Harvard University

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical and chemical processes that shape our planet and other celestial bodies. The program emphasizes the importance of climate, oceans, geochemistry, Earth’s history, and planetary science, while offering ample opportunities for research and experiential learning in real-world settings.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured to blend foundational scientific principles with advanced studies in Earth and planetary systems. Students typically start with introductory courses, progressing to specialized electives, and culminating in a senior thesis or a capstone research project.

Typical components

• Core and methods courses: Fundamental quantitative and analytical skills applicable in Earth and planetary research.
• Earth systems and environment: Exploration of topics such as climate dynamics, atmospheric processes, and oceanography.
• Geochemistry, geobiology, and Earth history: Investigation of how chemical cycles and biological processes influence the planet over time.
• Geology, geophysics, and planetary science: Study of Earth's structure and dynamics, alongside comparative analyses of other planetary bodies.
• Research and supervised reading: Guided experiences that enhance research skills in preparation for independent thesis work.
• Field experiences: Practical learning opportunities through field-based observation and data collection.
• Senior thesis / thesis research: An independent research project conducted under the supervision of faculty members.

Department tutorials: Active participation in departmental tutorials is encouraged, fostering discussions on current research and linking coursework with faculty projects.

Entry requirements

Harvard College employs a holistic approach to admissions for undergraduate programs, focusing on the overall strength of the application rather than specific GPA thresholds. Standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT are not required.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Earth and Planetary Sciences program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths, including environmental consulting, research, education, and roles in government agencies. Additionally, many students pursue further studies in graduate programs related to Earth sciences, environmental policy, or planetary science.