When did Harvard officially become a university?
I know Harvard is the oldest college in the US, but I'm a bit confused on when it became a "university" in the official sense. Like, it started as Harvard College in the 1600s, but when did it actually turn into Harvard University?
Does anyone know if there was a specific year or event that marked that transition? I read something about the 18th or 19th century but I couldn’t find a clear answer. I’m just trying to include some accurate facts in my APUSH final project, and I don’t want to get it wrong!
Does anyone know if there was a specific year or event that marked that transition? I read something about the 18th or 19th century but I couldn’t find a clear answer. I’m just trying to include some accurate facts in my APUSH final project, and I don’t want to get it wrong!
3 months ago
•
54 views
Luis Nario-Malberg
• 3 months ago
Advisor
You’re right that Harvard started out as Harvard College, founded in 1636, and it’s often referred to as the oldest institution of higher learning in the US. The shift from college to university was gradual, tied to changes in structure and the way Harvard expanded its educational offerings.
The official use of the name 'Harvard University' dates to 1780, with the establishment of the Massachusetts Constitution. The state charter that year reorganized the institution and acknowledged its broader responsibilities and structure, reflecting its growth beyond just an undergraduate college. The new charter officially named it “The President and Fellows of Harvard College,” but in public documents and ceremonies, it increasingly used 'Harvard University.'
A key event: by the mid-19th century, Harvard had added professional and graduate schools, like Harvard Medical School (established 1782) and Harvard Law School (1817). With those new schools, the term 'university' became even more standard. In 1843, the official seal was changed to 'Harvard University' for the first time, further cementing the identity.
So, you can accurately say that Harvard began publicly identifying as a university by the early-to-mid 1800s, with 1843 marking the adoption of the 'Harvard University' seal.
For your APUSH project, you might mention: 'Harvard was founded in 1636 as a college, but began officially calling itself Harvard University after expanding with professional and graduate schools, particularly by the 1840s.' That should keep your facts accurate and well-sourced!
The official use of the name 'Harvard University' dates to 1780, with the establishment of the Massachusetts Constitution. The state charter that year reorganized the institution and acknowledged its broader responsibilities and structure, reflecting its growth beyond just an undergraduate college. The new charter officially named it “The President and Fellows of Harvard College,” but in public documents and ceremonies, it increasingly used 'Harvard University.'
A key event: by the mid-19th century, Harvard had added professional and graduate schools, like Harvard Medical School (established 1782) and Harvard Law School (1817). With those new schools, the term 'university' became even more standard. In 1843, the official seal was changed to 'Harvard University' for the first time, further cementing the identity.
So, you can accurately say that Harvard began publicly identifying as a university by the early-to-mid 1800s, with 1843 marking the adoption of the 'Harvard University' seal.
For your APUSH project, you might mention: 'Harvard was founded in 1636 as a college, but began officially calling itself Harvard University after expanding with professional and graduate schools, particularly by the 1840s.' That should keep your facts accurate and well-sourced!
Luis Nario-Malberg
Mooresville, North Carolina
Harvard College, Class of 2018, A.B. in Philosophy
Experience
5 years