academic

ENGINEERING SCIENCES

Engineering is about building bridges, but in ways that you may not expect. Breakthrough technologies create bridges to every area in the sciences.

Two different Engineering Sciences degrees are offered at Harvard, the bachelor of arts (A.B.) and the bachelor of science (S.B.) in five distinct areas:

Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Engineering Physics (A.B. only)
Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Mechanical and Materials Sciences and Engineering

Getting Started

We suggest prospective and current students considering Engineering Sciences at Harvard take a look at our undergraduate Engineering Sciences guide (PDF); the sample schedules provide a snapshot of what to expect.

Prospective Concentrators

Why Study Engineering Sciences at Harvard?

The concentration is flexibly structured and suitable for students planning to work as practicing engineers or researchers and for those preparing for careers in business, education, government, law, or medicine, and for those whose career objectives may be less specific.

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) offers excellent general information on all aspects of engineering.

What's the difference between the A.B. and S.B. degrees?

The A.B. degree is based on the minimum of fourteen through sixteen half-courses required for its completion. This degree can provide adequate preparation for the practice of engineering and for graduate study in engineering, and it is an excellent preparation for careers in other professions (business, law, medicine, etc.). Because it requires fewer concentration courses than the S.B. degree, the A.B. program is appropriate for students who wish to take advantage of the great breadth of Harvard College course offerings.

The S.B. degree program requires a minimum of 20 half-courses, and the level of technical concentration is comparable to engineering programs at other major universities and technical institutions. The S.B. program is recognized by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), the national accreditation agency for engineering programs in the United States. Accredited as preparation for the immediate practice of engineering, this program is also good preparation for graduate study in engineering, the sciences, and other professions.

Why should I study a particular area of engineering?

Each area within Engineering Sciences offers both common and distinct opportunities for learning and exploration. Each area also provides an opportunity to "dig deeper" into a given research topic. For example, many students interested in biology or medicine study biomedical sciences and engineering (and so forth). Whatever area you choose, all are suitable preparation for graduate school and carrers in industry.

What are the requirements for Engineering Sciences?

The following publications describe the concentration in engineering sciences and its requirements.

Undergraduate Programs Guide: Engineering Sciences (PDF)
Engineering Sciences Requirements (PDF)


What are some career options for concentrators in Engineering Sciences?

Because Harvard students in engineering and applied sciences are part of a liberal arts environment, they are able to combine their strong technical skills with broader-based knowledge in areas ranging from art to zoology. As a result, they have a variety of career possibilities from which to choose and may specialize in research, investment banking, consulting, computer design or programming, entrepreneurship, planning, design, manufacturing, construction, management, teaching, writing, or sales. Engineering graduates have excellent prospects for finding employment in private industry, government, military service, or academia.

For more see the Office of Career Services overview.

Current CONCENTRATORS

Official Forms

All completed forms must be returned to the Academic Office, Pierce Hall 110. (The paper forms are available from the Academic Office.)

S.B. Booklet (PDF)
S.B. Degree Form (PDF)

Standards for Honors in Engineering Sciences (PDF)

A.B. Honors Degree - Biomedical Sciences (PDF)
A.B. Honors Degree - Electrical and Computer Engineering (PDF)
A.B. Honors Degree - Environ. Sciences and Eng.(PDF)
A.B. Honors Degree - Mechanical and Materials Science (PDF)
A.B. Honors Degree - Engineering Physics (PDF)

Peer Concentration Counselors

Peer counseling in Engineering Sciences is available.

ABET Accreditation information

Objectives

  • To provide students in Engineering Sciences a solid foundation in engineering within the setting of a liberal arts college for preparation for a diverse range of careers in industry and government or for advanced work in engineering, business, law or medicine.
  • To allow each student to specialize in one of four areas within the Engineering Sciences: Biomedical Sciences and Engineering; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Environmental Sciences and Engineering; or Mechanical and Materials Science and Engineering.
  • To enable the acquisition of a broad range of skills and ways of thinking drawn from the humanities, social sciences and sciences, in addition to engineering, which enhance engineering knowledge and which will contribute to future leadership and technical success.

Outcomes

  • An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering [ABET, 3a].
  • An ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and report findings [ABET, 3b].
  • An ability to design a system, component or process to meet specifications [ABET, 3c].
  • An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams [ABET, 3d].
  • An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems [ABET, 3e].
  • An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility [ABET, 3f].
  • An ability to communicate effectively, including oral, written and visual forms [ABET, 3g].
  • The acquisition of a broad education and knowledge of contemporary issues necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context [ABET, 3h,j].
  • An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern tools necessary for engineering practice and a recognition of the need to engage in life-long learning to remain effective in a climate of continually emerging technologies [ABET, 3i,k].