# Academic Programs ## expand\_more ## What's on this page? - [**Harvard College Academic Programs**](#hcol-programs) - [**Concentrations**](#concentrations) - [**Declare a Concentration**](#declare) - [**Joint**](#joint) - [**Double**](#double) - [**Joint vs. Double**](#double) - [**Other Academic Opportunities**](#other) - [**Secondary Fields**](#secondary) - [**Foreign Language Citations**](#citations) - [**Concurrent Master's**](#concurrent-masters) - [**Harvard Griffin GSAS Academic Programs**](#gsas-programs) - [**Secondary Fields**](#secondary-fields) - [**Related Forms**](#forms) ## Who is this for? Students currently enrolled in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (Harvard College, Harvard Griffin GSAS, SEAS) ## Harvard College Academic Programs Harvard College offers several options for you to pursue your academic goals. ### Concentrations You can choose from 50 undergraduate fields of study (concentrations). You will be asked to declare a concentration during the first semester of your sophomore year. ### To declare a concentration: 1. Consult the [***Fields of Concentration***](https://handbook.college.harvard.edu/#fields)**,** which provides information for each concentration, along with required courses, tutorials, and thesis information. 2. Meet with a representative from your intended concentration. Your representative will review your Declaration of Concentration and your Plan of Study. 3. [**Formally declare your concentration**](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=529e5ecadb6f4f04a914fff31d96190c) in my.Harvard. If you have any questions about this process, contact your sophomore adviser, [**Resident Dean**](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/people-type/resident-deans), or [**Academic Coordinator**](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/people-type/academic-coordinators)**.** ### Joint Concentrations A joint concentration integrates two undergraduate concentrations into a coherent field of study. You will typically be required to write an interdisciplinary thesis while only enrolled in one concentration's thesis tutorial. - **Not all concentrations participate in joint concentration programs.** Please consult the [***Fields of Concentration***](https://handbook.college.harvard.edu/#fields) for specific joint concentration information and requirements for your desired field of study. If you have questions, ask your Head Tutor or Director of Undergraduate Study for more information. - When declaring a joint concentration, you will designate one of the concentrations as your **primary concentration** and one as the **allied concentration**. Both participating concentrations must be satisfied with the coherence and merit of your plan and be prepared to supervise your program in detail. - If you don’t want to integrate the work of two separate fields into one coherent program, but still wish to pursue a second disciplinary area, you may want to consider a [**secondary field**](https://advising.college.harvard.edu/academic-planning-for-students/concentrations-and-secondaries/)**.** ### Double Concentrations The double concentration facilitates in-depth, structured coursework in two separate concentrations. The coursework in these two fields **may not substantially overlap** with each other. To declare a double concentration, please follow the [**steps above**](#declare)**.** - A limit of **8 credits** (generally 2 courses) may be double counted between the two concentrations. - You may apply to write theses in both concentrations. - You may receive honors in **only one concentration** which must be designated as the honors field on the declaration form. - You **do not** need approval from both concentrations to declare a double concentration. Each concentration will review and approve declaration separately. - **By the end of your third term**, you must declare at least one concentration, and you may declare a double concentration. You can declare your honors field by the end of the following term (before the deadline for fall pre-registration), leaving time to benefit from advising in both concentrations. SortTopicJoint ConcentrationDouble Concentration**Approval** Requires joint approval of both concentrations. Each concentration is approved separately. **Credit Limits** Please consult the [***Fields of Concentration***](https://handbook.college.harvard.edu/#fields) for credit requirements and policies. A limit of 8 credits may be double counted between the two concentrations. **Thesis?** Required. Must be relevant in both fields but will only enroll in a thesis course in one concentration. May choose to apply to write a thesis in both or either concentration. Only eligible for honors in one concentration. **Participating Concentrations** Please consult the [***Fields of Concentration***](https://handbook.college.harvard.edu/#fields) for eligible programs. All concentrations may be part of a double concentration. ### Other Academic Opportunities #### Secondary Fields Secondary fields can provide the opportunity for focused study (four to six courses) outside of your primary area of concentration, but they are entirely optional and are not required for graduation. A secondary field may complement your primary area of study, or it may be entirely separate. - No integrative work between your secondary field and your primary concentration is required. - Your secondary field will be noted on your **transcript**. - You cannot receive credit for more than one secondary field. - Only one course (4 credits) may count simultaneously toward a secondary field and your concentration. - You cannot sign up for a secondary field before declaring a concentration. - **You are responsible for** notifying secondary fields of your interest in the program, for tracking your requirements, and for submitting a completed Secondary Field request via my.Harvard no later than the deadline. #### Foreign Language Citations - Many of the language, literature, and civilization departments offer citations to **non-concentrators** in a modern or ancient language. Foreign language citations will be noted on the your transcript at the time degrees are voted. - Each language citation program consists of **four courses** (4 credits per course or equivalent) of language instruction beyond the first-year level and/or courses taught primarily in the foreign language. - At least two of these courses must be at the third-year level or beyond. - Appropriate courses taken in approved programs of study out of residence for which your receive degree credit may be counted toward a citation. - Courses that satisfy the requirements for a citation may also be counted toward the distribution requirement, Secondary Field, and/or concentration requirements, as appropriate. - A certificate will be printed and included with your diploma. - For a complete list of language citations offered and the specific requirements for each, please consult [***Fields of Concentration***](https://handbook.college.harvard.edu/#fields)**.** #### Concurrent Master's Harvard College students can apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for a master's degree pursued concurrently with the bachelor's degree. If you are admitted to the concurrent degree program, you will be allowed to double-count up to sixteen credits towards your Bachelor of Arts and either the Master of Arts or the Master of Science. You must submit the [**Course Allocation Form**](/file_url/437) to the FAS Registrar's Office at [**enrollment@fas.harvard.edu**](mailto:enrollment@fas.harvard.edu) by the **second Monday of your final term**. For more information visit the [**OUE Concurrent Master's webpage**](https://oue.fas.harvard.edu/concurrent-masters) and [**Harvard College Student Handbook**.](https://handbook.college.harvard.edu/?utm_source=os&utm_campaign=redirect_analysis) If you have any specific questions regarding the Concurrent Master's program, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Education at [**academicpolicy@fas.harvard.edu**](mailto:academicpolicy@fas.harvard.edu)**.** You can track your degree requirements using the [**Academic Advisement Report**](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=3939d2cadbeb4f04a914fff31d9619a3). We recommend that you discuss your program requirements with the department. ## Harvard Griffin GSAS Academic Programs - [**Interfaculty Program**](https://healthpolicy.fas.harvard.edu/): Harvard Griffin GSAS offers [**PhD degree programs**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/programs-study/degree-programs) in cooperation with other Harvard Schools - [**Exchange Scholar Program**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/academic-programs/ivyplus-exchange-scholar-program): The IvyPlus Exchange Scholar Program allows Harvard Griffin GSAS students to study and work for a term or academic year with faculty at one of 10 participating schools. - [**Combined Degree Programs**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/academic-programs/combined-degree-programs)**:** While students [**cannot be enrolled in more than one Harvard School at a time**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2025-10/Handbook%20for%20Students%202025-2026.pdf#page=79), Harvard Griffin GSAS enables PhD students to coordinate their studies through a JD/PhD, MD/PhD, or MS/MBA. - [**Non-Degree Programs**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/policy/non-degree-programs): Harvard Griffin GSAS offers two opportunities for [**non-degree study**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/policy/non-degree-programs), as special students or visiting fellows. - [**Ad Hoc Degree Programs**:](https://gsas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2025-10/Handbook%20for%20Students%202025-2026.pdf#page=14) PhD candidates who find that their scholarship extends beyond a single academic program may apply to create an ad hoc PhD program by working with Harvard Griffin GSAS to develop and submit an application dossier to the [**Harvard Griffin GSAS** **Administrative Board** ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2025-10/Handbook%20for%20Students%202025-2026.pdf#page=101)for approval. ### Secondary Fields [**Secondary fields** ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/policy/secondary-fields)allow PhD students to broaden their course of study and enhance the competitiveness and professional reach of their degree programs (the secondary field appears on the student transcript but not on the diploma). ## Related Forms [### Concurrent Master's Program Rescission Form ](https://prod-registrar.drupalsites.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum1531/files/2024-10/Concurrent%20Master%27s%20Program%20Rescission%20Form.pdf) For Harvard College students no longer pursuing the concurrent master's program. [### 4th Year Master's Bracketing Form ](https://prod-registrar.drupalsites.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum1531/files/fasro/files/bracketing.pdf) Request to bracket courses from their undergraduate degree and allocate them toward the graduate degree earned through the 4th Year Master's program. [### Advanced Standing Rescission Form ](https://prod-registrar.drupalsites.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum1531/files/fasro/files/recissionform_adv_standing.pdf) This form is used by Havard College students to rescind their Advanced Standing status. [### Concurrent Master's Course Allocation Form ](https://registrar.fas.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum1531/files/2025-08/concurrent_masters_08.2025.pdf) Harvard College students admitted to a Griffin GSAS degree program must submit the Course Allocation form by the second Monday of their final term in residence. The deadline to submit changes to existing allocation forms is the 10th Monday of the term. [### Declare or Change Concentration, Secondary Field, or Language Citation ](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=529e5ecadb6f4f04a914fff31d96190c) Before submitting, review Fields of Concentration and consult with your concentrations of interest about capturing a Plan of Study. [### PhD Secondary Field Application ](https://gsas.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2026-03/Secondary%20Field%20new%20application.pdf) Apply to include a secondary field ## Need Assistance? ### Academic Programs Support expand\_more **Email:** your sophomore adviser, [Resident Dean](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/people-type/resident-deans), or [Academic Coordinator](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/people-type/academic-coordinators) - for questions about declaring a concentration **Email:** your Head Tutor or Director of Undergraduate Study - for questions about joint concentration requirements **Email:** - for questions regarding the Concurrent Master's program ​​​​​​​**Email**: [myharvard\_support@harvard.edu](mailto:myharvard_support@harvard.edu) - for technical issues with my.Harvard ## Resources ![f1c629a6-195b-4365-a0d1-e9d86fc8ba0f.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum1531/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/fasro/files/f1c629a6-195b-4365-a0d1-e9d86fc8ba0f.png?itok=HYUZhxDY) [***Harvard College Fields of Concentration***](https://handbook.college.harvard.edu/#fields) ![f41dbaef-e9cb-4728-bb1a-6d1c84f5f23b.png](/sites/g/files/omnuum1531/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/fasro/files/f41dbaef-e9cb-4728-bb1a-6d1c84f5f23b.png?itok=1y0FNcUw) [**GSAS Office of Academic Programs**](https://gsas.harvard.edu/office/academic-programs)