Concentration Requirements

Cross-Disciplinary Track in Engineering Sciences S.B.

Students whose interests span the engineering areas offered within Harvard SEAS may consider applying for the Engineering Sciences S.B. – Cross-Disciplinary Track. Working together with their engineering advisor, a student may propose an intellectually coherent plan under the Cross-Disciplinary Track requirements detailed in the College Handbook and Plan of Study Form. A critical aspect of this application is clearly explaining how the proposed plan aligns with their academic and professional interests separate from the existing S.B. engineering plans. To apply to the track, students must have at least a 3.5 College grade-point average at the time of application. Applications can be submitted no earlier than the end of sophomore year, and no later than the fifth Monday of the student’s seventh semester. For more information, current concentrators should discuss with their engineering ADUS.
 

Course Petition Form for Engineering Concentrations

PROCESS: For any course petitions related to concentration requirements, the process begins with a conversation with your ADUS. Following this discussion, please submit your petition request and supporting documentation through this form.  After submitting your materials, email your ADUS to let them know the files have been uploaded for review.

DEADLINE: For each term, this form is due by noon on the second day of the course enrollment period. All petitions received by the deadline will receive a decision by the last day of the course enrollment period. Petitions may be submitted on a rolling basis throughout the semester, and petitions received after the deadline will be processed as efficiently as possible but may not receive a decision for up to 60 days. 

English Honors for SEAS AB engineering concentrations

Recommendations for English honors are decided individually by vote of the engineering faculty based on the student's academic accomplishments, superior performance in an ambitious set of courses, and evidence of scholarly achievement in their field. Ordinarily, the following criteria set the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for an honors recommendation:

• For Highest Honors: a concentration GPA in the top 5% and an outstanding thesis
• For High Honors: a concentration GPA in the top 20% and an excellent thesis
• For Honors: a concentration GPA in the top 50% 

English Honors for SB engineering concentrations

Recommendations for English honors are decided individually by vote of the engineering faculty based on the student's academic accomplishments, superior performance in an ambitious set of courses, and scholarly achievement in their senior capstone design project. Ordinarily, the following criteria set the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for an honors recommendation:

• For Highest Honors: a concentration GPA in the top 5% and an outstanding capstone project
• For High Honors: a concentration GPA in the top 20% and an excellent capstone project
• For Honors: a concentration GPA in the top 50% and a capstone project worthy of merit

Petition for additional semester beyond senior year to complete the SB degree

In exceptional cases, and only to meet specific SB degree requirements, students may petition to remain in SEAS beyond the end of the second term of their senior year. Students in SB programs must submit these petitions to the Undergraduate Engineering Committee in SEAS, who will make the final decision. Like the Ad Board, decisions of the Committee take into account the best educational and personal interests of the student as well as the mission of SEAS. The process of petitioning the Committee begins with a conversation between a student and his or her program’s ADUS or DUS, in which the reasons for the petition and the circumstances that may or may not warrant its approval are all discussed. At the same time, the student should consult with their Allston Burr Resident Dean about their tuition and fees, and their eligibility for College housing and financial aid. The student will then write a statement explaining their request and specific circumstances and forward this petition to the Undergraduate Engineering Committee, where it will be read carefully, discussed, and decided.

The Committee will weigh the student’s academic record and performance in the SEAS community when considering the petition. Petitions related to non-medical events must be submitted to the Undergraduate Engineering Committee no later than January 15 between the student’s fifth and sixth terms (i.e., middle of junior year), or August 15 between the student’s fifth and sixth terms if the student’s fifth term is the spring. (Petitions related to legitimate medical conditions that require a request for approval for work at a reduced rate should be submitted directly to the Ad Board at any time.) Petitions are either “approved” or “denied.” The student is informed of the decision and any related instructions or stipulations in writing. In addition, SEAS will notify the Registrar and the student's Resident Dean (if applicable). A copy of the petition and the decision letter are placed in the student’s SEAS file. Under no circumstances will the Committee grant a student permission for more than two additional terms.