How many majors can I choose from at Harvard?
I'm looking into applying to Harvard and I'm really interested in exploring different fields once I get there. I'm trying to figure out how much flexibility I'd have in choosing a major. Does anyone know the exact number of majors (or concentrations, as Harvard calls them) offered? Also, are there limitations if I later decide to switch tracks or add a secondary field? I'm someone who likes to keep my options open, so knowing more details about their academic offerings would really help.
6 months ago
•
117 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 6 months ago
Advisor
At Harvard College, there are over 50 concentrations (what Harvard calls majors) that you can choose from. This list covers a huge range of fields, from the sciences and engineering to the humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. Some examples of popular concentrations are Government, Computer Science, Chemistry, History, Psychology, and Applied Mathematics. In addition to these, Harvard offers more than 40 secondary fields, which are roughly equivalent to minors at other schools.
If you’re interested in combining interests or switching tracks, Harvard gives students a lot of flexibility. For example, it's quite common for students to enter with one idea about what they want to study and then declare a different concentration after a year or two. The official declaration usually happens during the fall of sophomore year, so you have some time to explore. If you want to switch concentrations later, it’s allowed, although some fields may require you to catch up on required courses if the change happens after sophomore year. If you want to design your own concentration—perhaps if your academic interests don’t fit a pre-existing one—Harvard offers a Special Concentrations option, where you can propose a unique plan with faculty support.
You can also add a secondary field to any primary concentration. For instance, you could major in Economics and add a secondary in Mind, Brain, and Behavior. Some concentrations have a lot of requirements (such as Engineering), so double concentrations are not allowed, but combining a concentration with a secondary field is pretty manageable for many students.
For context, one student I know started out in Physics but realized a love for Philosophy during freshman year. She switched concentrations midway through sophomore year and was still able to add a secondary in Computer Science. The curriculum's built-in flexibility really allowed her to explore her interests before making a final decision.
If you want an up-to-date list of concentrations and secondary fields, Harvard’s website has detailed breakdowns, including course requirements for each option. If keeping your options open is important to you, Harvard is a great place for academic exploration!
If you’re interested in combining interests or switching tracks, Harvard gives students a lot of flexibility. For example, it's quite common for students to enter with one idea about what they want to study and then declare a different concentration after a year or two. The official declaration usually happens during the fall of sophomore year, so you have some time to explore. If you want to switch concentrations later, it’s allowed, although some fields may require you to catch up on required courses if the change happens after sophomore year. If you want to design your own concentration—perhaps if your academic interests don’t fit a pre-existing one—Harvard offers a Special Concentrations option, where you can propose a unique plan with faculty support.
You can also add a secondary field to any primary concentration. For instance, you could major in Economics and add a secondary in Mind, Brain, and Behavior. Some concentrations have a lot of requirements (such as Engineering), so double concentrations are not allowed, but combining a concentration with a secondary field is pretty manageable for many students.
For context, one student I know started out in Physics but realized a love for Philosophy during freshman year. She switched concentrations midway through sophomore year and was still able to add a secondary in Computer Science. The curriculum's built-in flexibility really allowed her to explore her interests before making a final decision.
If you want an up-to-date list of concentrations and secondary fields, Harvard’s website has detailed breakdowns, including course requirements for each option. If keeping your options open is important to you, Harvard is a great place for academic exploration!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years