How to Apply

Select Engineering and Applied Sciences, then your desired degree and area of study.

• Transcripts must be uploaded electronically. These copies can be official or unofficial. You should not mail hard copies to SEAS or Harvard Griffin GSAS.
• The application system will allow you to submit an update with your Fall semester grades when they are available.
• We do not have a minimum GPA requirement.
• If you have additional training or certifications to report, the Additional Materials section of the application is available to upload relevant information.

Contacting faculty is not recommended for master's program applicants.

While this section is relevant for applicants to the SEAS PhD programs, it is not necessary for Master's applicants to complete this section of the application.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required from all applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an institution at which English is the language of instruction. Questions about this requirement, including waiver queries, should be directed to the contact information found on the Harvard Griffin GSAS page on English Proficiency.

• Use ETS code 3451 to send TOEFL scores to Harvard Griffin GSAS. If a department code is required, use code 99.
• A minimum score of 80 is required on the TOEFL and the score must be valid at the time of entry into the program. TOEFL scores expire after two years.

Applicants to SEAS may opt to take the The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) instead of the TOEFL.

• Results should be sent to Harvard University, Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by the IELTS test center via IELTS E-Delivery service.
• A minimum score of 6.5 is required on the IELTS and the score must be valid at the time of entry into the program. IELTS scores expire after two years.

No test other than the iBT TOEFL or IELTS will be accepted as proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted, nor is a Duolingo test. A master's degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency.

SEAS does not accept General GRE scores nor Subject Test GRE scores for applicants to our programs. Applicants to these programs should not submit official or unofficial GRE scores to us nor mention them anywhere in their application materials. 

This should include education, work experience if any, honors, awards, papers submitted for publication, and other achievements. 

• Three (3) letters of recommendation are required from faculty, advisors, and/or employment supervisors. The letters should be from those who can speak to your abilities as a potential graduate student. No more than four (4) letters should support an application.
• You will be required to register your letter writers as part of the online application. They will be sent instructions via email about how to submit a letter on your behalf. Interfolio is not accepted.
• If a recommendation letter arrives after the Dec 1 deadline it will be added to your application file. However, application review will begin shortly after the deadline, so the later the letter arrives, the more chance there is that your file will be reviewed without the letter.

This is your chance to tell the Admissions Committee about your experiences (including additional training not indicated on your transcript), interests, future goals, etc. Please keep the statement to about 1,000 words.

Please share how your experiences or activities will advance the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission and commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment (full text of prompt can be found in the application) . No longer than 500 words.

Waivers are available; eligibility is determined by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been completed, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility.

As the application is administered by Harvard Griffin GSAS, SEAS cannot respond to individual inquiries asking about the receipt of material or status of your application. The best and fastest way to check the status of your application (including receipt of letters of recommendation and official language test scores) is to log into the applicant portal:

1.  Log into the Applicant Portal: Please visit your online application via the Apply link at http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/apply to check the status of your materials. You will be able to see if your recommenders have submitted their letters and you can issue reminder notification emails to them, if needed. You can also see if official TOEFL or IELTS scores (if required) have been received. All other materials should have been submitted by you as part of your online application.
2. Email: Please email Harvard Griffin GSAS at admiss@fas.harvard.edu with the SUBJECT LINE and information for the message as noted below. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for a response.
3. Subject Line: Enter “ADMISSIONS QUESTION” in the subject line exactly as is and in all caps.
4. Message (body of email): Include your Name, Program of Interest (SEAS), and a note that you are checking the status of your application. 

Harvard Griffin GSAS handles the online application for SEAS graduate programs. If you experience technical issues with the application, please email gsas_apphelp@fas.harvard.edu . Again, this email is for technical issues only. All other inquiries should be directed to admiss@fas.harvard.edu.

• What prerequisites are necessary for applicants to the Data Science and CSE master's programs?
• Am I eligible to apply to this program if my undergraduate degree is in economics, business, or some other non-STEM field?
• If my undergraduate degree is not in a STEM field, how can I show that I have a sufficient technical background?
• Can I pursue the Data Science or CSE master's degree part-time while I am working?
• Can I extend the length of my program in order to pursue additional coursework?

What prerequisites are necessary for applicants to the Data Science and CSE master's programs?

There are no formal prerequisites for applicants to these programs. However, successful applicants do need to have sufficient background knowledge of calculus, linear algebra and differential equations; familiarity with probability and statistical inference; fluency in at least one programming language such as python or R, and an understanding of basic computer science concepts. 

Am I eligible to apply to this program if my undergraduate degree is in economics, business, or some other non-STEM field?

As interdisciplinary fields, both Data Science and CSE attract students with varied backgrounds. SEAS welcomes master’s applicants with undergraduate training in a wide range of academic disciplines.

If my undergraduate degree is not in a STEM field, how can I show that I have a sufficient technical background?

If your training in computer science, math and/or statistics is not reflected in the courses listed on your transcripts, you will need to find other parts of the application to make your training clear to the Admissions Committee. The Additional Materials section of the application is available to upload relevant information. You can also describe your training at one of your jobs or through self-study in your Statement of Purpose.

Can I pursue the Data Science or CSE master's degree part-time while I am working?

The SEAS master's degree programs are full-time on-campus programs. All students are required to be registered full-time (i.e. take four 4-credit courses each semester). All of the courses students will take while in the program are offered during the day and require students to be present on campus.

Can I extend the length of my program in order to pursue additional coursework?

Barring extraordinary circumstances, students must complete their master's degree program within four semesters.

• When and how can I apply? Does the program have rolling admissions?
• Can I apply to both the Data Science and CSE master's programs?
• If I am admitted, can I request a deferral?
• How can I find the Data Science and CSE master's programs in the Harvard Griffin GSAS application system?
• Is the GRE required?
• What is the difference between the Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement?
• Do all of my recommendation letters have to be from academic sources?
• Should I send copies of articles, papers, or any other supporting materials for consideration along with my application?

When and how can I apply? Does the program have rolling admissions?

The SEAS master's programs use the online application for the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

We do not have rolling admissions. There is a single application deadline each year - December 1st.

Can I apply to both the Data Science and CSE master's programs?

No, applicants should not apply to both the Data Science and CSE programs. Applicants should select the program that best fits their preparation and interests and apply to that particular program.

If I am admitted, can I request a deferral?

SEAS does not grant deferrals for our terminal masters programs except in cases with extenuating circumstances. We do not grant deferrals for our masters programs for reasons related to employment or financing the cost of the program. You are encouraged to submit an application only for the year in which you intend to start your graduate studies.

How can I find the Data Science and CSE master's programs in the Harvard Griffin GSAS application system?

You will find both programs in the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application under the listings for Engineering and Applied Sciences. On the Degree Program Selection page choose "Engineering and Applied Sciences" as the program, "Data Science" or “Computational Science and Engineering” as the Area of Study, and "SM" or “ME” as the degree.

Is the GRE required?

SEAS does not accept General GRE scores nor Subject Test GRE scores for applicants to our programs. Applicants to these programs should not submit official or unofficial GRE scores to us nor mention them anywhere in their application materials. 

Questions about the SEAS GRE policy and requirements should be directed to the SEAS Office of Graduate Admissions.

What is the difference between the Statement of Purpose and the Personal Statement?

The Statement of Purpose is your opportunity to tell the Admissions Committee about your experiences (including additional training not indicated on your transcript), interests, future goals, etc. as they relate to your chosen field. Please keep this to about 1,000 words.

The Personal Statement is required of all Harvard Griffin GSAS applicants and asks how your experiences or activities will advance the Harvard Griffin GSAS mission and commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment. The full text of prompt can be found in the application. No longer than 500 words.

Do all of my recommendation letters have to be from academic sources?

You should get letters of recommendation from the three people you think will be able to make the best case for why you are an outstanding applicant for this degree program. These should be people who know you and your capabilities very well. Former professors can certainly be valuable sources of recommendation letters, but letters from managers or colleagues from your work experience can also be helpful.

Should I send copies of articles, papers, or any other supporting materials for consideration along with my application?

Please do not send any materials other than what is required to complete the application. This includes copies of awards, papers for publication, multimedia, etc.; the requested resume or CV is the appropriate place to indicate these achievements. Miscellaneous materials other than those mentioned in the instructions above will not be reviewed by the committee. It is best not to send them.

• Are the Data Science and CSE programs STEM designated?
• What are the English proficiency requirements?
• My undergraduate degree is/will be from an institution outside the US. May I apply?
• Where should I direct questions about visas and travel?

Are the Data Science and CSE programs STEM designated?

Yes

What are the English proficiency requirements?

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required from all applicants whose native language is not English and who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an institution at which English is the language of instruction. Questions about this requirement, including waiver queries, should be directed to the contact information found on the Harvard Griffin GSAS page on English Proficiency.

• Use ETS code 3451 to send TOEFL scores to Harvard Griffin GSAS. If a department code is required, use code 99.
• A minimum score of 80 is required on the TOEFL and the score must be valid at the time of entry into the program. TOEFL scores expire after two years.

Applicants to SEAS may opt to take the The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) instead of the TOEFL.

• Results should be sent to Harvard University, Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by the IELTS test center via IELTS E-Delivery service.
• A minimum score of 6.5 is required on the IELTS and the score must be valid at the time of entry into the program. IELTS scores expire after two years.

No test other than the iBT TOEFL or IELTS will be accepted as proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is not accepted, nor is a Duolingo test. A master's degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency.

My undergraduate degree is/will be from an institution outside the US. May I apply?

Applicants from institutions outside of the US must hold the equivalent of a US bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an institution of recognized standing (either a three or four year undergraduate degree). Applicants must submit original certified documents indicating the nature and scope of the education program(s) they have pursued. Only students who have an AB or SB degree, first class honors, or other evidence of academic excellence and who can understand rapid, idiomatic English, and can speak, write, and read English with a high degree of fluency should apply for admission.

Where should I direct questions about visas and travel?

Please contact the Harvard International Office (HIO).

• Where can I learn about tuition for these programs?
• Is there financial aid available?

Where can I learn about tuition for these programs?

Tuition information for the Data Science and CSE programs is located on the Harvard Griffin GSAS Cost of Attendance page. 

Is there financial aid available?

Currently, Harvard is not providing financial aid for SEAS master's programs. Students typically finance their master’s degree program with a combination of loans, savings, family support, grants (from governments, foundations and companies), and outside fellowships or scholarships. We recommend you visit the Harvard Griffin GSAS Funding and Financial Aid website prior to your application to learn more about your options.