Harvard undergraduates choose from academically intense majors that pair world class faculty with research opportunities at the intersection of technology, policy, and the arts. The best majors align with your intellectual curiosity and long term goals while offering flexible pathways inside one of the most recognized universities in the world.
Below is a quick reference that compares key aspects of top majors, helping you see admission competitiveness, typical coursework, research access, and career outcomes at a glance.
| Major | Typical Coursework | Undergrad Research | Career Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Algorithms, Systems, AI, Theory | Labs, capstone design teams, open source | Software engineering, product, quant, startups |
| Economics | Micro, Macro, Econometrics, Behavioral | Dataset projects, policy labs, thesis | Finance, consulting, policy, analytics |
| Biomedical Engineering | Biology, Physiology, Signal Processing, Design | Medical device labs, hospital partnerships | Biotech, medtech, research, health systems |
| Government | Political Theory, International Relations, Methods | Field studies, campaign internships, think tanks | Public service, law, NGOs, journalism |
Computer Science Curriculum and Opportunities
The Computer Science major at Harvard emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands on building. Students progress from problem solving and abstraction to advanced topics such as machine learning, security, and distributed systems. Small class sizes and active faculty ensure mentorship while large scale projects connect you with peers and industry sponsors.
Research opportunities include labs focused on artificial intelligence, privacy preserving systems, and computational biology. Many students join institutes and centers that collaborate with local hospitals, startups, and global organizations. The senior design capstone simulates real product cycles, strengthening teamwork, documentation, and engineering rigor.
Graduates often move into software engineering, data science, product management, or quantitative roles. The alumni network in technology and finance accelerates internships and full time offers, especially in Boston, San Francisco, and New York. Combined with a Harvard degree, strong coding skills and portfolio projects open doors to top employers worldwide.
Economics Tracks and Policy Impact
The Economics major trains you to analyze markets, design policy, and interpret data. Core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics are complemented by electives in development, labor, and behavioral science. Writing intensive assignments sharpen your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
Students frequently engage in research with faculty who advise governments, central banks, and international institutions. Field studies and data driven projects connect classroom concepts to real world outcomes in public health, finance, and inequality. The senior thesis allows you to tackle an original question with close faculty guidance.
Career paths include investment banking, management consulting, public policy, and data analytics. The quantitative training is respected by top graduate programs in economics, public policy, and data science. Alumni often influence policy debates, lead impact evaluations, or launch ventures that blend economics with technology.
Biomedical Engineering Research and Design
Biomedical Engineering blends biology, engineering, and clinical insight. Coursework covers human physiology, molecular biology, signals and systems, and medical device design. Laboratory rotations introduce you to tissue engineering, neural engineering, and imaging instrumentation.
Undergraduates can participate in research on diagnostic tools, rehabilitation robotics, and point of care technologies. Partnerships with teaching hospitals provide access to clinical environments and feedback from physicians and patients. Design teams often iterate prototypes under the supervision of expert faculty.
Graduates are well positioned for roles in medtech, pharmaceuticals, health systems, or advanced study in biomedical PhD programs. The combination of rigorous engineering training and exposure to healthcare delivery prepares you to innovate responsibly in a highly regulated field.
Government, Law, and Public Service Pathways
The Government major offers deep exploration of political institutions, political theory, and research methods. You examine democratic theory, international conflict, constitutional law, and public administration while honing rigorous analytical skills.
Research projects may involve archival work, interviews, or statistical analysis of policy outcomes. Students often intern with campaigns, legislatures, think tanks, and nonprofits, gaining direct experience in civic life. Faculty mentorship helps translate academic insights into actionable recommendations.
Career trajectories include law, public policy, diplomacy, journalism, and nonprofit leadership. The emphasis on writing, argumentation, and evidence prepares you for competitive fellowships and professional schools. Harvard Government graduates frequently shape public discourse and lead organizations that address global challenges.
Choosing a Major That Suits Your Goals
- Clarify your intellectual interests and long term career aspirations before selecting a major.
- Review sample syllabi and speak with current students and faculty to understand day to day work in each field.
- Use research, internships, and project work to test your fit before committing to a concentration.
- Balance passion with practical considerations such as skill development and alumni opportunities.
- Leverage Harvard’s advising resources to design a coherent plan that meets graduation and experiential goals.
- Build a portfolio of projects and experiences that highlight your strengths to employers and graduate schools.
- Stay flexible, as interdisciplinary paths and double majors are common at Harvard.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I choose between Computer Science and Economics if I enjoy both fields?
Consider whether you prefer building systems and working with technology on a daily basis, or analyzing markets, incentives, and data with a focus on policy and behavior. Computer Science involves more applied projects and faster evolving technical skills, while Economics emphasizes quantitative reasoning, theory, and written argument. Talk with faculty advisors and sample courses in each discipline to see which environment matches your working style and long term goals.
What kind of undergraduate research is available for Biomedical Engineering freshmen and sophomores?
Many first and second year students assist in labs through research assistant roles, gaining hands on experience with cell culture, instrumentation, and data collection. Harvard encourages early entry into lab groups, where you can learn experimental protocols, contribute to ongoing studies, and develop technical skills that prepare you for independent projects later in your undergraduate career.
How does the Government major prepare students for law school compared to traditional pre law paths?
The Government major provides rigorous training in legal reasoning, constitutional interpretation, and policy analysis, which are directly relevant to law school curricula. Writing intensive courses, debate opportunities, and exposure to real world case studies strengthen your application and readiness for legal practice. Many graduates use this foundation to pursue JD programs and careers in public interest or government.
Are these majors accessible to students without extensive prior coursework in the subject area?
Harvard structures introductory sequences so that students from diverse backgrounds can succeed, even if they have not taken advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses in a field. Advisors help you plan a balanced schedule, and departments often offer bridging classes or support workshops to build key skills before you enroll in upper level seminars.