Degrees Offered Through Harvard University
Harvard University appears in our ranking of 50 Great Affordable Colleges in the Northeast.
Harvard University offers 88 undergraduate degrees both in the traditional setting and through online courses. The university also offers master’s and doctoral degrees through its 12 schools. Students who wish to achieve a certificate through Harvard may do so online or in seat.
The undergraduate concentrations at Harvard greatly vary. Studies are individualized in order to meet the specific needs of each student. Though there are many different areas from which to choose, all undergraduate students must complete 32 semester-long courses. Students complete general education requirements during the first four or five semesters. These include courses in quantitative reasoning, expository writing, arts and humanities, social sciences, applied sciences, and science and engineering.
About 40 percent of an undergraduate student’s coursework is taken in that student’s area of concentration. The number of required electives vary as well.
Students who pursue graduate degrees from Harvard have personalized courses of study that specifically pertain to the goals they wish to achieve while at Harvard.
About Harvard University
Harvard University is the oldest university in the United States. It was founded in 1636 where it was called Harvard College, after John Harvard. The school is regularly ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Times Higher Education has ranked Harvard in the number one spot of universities. U.S. News and World Report ranks Harvard as the second best university in the country under Princeton, though the two schools often seesaw between the number one and two ranks from year-to-year.
Notable alums from Harvard include eight U.S. presidents: John Adams, John Q. Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Other famed graduates from Harvard include Michelle Obama, Benazir Bhutto, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Alfred Kinsey, Al Gore, and Matt Damon, just to name a few.
Harvard University Accreditation Details
Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Harvard is re-evaluated every 10 years by the NECHE. The school provides an interim report at the mid-point of each 10 year period.
Different schools within Harvard are accredited by specific accrediting organizations. The Council on Education for Public Health accredits the School of Public Health. Harvard Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Harvard Divinity School is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. Accreditation for Harvard Medical School is provided by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation awards accreditation to Harvard School of Dental Medicine. The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is accredited through ABET. Harvard Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association. Harvard Graduate School of Design is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board, the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board and the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Harvard University Application Requirements
Students wishing to pursue an undergraduate education at Harvard University should prepare well for the admission process. All undergraduate students must complete either the Common Application, Coalition Application or Universal College Application. Along with one of these applications, students must complete the supplemental materials that are specific to Harvard.
Students must also provide college entrance test scores and two SAT subject tests. High school transcripts, two reports from teachers, a mid-year school report and a final school report are all required. Exams from AP tests are also suggested. This application must be accompanied by a $75 fee.
Harvard is a very competitive school that only accepts about 2,000 of the 40,000-plus applicants that apply each year. In order to improve chances for admission, students must have exemplary test scores and GPA. Students should also strive to excel at extracurricular activities, athletics, and personal enrichment.
Students who wish to attend Harvard’s extended campus to take courses or receive certificates may do so without completing an application. Those students wishing to take courses online must complete an application process or excel in two to three online classes. Students may not pursue an online degree if they already hold a BA or BS from another institution, if they are currently enrolled at another institution or if they do not have a high school diploma or GED. Students must be age 21 or older or have received an exception from Harvard.
Graduate degree seekers from Harvard should contact their individual departments to obtain specific entry and admissions requirements.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate students at Harvard can expect tuition of about $46,000 per year. In addition to tuition, students will spend an additional $8,000 on fees and personal expenses. Room and board varies, but generally costs about $16,000. Harvard estimates that the typical cost for undergraduates is about $76,000 per year.
Harvard offers awards to students based on need. Harvard considers the net income of the family, the student’s summer earnings and the family’s assets when determining award amounts. These amounts can significantly vary, though about half of all students applying to Harvard will find that they do qualify for at least a partial award. Students are also encouraged to apply for external awards and take student jobs. Students are also offered access to loans, if needed.
Students attending the extended Harvard campus have many different options. Courses that are taken for credit are $1,700 per undergraduate course or $2,750 for graduates classes. Certificates are a flat fee for $13,750. Online degree programs vary from $27,200 through $54,000 for undergraduate courses or $27,500 to $33,000 for graduate degrees. Individuals who simply wish to experience taking an online Harvard course without credit may do so by taking one of Harvard’s open learning courses with no charge. These courses are limited but include areas such as history, literature, science, and mathematics.
The cost of post-graduate tuition varies depending on the course of study. Those pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees should consult with the specific department in which they wish to study. They can be advised on the base cost of tuition and other fees. They will also learn about the presence of awards, fellowships and other ways of paying for a graduate degree.
To learn more about Harvard University, visit the school’s website.