Information for Undergraduate Students

Harvard offers A.B. degrees in Earth & Planetary Sciences (EPS) and Astronomy & Astrophysics. Interested applicants should consult the program and admissions information provided by the College and refer to the Handbook for Students for concentration requirements and browse the courses offered in EPS and Astronomy.

Many undergraduates engage in rewarding mentorship experiences by participating in cutting-edge research projects in EPS and Astronomy. Both departments encourage concentrators to conduct investigations leading to a senior thesis. Undergraduates interested in research experience should contact faculty and researchers directly.

Information for Graduate Students

Undergraduates who are interested in planetary sciences are encouraged to apply to the EPS Ph.D. program. Prospective students may come from any area of physical sciences, including physics, astronomy, chemistry, and geophysics. All first year graduate students are funded on fellowships giving them the opportunity to explore and develop their research interests. In the first year, graduate students are relieved from teaching fellow duties in the fall semester and may teach in the spring semester to fulfill an educational goal. Students interested in teaching benefit from the resources available at the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. The Harvard campus is rich in social and cultural activities, and programs specifically for the graduate student community are organized through Dudley House. The GeoClub, a student organization more than 60 years old, organizes lectures, field trips and informal activities.
Full details on the advanced degree requirements.

To learn about applying for graduate study at Harvard, refer to the instructions from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. For more information, contact one of the professors. Note that research scientists at the Center for Astrophysics routinely advise and collaborate with Ph.D. students and may formally guide a thesis project upon approval by the faculty.

Information for Postdoctoral Researchers

The Reginald A. Daly Postdoctoral Fellowship is a competitive program for postdoctoral studies in the broad field of earth and planetary sciences.
The Center for Astrophysics also sponsors a competitive postdoctoral fellowship program.