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PhD students at Harvard may elect a secondary field of study from a growing number of departments or committees. More secondary fields are expected in the near future. Check back for updated information.

A secondary field in PhD studies consists of a set of four or five graduate courses in a discipline, interdisciplinary area, or intellectually coherent subfield. The program offering the secondary field provides an intellectual rationale and outlines the package of courses required.

Students who choose to pursue courses for a secondary field remain under GSAS time limits and must meet all milestones and deadlines in their home PhD programs.

Secondary fields are attractive options for many PhD students, and they will enhance the competitiveness and professional reach of PhD studies at Harvard.

For more information about secondary fields, contact the department of interest.