Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Why pursue an Electrical Engineering bachelor's degree?
Electrical Engineering has long played a critical role in undergirding innovations that improve the quality of life, support economic growth, and address societal problems. Electrical Engineering plays a pivotal role in power and energy distribution, communications, and computation, even with the evolution of power-carrying channels from metal cables to nanowires or optical fibers; networks of communications from wires to wireless to neurons; and basic electrical switches from vacuum tubes to transistors to carbon nanotubes; and the internet of things.
The Electrical Engineering concentration spans a broad range of topics, ranging from the physics of new materials and devices, the circuits and next-generation computing platforms made from these devices, and the algorithms that run on these platforms. The range of subtopics includes power systems, (nano) electronics, control systems, robotics, signal processing, next generation communications systems, edge computing, energy-efficient computing systems, and artificial intelligence (AI). Students learn how to analyze, design and build devices and systems for computation, communication and information transfer.
At Harvard College, students choose a "concentration," which is what we call a major. All prospective undergraduate students, including those intending to study engineering and applied sciences, apply directly to Harvard College. During your sophomore fall you’ll declare a concentration, or field of study.
Students can pursue a degree with an emphasis in electrical engineering through the following concentrations:
- S.B. in Electrical Engineering
- A.B. in Engineering Sciences - Electrical and Computer Engineering Track
Students in either degree program take many of the same upper-level EE courses. The A.B. program affords the flexibility to pursue complementary studies in other disciplines or to dive deeper into a specific sub-discipline of EE, while the S.B. program provides a broader basis in engineering fundamentals with courses from other engineering areas and design.
Learn about our Electrical Engineering Concentrators >
Prerequisites
Learn about the prerequisites for the concentration and the differences between the S.B. and A.B. tracks on on our First Year Exploration page. Students interested in concentrating in Electrical Engineering can be matched with a Peer Concentration Advisor.
Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Science (S.B.)
The undergraduate EE curriculum emphasizes both depth and breadth within the sub-disciplines of electrical engineering. All students will specialize in electronic circuits and devices while being provided the opportunity to explore signals and systems theory, control systems, robotics, optoelectronic devices, integrated circuits, energy systems, computer vision, electronic materials, computer software and hardware, as well as mechanical, biological, and environmental systems. Through this coursework, students also gain experience in the engineering design process, the engineering activity that requires creative synthesis as well as analysis.
Electrical Engineering Bachelor of Arts (A.B.)
Electrical Engineering plays a pivotal role in power and energy distribution, communications, and computation, even with the evolution of power-carrying channels from metal cables to nanowires or optical fibers; networks of communications from wires to wireless to neurons; and basic electrical switches from vacuum tubes to transistors to carbon nanotubes. The curriculum emphasizes depth and breadth within EE sub-disciplines. Students specialize in electronic circuits and devices, with the opportunity to explore signals and systems theory, control systems, robotics, optoelectronic devices, integrated circuits, energy systems, computer vision, electronic materials, computer software and hardware, as well as mechanical, biological, and environmental systems.
AB/SM Program
Our AB/SM degree program is for currently enrolled Harvard College students only.
Research Opportunities
Opportunities for undergraduates to conduct research in electrical engineering abound. As part of your coursework, or perhaps as part of individual research opportunities working with professors, you will have the chance to take part in or participate in some extraordinary projects. Over half of our electrical engineering undergraduate students conduct research in faculty-sponsored labs, engage in semester-long research projects, or take part in a summer internship. Learn more about research opportunities at Harvard SEAS.
Learn about the research interests of our Electrical Engineering faculty.
Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering Career Paths
Students concentrating in Electrical Engineering often pursue careers in computer engineering, aerospace, human-machine Interface design, communication system design, renewable energy, robotics, circuit design, or engineering management. Many students pursue advanced degrees or become entrepreneurs. Read about some of our electrical engineering alumni.
Clubs and Organization
SEAS-affiliated student organizations are critical to the overall growth of our concentrators as engineering and applied science professionals. These organizations enable our students to pursue passion projects and events in areas of interest that are complementary to the current formal academic curriculum. Learn more about SEAS-affiliated student clubs and organizations.
Hands-on Learning
At Harvard SEAS, we are committed to active learning as an integral part of undergraduate education. This approach is supported by our Active Learning Labs. These labs are meticulously designed to equip students with essential skills across the mechanical, electrical, computational, biological, environmental, and design disciplines. In collaboration, the Active Learning team and SEAS faculty develop engaging, hands-on activities that align with educational objectives and enhance coursework. This integrative approach ensures a robust learning environment that fosters practical and theoretical proficiency.