BA Environmental Science and Public Policy at Harvard University

Programme overview

The concentration in Environmental Science and Public Policy (ESPP) is designed to provide a multidisciplinary introduction to current problems of the environment. It is founded on the premise that the ability to form rational judgments concerning many of the complex challenges confronting society today involving the environment requires both an understanding of the underlying scientific and technical issues and an appreciation for the relevant economic, political, legal, historical, and ethical dimensions. Depending on preparation, students may be encouraged to substitute more advanced courses for these requirements.

Faculty: Harvard College: Sciences | Department: Environmental Science and Public Policy | Study mode: full-time | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

What you will study

All students satisfy a core of requirements in the physical, biological, and social sciences and mathematics. Students also develop an individual plan of study for a series of advanced courses around a particular field of specialization. Gateway courses include Introductory Courses (one required): EPS 50: The Fluid Earth: Oceans, Atmosphere, Climate, and Environment (spring 2025) E-PSCI 6: Introduction to Environmental Science and Engineering (fall 2024; concurrent or pre-req Math 1B) GE 1158: Water and the.

Official programme page

Application information

USD 62,226 a year (2026-27). Harvard College undergraduate tuition for 2026-27, one rate for all students; excludes fees ($6,216), housing, food and health insurance. Source

Entry term is fall. Applicants choose Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision; admitted students reply by May 1.

First-year applications through the Common Application: Restrictive Early Action closes November 1 with notification by mid-December; Regular Decision closes January 1 with notification by the end of March. The application fee is $95 (fee waiver available) and can be paid online via the Common Application. Harvard requires the SAT or ACT, with exceptions only where the tests are not accessible.

Apply through the official page: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply

Explore more study programmes

Engineering