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Concurrent Masters Program

Harvard offers the opportunity for undergraduate students to apply to the Griffin School of Arts and Sciences for a master’s degree pursued concurrently with their bachelor’s degree.

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As part of the concurrent degree program, students will be allowed to double-count up to sixteen credits (normally, four courses) for the Bachelor of Arts and either the Master of Arts or the Master of Science. Courses are submitted for allocation toward one degree or both degrees on the Concurrent Master’s Course Allocation Form . This form is submitted once in a student’s eighth term no later then the 5th Monday. Students are reminded that GSAS maintains a two semester residency requirement for students earning their master’s through a concurrent master’s program.   

An undergraduate pursuing the concurrent degree must complete both of these degrees by the end of eight terms of residency, or the equivalent. Students wishing to pursue this option may consult the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for a list of departments that allow it. 

Students (who entered the college before 2020) who are not eligible for Advanced Standing will have the opportunity to apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for a master’s degree pursued concurrently with the bachelor’s degree.* 

Students apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences by December of their third year. Detailed information about how to apply can be found on the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences website.  Students should check with individual departments for deadlines and application requirements. Admission is often quite competitive and the programs are very rigorous. Most departments require eight graduate level courses with a minimum grade of B for the master’s degree. Successful AB/AM or SM candidates receive both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the end of the fourth year. They continue to live in their Houses and register as undergraduates, even though their fourth year programs are devoted mainly to graduate study. Not all departments offer the master’s degree as part of the AB/AM or AB/SM program.

Eligible AB/AM and AB/SM Programs

Departments that do participate in the program are as follows:

Students interested in these programs should contact the departments directly for guidance and advising.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Students apply to a program in late fall of the junior year and are notified of admission decisions in the spring.  Matriculation into the program begins the following fall.  Applicants should be aware that GSAS maintains a two semester residency requirement for students admitted into the concurrent master’s programs. 

Check Back for Information Sessions.

The Statistics Department holds an in person Spring information session (typically in April).

SEAS holds three information sessions via Zoom through the Fall ahead of the December 1st application deadline.

Program Contacts

General Application Questions

GSAS Admissions
admiss@fas.harvard.edu
617-496-6100

Program Specific Questions

Already pursuing your Concurrent Masters?

Find resources to help you plan your coursework as you complete both your undergrduate and graduate degrees at Harvard.

VIEW CONCURRENT MASTERS ENROLLED STUDENT INFORMATION