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Choosing your concentration (Harvard’s version of a major) is a major part of shaping your academic identity—and future. At Harvard College, you won’t need to declare your concentration until the middle of sophomore year, giving you time to explore a range of fields through the liberal arts curriculum. But once it’s time to declare (or reconsider), the process comes with options, deadlines, and decisions that matter. Whether you’re picking between Government and Sociology, considering a switch from Biology to Computer Science, or thinking about going for a double concentration, here’s what you need to know.
What Does It Mean to Declare a Concentration?
At Harvard College, a concentration is the primary academic discipline you’ll focus on throughout your undergraduate years. It’s not just about picking a subject—it defines your departmental advising, your course map, and often your thesis or capstone experience. Students choose from 50+ concentrations across disciplines like Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences.
How Do I Declare My Concentration in Harvard College?
“At Harvard you don’t declare your concentration until halfway through sophomore year!”
Concentrations are declared in the fall term of your sophomore year, typically around late October. You’ll submit your declaration through my.harvard.edu, following advising conversations with your assigned academic advisor and a concentration adviser from your intended department.
Most students go through these steps:
- Attend department info sessions
- Schedule advising meetings
- Submit a concentration plan via the Program Planning Tool
- Receive confirmation and next steps from your concentration advisor
Can I Change My Concentration After Declaring?
Yes. Changing your concentration at Harvard is not uncommon, and the College encourages academic exploration. However, timing and planning are critical. If you switch too late, you may need to catch up on prerequisites or extend your academic plan.
Process of Changing Concentration at Harvard
To change your concentration, here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Meet with your current concentration advisor.
- Talk to the advisor in your prospective new concentration.
- Get both departments to approve the switch.
- Update your academic plan and submit a new proposal in my.harvard.
Students often change concentrations between sophomore and junior year—but it’s possible later, depending on requirements.
When Is the Best Time to Change Concentration?
The best time is before the end of sophomore year, when you still have room to adjust your course load. Changing during junior year is possible, but it can require summer classes or tight planning. Waiting until senior year is rare and only allowed in exceptional cases.
Implications of Changing Your Concentration
“Super flexible if you’re looking at majors within Harvard College. Some people change majors in their junior year. As long as you have enough time to take the required classes (and your GenEd reqs), you can switch whenever you want”
With over 50 concentrations to choose from, it’s natural that your interests might evolve once you’re exposed to new fields, professors, and experiences. The implications of switching are rarely academic setbacks; in fact, many students find that changing their concentration improves their engagement, motivation, and long-term goals.
From an administrative perspective, Harvard makes the process relatively smooth. You’ll typically meet with your current and prospective concentration advisors, update your plan of study, and get formal approval from the Office of Undergraduate Education. As long as you make the change before the end of your sophomore year—when most students officially declare—you’re unlikely to face graduation delays. Even students who switch later can often still graduate on time, especially if their new concentration shares foundational requirements or overlaps with Gen Ed courses already completed.
What matters more than timing is how the shift aligns with your academic path and future plans. If you’re moving from one STEM concentration to another, for example, your math and science prerequisites may still count. But switching from, say, Economics to History & Literature may require new types of coursework and writing styles. That’s why Harvard emphasizes advising at every step: faculty, concentration directors, and peer advisers are available to help you think through not just the logistics, but the broader academic and career implications.
What Are the Benefits of Declaring a Double Concentration?
Here’s a snapshot of potential advantages based on student goals:
| Student Goal | Double Concentration Benefit |
| Preparing for grad school | Broader academic foundation, stronger letters of recommendation |
| Entering interdisciplinary fields | Training across methodologies (e.g., qualitative + quantitative) |
| Standing out to employers | Shows initiative, intellectual range, and time management |
| Connecting two passions | Enables personal fulfillment alongside professional growth |
That said, Harvard only allows double concentrations under specific conditions, and approval requires careful planning. You must fulfill all requirements for both concentrations, complete a capstone or thesis if required by each, and stay on track for an on-time graduation. It’s not about taking more for the sake of more—it’s about being intentional and strategic.
Requirements for Declaring a Double Concentration
Harvard requires that both concentrations approve your plan independently. You’ll also need to:
- Fulfill all requirements for both concentrations
- Write a thesis or senior project for at least one
- Demonstrate feasibility in your overall academic plan
You’ll submit a proposal explaining how you’ll meet these requirements without overloading yourself.
Potential Challenges in Managing a Double Concentration
Here’s a snapshot of challenges students frequently face:
| Challenge | Why It Matters? |
| Limited course flexibility | Harder to explore electives, minors, or non-core interests |
| Time-intensive advising | Requires meetings with two departments, often conflicting |
| Thesis or capstone pressure | May need two separate projects or a more complex joint one |
| Scheduling conflicts | Core classes may overlap across departments |
| Academic burnout risk | Heavier workload with fewer buffer semesters |
Some students also find that being split between two departments can mean feeling less connected to either one. You may not build the same depth of relationships with faculty or peers as someone who’s fully immersed in one program. And when extracurriculars, internships, or leadership roles compete for your time, something often has to give.
How Does My Concentration Affect My Academic Programs?
Your concentration determines the majority of upper-level courses you’ll take and may define your eligibility for senior thesis programs, research grants, and departmental honors. It also influences your summer internships and fellowship opportunities.
Connection Between Concentration and Thesis Work
Many concentrations require or encourage senior theses. Your concentration often dictates:
- The research methods you’ll use
- Your advising structure
- Your access to labs, funding, or archival materials
Some students also propose joint theses that reflect work across two departments.
Impact of Concentration on Course Selection
Every concentration has a course map you’ll follow—some more flexible than others. For example:
| Concentration | Typical Core Courses |
| Computer Science | Data Structures, Algorithms, Systems |
| History | Historical Methods, Seminar, Thesis Prep |
| Neuroscience | Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Research |
| Government | Political Theory, Institutions, Methods |
Advising Resources for Concentration Choices
Harvard offers a robust support system:
- Program Planning Tool (PPT)
- Advising Programs Office (APO)
- Concentration Fairs and Panels
- Peer Advising Fellows (PAFs)
- Diversity and Inclusion Fellows in Academic Advising
Many students also use the Harvard College Curriculum Guide to compare concentrations and see sample paths.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: Harvard College, Reddit
