Engineering and applied sciences at Harvard has a long and distinguished history at Harvard, beginning with the creation of the Lawrence Scientific School in 1847 (named for donor Abbott Lawrence).

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the structure to support faculty and research in engineering applied sciences underwent several reorganizations (ranging from a graduate school, department (several), and division) and names (from DEAP to DAS to DEAS).

In 2007, in recognition of the growing preeminence of engineering and applied sciences, the University transitioned the former Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences into a school.

Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) brings discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society in the 21st century.

In pursuing its aims, SEAS will grow, but will remain: a different kind of engineering program rooted in science, interdisciplinary in culture, and committed to embracing Harvard’s breadth and depth across the sciences and professions.

Vision & Values

To address current and future societal challenges, knowledge from fundamental science, art, and the humanities must all be linked through the application of engineering principles with the professions of law, medicine, public policy, design and business practice.

In other words, solving important issues requires a multidisciplinary approach.

With the combined strengths of SEAS, FAS, and the professional schools, Harvard is ideally positioned to both broadly educate the next generation of leaders who understand the complexities of technology and society and to use its intellectual resources and innovative thinking to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The vision for SEAS echoes such ideals:

Through research and scholarship, we will create collaborative bridges across Harvard and educate the next generation of global leaders.

By harnessing the power of engineering and applied sciences we will address the greatest challenges facing our society.

About Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard is America’s oldest university.

Harvard offers an extraordinary scope: a curriculum with 3,500 courses and over 40 areas of concentration; the largest university library system in the world; a universally renowned faculty; nearly 300 student organizations and 41 intercollegiate athletic teams; a House system that combines the intimacy of a small college with the rich and stimulating environment of a university; state-of-the-art research centers, laboratories, and museums; the resources of 10 graduate and professional schools; and the varied cultural, educational, and recreational offerings of Cambridge and Boston.