Harvard University: Majors and Academic Programs

Harvard doesn’t just offer prestige—it offers choice. Harvard College gives undergraduates room to explore and grow as scholars. If you’re aiming for Harvard, knowing how their academic system works—and how to approach the application process—can make all the difference.

What Majors Are Offered at Harvard College?

Harvard offers 50+ undergraduate concentrations across three main academic divisions:

Each concentration has its own requirements, advising team, and pathway for honors or joint degrees. Students can also add a secondary field (like a minor) or apply for a joint concentration, combining two areas of study—for example, Philosophy and Computer Science. The full list of concentrations is available here.

How to Choose the Right Major for You?

“I think it’s best to choose a major by having a career goal established first. Once you choose your career goals, selecting a possible major is easy. You then review the required courses for the major to see if you could complete and enjoy them. If so, you have a major. If not you keep looking” 

– Reddit

At Harvard, you don’t declare a concentration until the middle of sophomore year. This gives students nearly three semesters to explore different subjects. Here’s how students narrow it down:

• Take Gen Eds early
• Join department open houses and workshops
• Use the Advising Network
• Talk to upperclassmen

Legacy Online School helps college-bound students practice academic decision-making early by simulating these choices in their own interdisciplinary curriculum.

How Harvard’s Academic Programs Support Undergraduates?

Here’s how Harvard structures key elements of undergraduate academic support:

The Value of a Liberal Arts Education at Harvard

At Harvard, liberal arts means learning how to think—not just learning one subject. Students don’t have to choose a major right away. Instead, they can try different classes—from science and history to art and politics. This helps students find what really interests them. A computer science student might study justice, or a chemistry major might look at art materials. These mixes are normal at Harvard. The goal is to build strong thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving. Students are challenged in every subject, but they’re also encouraged to ask questions and try new ideas.

How to Enroll in a Degree Program at Harvard?

Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically required depending on the type of degree:

Once you submit your application, the timeline varies. Undergraduates typically apply by early November (Restrictive Early Action) or early January (Regular Decision), with decisions released in December or March. Graduate programs have rolling or fixed deadlines depending on the department. The Extension School uses a more flexible admissions model, with courses serving as a gateway to formal degree status.

Application Process for First-Year Students

“I just had my Harvard interview and some of the questions were SO unexpected. It started off with the basic ‘tell me about your school’ and stuff like that. But then about 30 minutes in he started asking a lot of really specific, almost philosophical questions. I thought I would write the ones I remember down here in case anyone in the future wants to look at this for reference. 1. Why is education important? 2. What is the importance of education in the economic sphere? 3. Why is success important? 4. Why is empathy important?” 

– Reddit

Students apply through either the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Both options are accepted, and there’s no preference. Along with basic information, applicants must submit transcripts, a school report, two teacher recommendations, and a midyear report. Harvard has been test-optional since the pandemic, but students may still include SAT or ACT scores if they believe those results reflect their strengths.

What makes Harvard’s application unique is the supplemental essay. While the required personal statement shows who you are, the Harvard supplement gives you space to go deeper.

Applicants can choose between Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision. Early Action is non-binding, but you cannot apply early to other private U.S. schools. Regular Decision carries no such restriction, but the acceptance rate is typically lower.

Interviews are offered based on availability and are conducted by Harvard alumni. They are not required but are considered part of the application when completed. Applicants are not penalized if no interview is offered in their area.

Admissions Requirements and Academic Expectations

Harvard’s admitted students typically show:

• Top 10% class rank
• 4-5 APs or equivalent challenging coursework
• Strong extracurricular or community engagement
• A clear voice in essays and recommendations

The average unweighted GPA is around 3.9-4.0, though Harvard does not publish exact cutoffs. Standardized test scores for the middle 50% (for those who submit them) are:

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Need-Blind Admissions

Harvard’s financial aid is among the most generous in the country.

• Need-blind admissions for all U.S. and international applicants
• 100% of demonstrated financial need met with grants—not loans
• Families earning under $85,000/year typically pay nothing
• Aid is available for tuition, housing, travel, and even summer research or internships

Use Harvard’s Net Price Calculator to estimate your aid package.

Social Sciences Majors at Harvard

These majors combine critical thinking, data analysis, historical context, and real-world applications. Each department at Harvard offers a unique way of understanding how people interact and evolve. Here’s a comparison of some of the most popular social science majors at Harvard:

Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School

Sources: Harvard, Reddit