Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Harvard done engineering?

The Lawrence Scientific School, which housed the University’s first programs related to engineering and applied sciences, was founded in 1847.

But, don’t all the “real” engineers go to technical institutes?

That’s like saying all the “real” biology or history students only go to Harvard. Moreover, engineering is increasingly like a liberal art in the way the field interacts with other fields (and that assessment came from an engineer).

What distinguishes Harvard’s academic programs in engineering?

In a word: Harvard. Unlike some programs in engineering and applied sciences, Harvard undergraduates who pursue the field are not enrolled in a separate school or college. Studying engineering is only one aspect of a student's experience.

How does Harvard rank in engineering?

As mentioned, academically we are part of Harvard College (which is consistently ranked as offering one of the top programs the country for undergraduates). We suggest prospective students and their parents consider a broad range of factors when considering what program best meets their needs. Read more on rankings.

How difficult is it to get accepted to the program?

As mentioned, all undergraduate students, whatever their intended concentration, apply to and are enrolled in Harvard College. The Harvard College class of 2013 was selected from a pool of over 29,000 applicants (over 50% of whom are women; 10.9% Latino; 1.3% Native American; 10.8% African American; and 17.6% Asian). Only 7 percent of the applicants were admitted. See full admissions statistics for more information.

How can high school students best prepare if they are considering engineering and applied sciences?

The concentration is open to those who might not have had opportunities for rigorous mathematics or exposure to engineering or computer science in high school. At the same time, the program caters to those who dream about taking Math 55 their first year.

The College Admissions Office offers the following guidance for ALL prospective students interested in any concentration in the physical, life, and engineering sciences: "... it is essential that you study chemistry and physics in secondary school. Your college work will build upon these courses. To be well-prepared for college, you should study secondary school science for four years if possible: a year of chemistry, physics, and biology, and a year of advanced work in one of these disciplines. Courses in psychology, astronomy, geology, and anthropology are not appropriate substitutes for these subjects."

What are the engineering students like?

Like other Harvard students: smart, determined, dedicated, diverse (approximately 32% of concentrators are female; 33% are minorities (including Asian); and nearly 19% are foreign nationals) and enjoying broad interests. Hear it from them: “I am glad that I have friends with a wide variety of interests …”; “I knew I would concentrate in engineering … [but] I wanted to attend a college with an active music program.”

What sort of research have students done?

Past students have created bio-inspired machines, built a cycle-plane simulator, implemented wireless sensor networks, co-authored papers on quantum science and technology, and investigated the role of materials and processes at the nanoscale that regulate the earth's environment. In short, whatever your research passion, given the resources at Harvard, you can find a faculty member who does it and the funding to go along with it. For more, explore the amazing breadth of research opportunities available.

Can I concentrate in chemical engineering?

While there is no current degree in chemical engineering, students may find the biomedical engineering track within the Engineering Sciences degree program a suitable alternative. In addition, the materials option in the Engineering Sciences degree makes a great option for students interested in the materials aspects of chemical engineering. A future biomedical engineering degree program (in development now) will have heavy focus on chemical and biological aspects; for those interested in chemical engineering from a biological perspective it will be an excellent match.

Does an engineering degree at Harvard fully prepare students for graduate school and careers?

Past students have attended graduate school programs at leading universities (including those with “technical” in their name) in areas ranging from engineering to law to business to medicine. Others have taken jobs right after graduation with leading consulting, engineering, and business firms.

What is the size of the program?

Data from 2008-2009: Undergraduate: 366 concentrators. Graduate students: 383. Faculty: 73 full-time members, with around 90 total participants. Typically, 50% of an entering College class expects to concentrate in biological, physical, or engineering sciences or computer science.

How can I get involved if I do not concentrate in engineering?

Opportunities include extracurricular activities like the Harvard College Computer Society (HCS) and the Harvard College Engineering Society (HCES); competitions, such as those available through the Harvard Computing Club (HC3); and campus-wide groups like Women in Science at Harvard-Radcliffe (WISHR).

What does the future hold for engineering at Harvard?

In the past decade, the engineering and applied sciences program has undergone a spectacular renewal and emergence, hiring 40 new faculty members and building a host of new facilities. While the economic downturn has adjusted the pace of these plans, the aspirations of SEAS remain high.

Does a degree in engineering and applied science really prepare students for careers in business or finance?

Engineering was only second to business administration as the most received undergraduate degree of S&P 500 company chief executive officers over the past year, according to executive search firm Spencer Stuart.

What do Harvard alumni in engineering and applied sciences go on to do?