Okay, so I’m starting to look at colleges and Harvard keeps coming up, obviously. But it seems huge and I’m just getting lost trying to navigate their website. What are all the different schools within Harvard? Like, are there specific programs within those schools that are super well-known or really good that I should look into? I’m interested in maybe something pre-med or something tech-related, but honestly I’m still pretty open. I’m just trying to get a lay of the land. Are there some that are only for grad students and some for undergrads? Help! I feel like I need a Harvard 101.
Answer
Harvard University is composed of numerous schools and programs, each specializing in different academic disciplines and areas of study. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Degree-Granting Schools:
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Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS): This is the largest academic division and includes:
- Harvard College: The undergraduate liberal arts college, offering Bachelor of Arts (AB) and Bachelor of Science (SB) degrees. It is the original school of Harvard University.
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS): Offers Master’s (AM, SM) and Doctoral (PhD) degrees in a wide array of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences disciplines.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS): Offers undergraduate (AB, SB) and graduate (SM, ME, PhD) degrees in engineering and applied sciences. SEAS is a part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, but it has its own distinct identity and focuses.
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Harvard Business School (HBS): Offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, several doctoral programs, and numerous executive education programs. Focuses on business administration, management, and leadership.
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Harvard Law School (HLS): Offers a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, Master of Laws (LLM) degree, and Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree. Focuses on legal education and scholarship.
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Harvard Medical School (HMS): Offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, as well as Master’s and Doctoral degrees through its graduate programs. Focuses on medical education, research, and healthcare.
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Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Offers Master’s (MPH, SM) and Doctoral (DrPH, PhD) degrees in public health disciplines. Focuses on improving public health through research, education, and policy.
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Harvard Graduate School of Education (GSE): Offers Master’s (EdM) and Doctoral (EdD, PhD) degrees in education. Focuses on educational research, policy, and practice.
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Harvard Kennedy School (HKS): Offers Master’s (MPP, MPA, MPA/ID) and Doctoral (PhD) degrees in public policy, public administration, and international development. Focuses on preparing leaders for public service.
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Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD): Offers Master’s and Doctoral degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and urban design. Focuses on the built environment.
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Harvard Divinity School (HDS): Offers Master’s (MDiv, MTS, ThM) and Doctoral (ThD, PhD) degrees in religious studies, theology, and ministry. Focuses on the study of religion.
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM): Offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree, as well as postgraduate programs in various dental specialties. Focuses on dental education, research, and patient care.
Institutes and Centers:
These are not degree-granting schools but are vital components of Harvard’s research and scholarly activities:
- Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study: A multidisciplinary institute that supports scholars, artists, and writers with fellowships.
- Harvard University Center for the Environment: A university-wide center that promotes interdisciplinary research and education on environmental issues.
- Weatherhead Center for International Affairs: Supports research on international, transnational, and comparative topics.
- Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies: A research center focused on the study of China.
- Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies: A research center focused on the study of Russia and Eurasia.
- Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies: A research center focused on the study of Japan.
- Harvard Art Museums: Comprising the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum.
- Harvard Library: One of the largest academic library systems in the world.
- Arnold Arboretum: A botanical research institution and public park.
- Museum of Comparative Zoology: A natural history museum.
- Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology: A museum of anthropological and archaeological artifacts.
Other Programs and Initiatives:
- Harvard Extension School: Offers courses and degrees for part-time students and lifelong learners.
- Harvard Summer School: Offers a wide range of courses during the summer months.
- Division of Continuing Education: Oversees the Harvard Extension School and the Harvard Summer School.
- Executive Education Programs: Offered by various schools (especially HBS, HKS, and GSE) for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Cross-Registration: Harvard students can cross-register for courses at other Harvard schools and at MIT.
- ROTC Programs: Harvard has ROTC programs for students interested in military service.
This list provides a detailed overview of the diverse schools, programs, and initiatives that make up Harvard University. Each entity contributes to Harvard’s mission of education, research, and service.
