Harvard University operates one of the most diverse and comprehensive academic catalogs in the world, offering classes that span from foundational surveys to cutting-edge doctoral research. Understanding what classes Harvard offers requires looking beyond the famous course numbers and names to appreciate a system designed to challenge students while providing extraordinary flexibility. For prospective and current students, the sheer volume of choice can be overwhelming, yet it is this very abundance that defines the Harvard educational experience.
Undergraduate Concentration Offerings
At the undergraduate level, Harvard College provides more than 50 concentrations, or majors, ensuring that students can align their studies with virtually any intellectual passion. These programs are housed within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and range from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and engineering. Students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary paths, combining, for example, Biology with Government or Environmental Science with Ethics, to create a customized academic trajectory.
Sample Discipline Areas
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Comparative Literature
Computer Science
History of Art
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Public Policy
Graduate and Professional School Diversity
Beyond the undergraduate experience, Harvard offers a vast array of classes through its graduate and professional schools, including Harvard Business School, Harvard Law School, and the Harvard Medical School. These programs are highly specialized, designed for students who have already established a foundational knowledge in their respective fields and are seeking advanced credentials or career transitions.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
One of the distinct advantages of the Harvard system is the ease with which graduate students can cross-register for classes at other schools. A student at the Kennedy School of Government can easily enroll in a seminar at the Divinity School, and a researcher at the Medical School can audit a statistics course at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. This integration fosters a unique intellectual environment that is rarely found at other institutions.
Format and Delivery Methods
When evaluating what classes Harvard offers, it is essential to consider the format. While large introductory lectures (known as "lectures") are common for foundational courses, upper-level seminars typically involve intense discussion and close interaction with professors. The standard course unit is the "credit," and most undergraduates enroll in four credits per semester, translating to roughly eight classes.
Instructional Types
Lectures (LEC)
Seminars (SEM)
Tutorials (TUT)
Laboratory sessions (LAB)
Studio workshops (for art and architecture)
Accessing the Course Catalogue
Prospective students often wonder how to navigate the Harvard class list effectively. The university maintains a dynamic online portal where the entire curriculum is published, complete with syllabi, instructor bios, and weekly schedules. This resource is updated annually to reflect new faculty appointments and evolving academic trends, ensuring that the catalog remains current and relevant.
Global and Experiential Learning
Harvard places a significant emphasis on learning beyond the classroom, integrating study abroad programs and practical internships into its curriculum. Many departments require or strongly encourage students to participate in fieldwork, research projects, or semester-long exchanges. This global perspective ensures that the classes offered are not just theoretical, but are connected to the wider world.
