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Graduate Programs

Our doctoral and master’s degree programs lie at the interfaces of engineering, the applied sciences, and technology

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. students should refer to the Model Programs for each degree.

Graduate students may work towards a Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Engineering (M.E.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in one of four subjects:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Physics (including a Materials Science track*)
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Sciences (with specialties in four areas).

 

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

* Students with an interest in Materials Science must decide, based on their own interests and future plans, whether an Applied Physics degree or an Engineering Sciences degree is a better fit for them. They are welcome to apply to either area.  Admitted students can change their degree program after they arrive, provided they have appropriate support from their faculty adviser. The coursework a student takes will be driven by the specific degree they are working toward.

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.

Requirements and Courses

Graduate Consortia

As part of GSAS, 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 with HST

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

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).

Contacts

Are you a prospective student thinking about applying or in the process of applying? For specific information see:

Currently enrolled students seeking additional information on our academic programs and/or advising should contact our Student Affairs Office.

Assistant Dean for Academic Programs

Marie Dahleh, Ph.D.
Pierce Hall 111
(617) 495-1485 (office)
(617) 496-4177 (fax)

Marie oversees the Academic Office.

Graduate Academic Programs Administrator for Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics

Marie Dooley
Pierce Hall 130
(617) 495-2833 or (617) 496-2834 (office line)
(617) 496-4177 (fax)

Marie manages academic and financial matters related to graduate degrees in Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics.

Staff Assistant

Tricia Jacome
Pierce Hall 110
(617) 495-2833 (office)
(617) 496-4177 (fax)

Tricia provides assistance to Marie and Ellen, coordinates activities with SEAS-related undergraduate student groups, and answers questions of visitors and callers. She also works with companies to schedule and coordinate job talks on campus.

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Model Ph.D Programs

Model programs are guides for enrolled Ph.D. students and provide SEAS-wide course requirements for degrees with area-specific course requirements, guidelines, and model programs that are intended to help students develop programs with sound intellectual frameworks.

2011 QS Rankings
  • Harvard University ranked # 2 overall in 2010/11

  • Harvard University ranked # 4 in Metallurgy and Materials Systems

  • Harvard University ranked # 5 in Computer Science & Information

  • Harvard University ranked # 6 in Electrical Engineering

  • Harvard University ranked # 3 in Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Rankings

  • Harvard University ranked # 1 in Biological Sciences

  • Harvard University ranked # 1 in Chemistry

  • Harvard University ranked # 2 in Physics and Astronomy

  • Harvard University ranked # 1 in Mathematics

  • Harvard University ranked # 1 in Environmental Sciences

  • Harvard University ranked # 1 in Earth Sciences

Source: 2011 QS World University Rankings

Secondary Field in CSE

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.

Graduate Life
Professional Development

Graduate students and postdocs are encouraged to attend a weekly seminar on topics related to professional development.

http://www.seas.harvard.edu/profdev/

Career Services

Students in Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have complete access to the opportunities, advising, and resources through the Office of Career Services (OCS) including summer funding, research opportunities, and study abroad.

Contact: Anthony J. Arcieri, Director of Career Services, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, (617) 496-4531