Harvard is a household name. It’s ranked the world’s #1 university by the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings. With top-tier programs and a stunning New England campus, it’s the dream school for many high school students. But when it comes to academics, what major is Harvard known for?
From U.S. presidents and Nobel laureates to celebrities, Harvard University has produced some of the biggest names in many fields. If you’re curious about which majors stand out the most, let’s break them down and see what makes these programs so popular.
- Harvard University’s Top Program
- Other Popular Harvard University Programs
- Choosing a Major at Harvard
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Harvard University’s Top Program
Harvard is obviously best known for its academic excellence. And for good reason! It offers over 3,700 courses, including some of the most prestigious programs in the world. The Harvard curriculum is intense but flexible, where you can explore other fields while building on your expertise in your chosen major.
Harvard majors, also called concentrations, are offered through Harvard College (the undergraduate school) and across 12 graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. One of the biggest advantages of studying here is that undergrads can take graduate-level courses, further enriching their academic experience.
Harvard’s most popular major: Economics
Among the many excellent programs, Economics consistently tops the list as Harvard’s most popular major. According to Harvard’s Office of Institutional Research & Analytics Fact Book, 254 students earned Economics degrees in 2023, making it the top major within the Social Sciences category.
Economics isn’t just a big deal at Harvard. It’s actually one of the most popular majors across the Ivy League—and Harvard’s Econ department is ranked among the best in the world and #1 in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
It’s pretty easy to see why. Harvard’s Economics faculty and students are tackling some of today’s biggest challenges, such as climate change, wealth inequality, recessions, healthcare access, and global poverty. Whether it’s gender pay gaps, political gridlock, or stock market swings, Harvard economists are researching solutions that shape policies and economies worldwide.
As an Economics major at Harvard, you’ll start with the basics of economic theory before moving on to more specialized topics. The program helps you break down financial trends, understand how markets work, and apply real-world data to test economic models. Here are some of the core courses you’ll be required to take:
- ECON 10AB. Introductions to basic economic principles and methods
- Sophomore Tutorial (ECON 970). Tutorials on various topics which build on previous Economics courses
- Junior Seminars (ECON 980). Faculty-led seminars in specialized areas to help prepare you for your own research
- Writing a Thesis (ECON 985). Required senior honors thesis tackling an idea, theoretical issue, or policy problem
Harvard’s Economics program is undoubtedly challenging. But it’s also extremely rewarding! You’ll learn what it takes to understand financial markets, influence public policy, and even solve real-world economic problems. Many Harvard Econ graduates go on to have successful careers in finance, consulting, and government. Or, they pursue the academe or start their own businesses.
Some of Harvard’s most famous Economics graduates include:
- Michael Kremer. Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences in 2019 for his work on poverty reduction
- Lawrence Summers. Former U.S. Treasury Secretary and Chief Economist of the World Bank, and President Emeritus of Harvard University
- Steve Ballmer. Former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers
- Jeremy Lin. Former NBA player who made history as one of the few Asian Americans to play in the league
Economics, and Social Sciences as a whole, has always been a strength of Harvard. However, that’s not to say that other majors are subpar. The university offers exceptional academic programs in many, many areas, including the humanities, engineering, and biological sciences. The important thing is to do well in your chosen major and learn as much as you can—while enjoying your college experience.
Other Popular Harvard University Programs
Now that we’ve covered what major Harvard is known for, let’s look at other Harvard programs that draw a large number of students. Based on the number of degrees awarded in 2023, these programs are among the top choices for undergraduates:
1. Computer science
Next to Economics, Harvard’s Computer Science program had the second-highest number of degrees awarded in 2023, with 165 students earning their diplomas. It’s a fast-growing major (and not just in Harvard), which isn’t surprising given that tech dominates nearly every industry. Majoring in CS means having multiple career options after graduation, from software development to AI research.
Earning a Harvard Computer Science degree means getting a mix of theory and hands-on learning. Housed in the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), you’ll be under the wing of world-class professors like David Malan, who teaches the legendary CS50 course, Harvard’s flagship computer science course.
The program also offers research opportunities in many areas like artificial intelligence, computer architecture, and computational thinking, giving you the tools to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.
By the time today’s freshmen graduate, AI and automation could transform the job market in ways we can’t predict. Having a Harvard CS degree in your arsenal could open many doors, whether you’re aiming to get into a top tech company or dreaming of launching your own startup.
2. Government
Government is also one of Harvard’s most popular majors, with 144 degrees conferred in 2023. The university has a long history of producing influential politicians, diplomats, and policymakers, which is why many high-achieving students choose to study government here.
The program covers everything from political theory to international relations, giving you a deep understanding of how governments function.
You’ll also be surprised that Harvard’s Department of Government offers more than just politics-related courses. You’ll actually need to take at least one course on data analysis as part of its Quantitative Reasoning with Data (QRD) requirement for graduation. Some courses offered by the department that meet this requirement include:
- Gov 50. Data Science for the Social Sciences
- Gov 51. Data Analysis and Politics
- Gov 1010. Survey Research Methods
Harvard is also home to the prestigious Kennedy School. It mainly offers graduate and executive programs, but also special opportunities for undergrads, such as the Public Policy Leadership Conference, which lets you experience what studying public policy in a graduate environment is like.
Given the number of politicians, legislators, and diplomats who have come out of Harvard, it’s easy to see why the Government major remains a top choice. Its strong connections in Washington, D.C., plus its proximity to Boston, give you plenty of opportunities for internships and networking.
3. Applied mathematics
If you love math but want something more practical than pure theory, Harvard’s Applied Mathematics might be the perfect fit.
The unique thing about this concentration is that you can combine mathematics with a subject area you’re interested in. There are over 15 areas of application you can choose from, including economics, physics, computer science, and more. It’s perfect for students who enjoy problem-solving and want to use math in practical and innovative ways.
Also under SEAS, the Applied Math program at Harvard had 120 graduates in 2023. Since it’s highly flexible, you can tailor your studies and explore how math connects with other fields. For example, the course Geometric Methods for Machine Learning explores how geometric structures in data and models influence machine learning. On the other hand, Active Matter examines physical and biological systems through the lens of mathematical concepts.
True to its reputation as a “quantitative liberal arts degree,” Applied Math at Harvard is deeply rooted in mathematics, with many courses that intersect with other fields. As one alumnus puts it, you’ll get a “well-rounded education and a fulfilling learning experience.“
4. Neuroscience
The brain is one of the most fascinating and complex subjects to study, and Harvard’s Neuroscience program is the best in the world. It’s actually in the #1 spot (again!) in the Best Universities for Neuroscience and Behavior rankings.
Neuroscience at Harvard blends biology, psychology, and chemistry to explore how the brain functions, covering everything from memory and emotions to neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
As a Neuroscience major, you can choose from three different tracks, namely Neurobiology, Computational Neuroscience, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MBB). Each track offers a unique perspective on the brain, allowing you to study your specific interests in-depth. However, keep in mind that the MBB track has a research and an undergraduate thesis requirement, while the other two make these optional.
At Harvard, you’ll also learn from world-renowned faculty. Professors like Takao K. Hensch ’88 and Catherine Dulac are internationally recognized for their contributions to the field. Hensch received the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan’s highest national honors, while Dulac was awarded the Legion d’Honneur, France’s most prestigious civilian award. With faculty of this caliber, you’ll be learning from some of the best minds out there.
In 2023, there were 98 students who graduated from Harvard’s Neuroscience program. In general, many move on to medical school or pursue research. Neuroscience offers an exciting path if you really want to understand the human mind.
5. Psychology
Harvard’s Psychology program dives into human behavior, cognition, and emotions. Whether you’re interested in clinical psychology, social behavior, or mental health research, this major offers plenty of flexibility.
Like Neuroscience, Psychology offers three concentration tracks. The General Track is the most flexible and is the go-to choice for about 70% of students. The Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology (CNEP) Track mixes psychology with life sciences, attracting around 25% of students. Then there’s the Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MBB) Track, which takes a more interdisciplinary approach, linking psychology with fields like linguistics and philosophy.
And the courses? They’re just as interesting. The Seven Sins of Memory focuses on why we forget things, while Your Brain on Poetry dives into the science and art of poetic expression. The Cortisol Chronicles: A Deep Dive into the Science of Stress is also a great choice if you’re into something you can immediately apply to your daily life. Here, you’ll learn the causes and consequences of stress, plus effective strategies for coping—which could be super helpful, as stress is obviously one of the biggest problems of college students.
Many Harvard Psych grads (there were 91 in 2023) pursue careers in counseling, business, and even tech (user experience research is a big field!). The program also provides a strong foundation for those planning to pursue graduate studies in psychology or psychiatry.
Choosing a Major at Harvard
One of the best things about Harvard’s liberal arts education is that you don’t have to pick a major right away. Instead, you get time to explore different subjects before deciding what you want to focus on. During the first week of every semester, Harvard students can attend any class they’re interested in with zero commitment.
This period, known as “Shopping Week,” is the perfect chance to sample a variety of courses, meet professors, and get a feel for what you’re really excited to study about. One of the most amazing things about Harvard’s academic experience is that it allows you to try different fields before making big decisions.
You don’t have to declare your major, or concentration in Harvard-speak, until your sophomore year. That means you have plenty of time to explore different areas of study and take introductory courses. Whether you already have a major in mind or are completely undecided, you can still figure things out before committing.
Once you’ve officially chosen your concentration, find a healthy balance between academics and everything else in your life. Harvard is known for its rigorous coursework, so you must learn to manage your workload and recharge or take brain breaks when needed.
No matter your major, Harvard provides amazing opportunities for research, internships, and career development. You’ll learn from world-class professors and build connections that can open doors in the future.
So, while choosing a major is very important, remember that at Harvard, your education is more than the subjects you study. It’s also about the experiences, opportunities, and people you’ll meet as a student there.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does Harvard specialize in?
Harvard specializes in the sciences and liberal arts. It offers a broad range of courses across many fields, with popular majors including Economics, Government, Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Psychology.
2. Does Harvard have a strong STEM program?
Absolutely! Harvard has over 50 undergraduate concentrations, many of which are STEM programs. It frequently rivals MIT in areas like life sciences and math. But while MIT is heavily focused on STEM, Harvard offers a liberal arts education with a more balanced approach to subjects. This means you can explore other disciplines alongside your STEM studies.
3. Can you double major at Harvard?
No, Harvard doesn’t offer double majors. What it does have is something called a joint concentration. It’s basically combining two separate majors by reducing the course requirements for both. The catch is that you’ll need to complete a senior thesis that connects the two subjects meaningfully and explains why they work together.
Takeaways
- Harvard is known for its Economics major, which consistently ranks #1 in the country and draws in a large number of students each year.
- Other popular majors include Computer Science, Government, Applied Math, Neuroscience, and Psychology.
- Harvard majors are called concentrations, and they cover a wide range of fields, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
- You don’t have to choose your concentration until your sophomore year, so you have time in your first year to explore different courses.
- Need help applying to Harvard? A private admissions consultant can guide and support you throughout the college application process.
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