvard Forest to building your own scanning tunneling microscope.
• Undergraduate research opportunities abound — during the regular term and over the summer and through the newly formed Program for Research in Science and Engineering (PRISE), an opportunity for Harvard undergraduates to join a 10-week residential research community here on campus.
• Learning happens beyond the classroom — members of the Harvard College Engineering Society joined up with students at MIT to build a fleet of robotic football players to compete in RoboCup. Engineers Without Borders is looking for those who want to put thinking to work around the world.
• Engineering sciences is part of a dynamic hub that links to fields such as computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, and to professions such as medicine and business.

 

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) offers excellent general information on all aspects of engineering.

What will my degree "read"?

Your degree will officially be in Engineering Sciences (an A.B., S.B., or A.B./S.M.). In the future, SEAS is considering offering specific degrees in bioengineering, applied physics, and technology, innovation, and society.

What’s different about pursuing engineering in a liberal arts setting?

Harvard is designed to create 21st century engineers, or students who excel in applied science and also have a broad knowledge of other disciplines.

Students who pursue engineering and applied sciences at Harvard typically say they enjoy being part of a larger academic community, living alongside students with different backgrounds and who are pursuing all different fields, taking courses outside of science and engineering in areas ranging from Folklore and Mythology to Politics, and having the time to be a part of everything from theater to football

How demanding is the workload for a typical course?

Concentrators can expect to invest the same amount of time in their courses as students pursuing the natural sciences (e.g., biology) or the physical sciences (e.g., physics and chemistry).

Students — even in the S.B. program (see facing page) — are able to balance their academics with outside interests. Many concentrators student pursue JV- or varsity-level sports and/or take advantage of the various study abroad opportunities during the regular term or summer months.

What is the difference between the A.B. and S.B. degrees?

The A.B. degree is based on the minimum of 14 to 16 half-courses required for its completion. This degree can provide adequate preparation for the practice of engineering and for graduate study in engineering, and it is an excellent preparation for careers in other professions (business, law, medicine, etc.). Students who have pursued the A.B. degree have gone on to top programs in engineering, computer science, medicine, and related fields.

The S.B. degree program requires a minimum of 20 half-courses, and the level of technical concentration is comparable to engineering programs at other major universities and technical institutions. The S.B. program is recognized by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), the national accreditation agency for engineering programs in the United States.

Why should I study a particular area of engineering?

Each area within Engineering Sciences offers both common and distinct opportunities for learning and exploration. A given specialty also provides an opportunity to "dig deeper" into a given research topic.

For example, many students interested in biology or medicine study biomedical sciences and engineering (and so forth). Whatever area you choose, all are suitable preparation for graduate school and careers in industry.

Does Harvard offer a degree in chemical engineering?

No. Students interested in chemical engineering may wish to consider the track in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering. In addition, students can explore the topic through coursework, term- and summer lab experiences, and the thesis.

What are the requirements for Engineering Sciences?

The following publications describe the concentration in engineering sciences and its requirements.

• Requirements for AB Degree
  

A link to the guidelines for the concentration as published in the Harvard College Handbook for Students.

• Requirements for SB Degree
  

A link to the guidelines for the concentration as published in the Harvard College Handbook for Students.

• SB Degree Booklet

Concentration guidelines for the ABET-accredited SB degree in engineering sciences.

What are some career options for concentrators in Engineering Sciences?

Because Harvard students in engineering and applied sciences are part of a liberal arts environment, they are able to combine their strong technical skills with broader-based knowledge in areas ranging from art to zoology.

As a result, they have a variety of career possibilities from which to choose and may specialize in research, investment banking, consulting, computer design or programming, entrepreneurship, planning, design, manufacturing, construction, management, teaching, writing, or sales.

Engineering graduates have excellent prospects for finding employment in private industry, government, military service, or academia.

For more see the Office of Career Services overview.