englishhelpneede

My nephew is an economics undergrad major at Harvard. He loves politics and wanted to double major in econ and government. However, he told us that a Harvard economics department does not allow someone to double major in econ and government. This news was a bit let down for him.

Is it true or he is just merely misinformed? Could a Harvard econ undergrad have a secondary major in government? If not so, then could Harvard undergrad only major in econ and minor in government.

fauve

Correct, Harvard allows a concentration in one subject only, with the option of a secondary field in another area. So, yes, a Harvard undergrad could concentrate in econ and secondary in gov.

huinsider

As it stands, Harvard does not offer double majors but rather has its nuanced approach to the situation with joint concentration. A joint concentration is the combination of two fields with one denoted as primary area (typically ten courses) and the other as secondary area (six courses). A thesis is required of all joint concentrators. Furthermore, the economics department does not participate in joint concentrations. Further information regarding the general requirements of an A.B. in Economics can be read here:

Economics

Millerl1te

Huinsider is right. I would try to get a secondary in gov if he wants to pursue gov.

sewhappy

Another approach, depending on his number of AP courses and scores on them during high school, would be to pursue a bachelors in one field and masters in the other simultaneously. This entails applying for advanced standing in sophomore year, I believe.