Harvard University offers a wide spectrum of academic pathways that allow students to connect deep intellectual curiosity with real-world impact. Understanding what majors Harvard has helps prospective students and their families map how renowned faculty, interdisciplinary resources, and a powerful alumni network can shape long term careers.
Below is a concise overview of Harvard’s undergraduate and graduate landscape, followed by detailed explorations of program formats, concentrations, and decision factors that define the student experience.
| Level | Typical Program Name | Duration | Focus | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) | 4 years | Liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences & engineering | Residential college system |
| Undergraduate | Bachelor of Science (S.B.) | 4 years | Quantitative fields, engineering, life sciences, applied math | Laboratory and project-rich |
| Graduate | Master of Arts (A.M.) | 1–2 years | Humanities, social sciences, regional studies | Coursework + thesis or examination |
| Graduate | Master of Science (S.M.) | 1–2 years | Engineering, public policy, applied sciences | Technical projects and internships |
| Graduate | Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) | 4–8 years | Research and original contribution | Dissertation and teaching |
| Professional | Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) | 2 years (full-time) | General management, entrepreneurship, finance | Case method and corporate partnerships |
| Professional | Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) | 2 years | Policy analysis, economics, ethics | Field practicum and seminars |
| Professional | Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) | 4 years + residency | Clinical medicine and research pathways | Partnerships with Harvard Medical School |
Undergraduate Liberal Arts And Sciences
The undergraduate experience at Harvard is organized around a liberal arts model that balances breadth and depth. Students in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences choose a primary field of concentration while also engaging across disciplines. What majors Harvard has at the undergraduate level includes fields such as History, Literature, Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Economics, and Government. Each track is designed to cultivate critical thinking, written and oral communication, and ethical reasoning alongside technical skills.
Within the A.B. and S.B. options, students enjoy small classes, research opportunities with faculty, and access to labs, studios, and libraries. The residential college system fosters tight-knit communities, where academic advising and extracurricular life support intellectual growth. Whether a student leans toward theoretical mathematics or public storytelling, the structure encourages flexible paths that can evolve over time.
For those aiming toward careers in technology, policy, health, or the arts, Harvard’s undergraduate majors provide analytical tools and networks that open doors to top graduate programs and employers. The emphasis on mentorship and independent work prepares graduates to tackle complex problems with confidence and clarity.
Graduate And Professional Programs
Graduate study at Harvard spans humanities, social sciences, engineering, education, public policy, business, and health. Programs emphasize original research, collaboration, and practical application, often drawing on Harvard’s global partnerships. Advanced degrees such as the A.M., S.M., and Ph.D. position students to contribute new knowledge in their fields, while professional degrees like the M.B.A. and M.P.P. focus on leadership and impact in organizations and governments.
Coursework is frequently team based, blending case studies, labs, seminars, and internships. Students work alongside leading scholars and practitioners who shape the latest thinking in their domains. Interdisciplinary centers and labs further expand opportunities, enabling projects that cross traditional boundaries and address real world challenges.
Because Harvard’s graduate and professional programs are tightly integrated with its research ecosystem, students gain access to cutting edge resources, from data infrastructure to cultural archives. This environment is ideal for those who want to deepen expertise while building portfolios that matter in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
How To Choose A Major Or Program
Choosing the right path at Harvard involves aligning personal interests with clear objectives around career, research, and lifestyle. Undergraduate applicants typically indicate an academic interest rather than a rigid major, allowing room to explore before declaring a concentration. Graduate and professional applicants often target specific programs that match their goals, such as data science, urban policy, or global health. Factors to weigh include faculty expertise, available funding, opportunities for internships, and the long term vision for impact.
Visiting campuses or attending online information sessions, speaking with current students and alumni, and reviewing syllabi can clarify how a major translates into skills and opportunities. Harvard’s advising offices and career centers provide structured support, helping students design plans that leverage concentrations, extracurriculars, and summer experiences. The key is to balance passion with practicality, ensuring that each step builds toward meaningful work and personal fulfillment.
Key Takeaways
- Harvard offers a broad set of undergraduate and graduate majors across arts, sciences, engineering, and professional fields.
- Undergraduate students enjoy a flexible liberal arts structure, while graduate programs emphasize research depth and real world application.
- Choosing a major involves balancing interests, career goals, faculty expertise, and available resources like advising and funding.
- Students can pursue double majors, joint programs, and shifts in focus with support from advisors and structured policies.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I declare a major as an undergraduate at Harvard?
Students typically declare a concentration during sophomore year by meeting with advisors in their Faculty of Arts and Sciences division, outlining required coursework and independent work tailored to their goals.
Can I pursue a double major or joint program at Harvard?
Yes, Harvard encourages intellectually ambitious students to pursue double majors, joint concentrations, or combined degrees where policies allow, often coordinated through the respective departments and the Office of Undergraduate Education.
Are Harvard majors structured the same for online and campus programs?
While core learning outcomes are consistent, online and campus formats may differ in scheduling, cohort models, and hands on components, so it is important to review specific program pages for delivery details and prerequisites.
What if I want to switch majors after starting at Harvard?
Changing concentrations or programs is supported through academic advising, with steps that include meeting requirements for the new field, assessing credit transfer, and updating study plans to stay on track for graduation.