Choosing a path through Harvard University means stepping into an environment where intellectual curiosity is the primary currency. While the institution’s reputation precedes it, the specific landscape of academic options can seem overwhelming for prospective students. This guide moves beyond the simple list of departments to explore the reality of what you can major in at Harvard, focusing on how the structure of the curriculum empowers you to build a unique intellectual journey.
Understanding Harvard's Concentration System
Unlike traditional "major" systems, Harvard uses the term "concentration" to describe a student's primary field of study. This linguistic choice reflects a core philosophy: an undergraduate education is about deep exploration rather than vocational training. When you declare a concentration, you are committing to a rigorous sequence of courses within a specific discipline while retaining the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary connections across the university's vast offerings. The flexibility to blend, for instance, a Life Sciences concentration with a secondary field in Visual and Environmental Studies is not just possible; it is encouraged.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The humanities and social sciences remain foundational to the Harvard experience, offering concentrations that delve into the human condition through critical analysis and historical context. Students can choose to focus on fields that examine culture, society, and thought, preparing for careers that demand sophisticated writing and analytical skills.
Sample Concentrations in this Realm
History
Literature
Philosophy
Anthropology
Government
Economics
Psychology
An Economics concentrator might analyze market trends, while a Government student dissects political theory, and a Literature scholar deconstructs narrative forms. This diversity ensures that if your passion lies in understanding human behavior or societal structures, Harvard provides the tools to do so at the highest academic level.
The Sciences and Mathematics
For those drawn to the empirical and the tangible, Harvard offers robust concentrations in the physical and life sciences. These programs are designed to move students from foundational principles to cutting-edge research, often involving direct collaboration with faculty on groundbreaking projects. The science curriculum emphasizes not just what is known, but how that knowledge is discovered and verified.
Sample Concentrations in this Realm
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Physics
Computer Science
Environmental Science and Public Policy
Neuroscience
Chemistry
Mathematics
A Computer Science concentration might involve building complex algorithms, while a Biochemistry student could spend hours in a lab analyzing cellular processes. The emphasis is on moving beyond textbook learning to engage in the scientific method firsthand, preparing graduates for roles in research, technology, and healthcare.
Interdisciplinary and Applied Fields
Harvard recognizes that the most pressing questions in the modern world rarely fit neatly into a single academic box. Consequently, the university encourages students to design paths that blend disciplines or apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. This results in a variety of interdisciplinary concentrations that reflect contemporary global challenges.
Sample Concentrations in this Realm
Visual and Environmental Studies
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
African and African American Studies
Asian Languages and Civilizations
Molecular and Cellular Biology (often with a biomedical focus)
Bioinformatics
Mathematics and Philosophy
A student in Visual and Environmental Studies might explore the intersection of art, architecture, and ecological concerns, while a Bioinformatics concentrator combines computer programming with biological data analysis. These options are ideal for students who refuse to be siloed and wish to tackle issues from multiple angles.
