What can I study?

Graduate students may work towards a Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy degree in one of four subjects—Applied Mathematics, Applied Physics, Computer Science, and Engineering Sciences.

Those students earning a degree in Engineering Sciences can specialize in one of the following areas:

• Bioengineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Sciences and Engineering
  
• Mechanical Engineering

Secondary Field in Computational Science & Engineering

Beginning in fall 2011, SEAS welcomes applications for the Secondary Field in Computational Science and Engineering (CSE).

This Secondary Field is available to any student enrolled in a Ph.D. program in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, upon approval of a plan of study by the CSE Program Committee and the student’s home department Director of Graduate Studies.

Degree Listing

In keeping with the interdisciplinary nature of modern research, we do not have traditional academic departments and do not award degrees by specific research area.

• Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics
• Ph.D. in Applied Physics
• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, Bioengineering
• Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, Electrical Engineering
• Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science and Engineering
• PhD in Engineering Sciences, Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering
• S.M., M.E., or A.B./S.M. in Applied Mathematics
• S.M., M.E., or A.B./S.M. in Applied Physics
• S.M., M.E., or A.B./S.M. in Computer Science
• S.M., M.E., or A.B./S.M. in Engineering Sciences, Bioengineering
• S.M., M.E., or A.B./S.M. in Engineering Sciences, Electrical Engineering
• S.M., M.E., or A.B./S.M. in Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science and Engineering
• S.M., M.E., or A.B./S.M. in  Engineering Sciences, Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

Requirements

SEAS students are expected to have an SEAS faculty member as their primary adviser; co-advising with other appropriate faculty throughout Harvard is encouraged for students pursuing interdisciplinary work.

The Ph.D. requires a minimum academic residency of two years beyond the bachelor’s degree. Programs are individually tailored and approved by a committee on higher degrees.

Normally, students spend one-and-one-half to two years on coursework—10 half-courses, including at least 8 disciplinary courses are required. Wide latitude is allowed in the selection of adjacent areas in order to promote diversification of academic interest.

Note: There are NO differences in the course requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics versus the Ph.D. degree in Engineering Sciences. All SEAS students must take the same number of courses.

The difference is the name of the degree a student will earn. Students must decide, based on their own interests and future plans, whether an Applied Physics degree or an Engineering Sciences degree is a better fit.

Admitted students can change their degree program after they arrive, provided they have appropriate support from their faculty adviser.

We recommend that students in the process of applying to SEAS focus on identifying specific faculty members whose work they find of interest.

Graduate Consortia

As part of GSAS, admitted SEAS Ph.D. candidates can take advantage of exciting new interdisciplinary research opportunities, the Harvard Interdisciplinary Graduate Consortia. Graduate Consortia are non-degree, self-organized groups of affiliated scholars who collaboratively investigate broad topics such as human rights, global health, and climate change.

Two new Consortia have been launched thus far.  The Graduate Consortium in Microbial Sciences is being offered by the University's Microbial Sciences Initiative (MSI), and explores an expanding biological field that has attracted intense interdisciplinary interest. The Graduate Consortium on Energy and Environment will foster a new community of students and faculty who will be well versed in the broad, interconnected issues of energy and environment while maintaining their focus in their primary discipline. 

Collaborative Options

Students may also pursue collaborative options with other schools and departments through programs such as:

• Health Sciences and Technology (with Harvard Medical School and MIT)
  

Special Students and Visiting Fellows

Special Students

Courses offered by the SEAS and departments in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences are open to students who hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, who are able to present evidence of fitness for admission at the graduate level, but who are registered as Special Students.

Visiting Fellows

Scholars intending to do research who hold a doctorate, or have equivalent professional experience, or are advanced doctoral candidates who have completed all required coursework, may apply for Visiting Fellow status within Harvard University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

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