Overview

The Earth and Planetary Sciences B.A. at Harvard University provides students with a deep understanding of the natural world through a multidisciplinary scientific lens. This programme integrates physics, chemistry, and biology to examine the evolution of Earth and other celestial bodies. Students are encouraged to explore complex environmental systems and the fundamental mechanics of the universe.

Why Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University?

The department offers a unique learning environment that emphasises close interaction between students and world-leading faculty. A distinctive feature of the curriculum is the requirement for students to attend department tutorials, which facilitate informal discussions about cutting-edge research. These sessions allow undergraduates to connect with experts in fields such as high-latitude oceanic processes and climate systems.

Students benefit from extensive community resources and dedicated research groups focusing on diverse areas from geochemistry to planetary science. The university provides robust support for undergraduate research, enabling students to participate in field experiences and complete a senior thesis. This hands-on approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for advanced scientific inquiry.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 59320 per year
National fee: USD 59320 per year
Local fee: USD 59320 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation in earth systems while allowing for specialised investigation into specific scientific phenomena. Modules may include:

Climate, Atmosphere, and Oceans
Geobiology, Geochemistry, and Earth History
Geology, Geophysics, and Planetary Science
Undergraduate Research
Field Experiences
Senior Thesis

Careers with Earth and Planetary Sciences

Graduates from this programme are equipped with analytical and technical skills highly valued in both the public and private sectors. Many alumni pursue advanced research roles or academic careers within the global scientific community. The broad scientific training also prepares students for professional paths in environmental consultancy, resource management, and space exploration agencies.

Programme Structure

Courses include

Solving and Optimizing
Applied Mathematics
Supervised Reading and Research
Thesis Research
Statistical Inference for Scientists and Engineers

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Astronomy & Space Sciences View 445 other Bachelors in Earth Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Common Application or Coalition Application

Harvard College Questions for the Common Application or Coalition Application Harvard supplement

$75 fee (or request a fee waiver)

SAT or ACT (with or without writing) - optional for 2022-2026 application cycles

Optional: AP or other examination results

School Report (which includes a counselor letter) and high school transcript

Teacher Report (2)

Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)

Final School Report (for admitted students only)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

59320 USD / year

≈ 59320 USD / year
Out-of-State

59320 USD / year

≈ 59320 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

59320 USD / year

≈ 59320 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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