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—or graduate with a Ph.D. in the Science, Technology & Management program (with Harvard Business School).

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

Degrees & Requirements

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.

Note: 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.

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)
  
• Engineering and Physical Biology
  
• Science, Technology & Management (jointly with Harvard Business School)
  

• Harvard Graduate Consortium on Energy and Environment (non-degree program)

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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