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Computer Science

Participate in research on software, graphics, artificial intelligence, networks, parallel and distributed systems, algorithms, and theory

We like to say that Computer Science (CS) teaches you how to think more methodically and how to solve problems more effectively. As such, its lessons are applicable well beyond the boundaries of CS itself.

But CS is also, more generally, the study of information. How do you represent it? With what methods (aka algorithms) can you process it?

Perhaps the most liberal answer, though, is that CS “has no exclusive domain of its own, and that its importance comes from the problems to which it is applied.” And therein lies the excitement. CS empowers you with tools and ideas that can be applied to practically any domain of interest to you, both in college and beyond.

Contrary to popular belief, CS is not really about programming, even though you do learn how to program. Programming languages are tools that Computer Scientists use or create in order to solve problems of interest to them.

Concentration Guide

Getting Started
This section covers common questions students have about the field of Computer Science.

Planning and Courses
This section covers information about the degree and secondary field programs and provides a guide to planning for the freshman and sophomore years.

How to Declare CS
How to enter the concentration.

Combining with Other Areas
Options for combining the Computer Science concentration with other areas (through electives, and interdisciplinary programs).

Secondary Field
Information on the Secondary Field option in Computer Science.

Advising and Forms
This section provides information about and downloads of the most common forms and specifics about academic advising.

Thesis Examples
This section provides examples of theses in computer science.

Careers and Alumni
This section covers potential career paths for those with degrees in Computer Science and profiles SEAS alumni.

Outside the Classroom

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Research may be part of your coursework or as as part of individual research opportunities working with professors.

Our dedicated undergraduate research facilities and Teaching Labs also provide opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning.

Clubs & Activities

Clubs and activities provide students from all concentrations an opportunity to do everything from build robotic soccer bots to imagine and launch start-ups.

Document Actions
Quick Facts

Advising Contacts

Prof. Steven Gortler
Director of Undergrad Studies, Computer Science

Assistant Dean Marie Dahleh
Assistant Dean for Academic Programs
Pierce Hall 111
(617) 495-2833


Concentration Guide

All you need to know about the Computer Science concentration, from course planning to advising.

Degrees offered

Requirements

Links and documents detailing the requirements for the Computer Science Concentration.

Courses

A list of courses in Computer Science.

Faculty

Computer Science at Harvard is highly interdisciplinary. Eighty Harvard faculty members participate in teaching and research in engineering, applied sciences, and related areas, including chemistry, biology, earth and planetary sciences, and physics.

Facilities

Major research facilities, complete with clean rooms and wet labs, are located primarily in the Gordon McKay Laboratory and at 60 Oxford Street. The Laboratory for Integrated Science and Engineering (LISE) building opened in 2007 and the Northwest Science building opened in 2008. The Maxwell Dworkin Building (90,000 square feet) and historic Pierce Hall also serve as hubs of study and research.