Harvard University Information System
http://www.seas.harvard.edu/teaching-learning/graduate/model-programs#electrical-engineering
Model programs for SEAS Ph.D. degrees
This document begins by describing SEAS-wide course requirements for the Ph.D. degree. Following that is a description of area-specific course requirements, guidelines, and model programs that are intended to help students develop programs with sound intellectual frameworks.
These programs form a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest. Students should work in close consultation with their advisers to develop an appropriate program of study. Courses provide the background knowledge that is often needed to successfully complete research and allow students to learn more broadly about a field or related fields in a structured fashion.
Courses are not meant as, and should not be seen as, an impediment to research, but as a means of enhancing one’s research ability and as part of the process of becoming a mature, well-rounded member of one’s field. We emphasize that the 10-course requirement is considered a minimum, and not a goal; students are encouraged to take additional courses whenever appropriate. Depending on each student's background, it may be necessary to take additional coursework in order to complete the 10 courses on the program of study.
The SEAS Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD) approves each graduate student’s plan of study (and any revisions to it), and monitors progress towards attainment of the degree. It is the student’s obligation to keep the CHD apprised of any departures from an approved course selection plan in timely fashion, as described below.
The course requirements discussed hereafter are phrased in terms of graduate-level half-courses taken at SEAS (200-level courses in SEAS nomenclature), in other departments of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), or by cross-registration at other Harvard Faculties or at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Certain restrictions apply to courses taken by cross-registration.
As a general rule, students are expected to take SEAS courses, unless their program requires courses not offered by SEAS. Ordinarily, at least half of the courses taken to satisfy SEAS degree requirements must be drawn from those offered at SEAS. A course offered by a SEAS faculty member in another department of FAS is considered as being offered by SEAS for the purposes of this requirement. Provision is made for a limited number of upper-level undergraduate courses in FAS (100-level courses) to be counted towards a graduate degree.
SEAS Course Requirements
Ten half-courses. Of the 10 courses:
At least eight courses will normally be disciplinary courses—i.e., courses that provide the scientific, mathematical, and technical depth that students need for our graduate programs in engineering and applied science.
Up to two courses can normally be “298r” or “299r” courses, “Innovation”-style courses that broaden a student's perspective, suitable 100-level courses, or relevant courses at a suitable level in non-science departments (e.g. economics) or schools (Kennedy School, Business School).
Area Course Requirements, Guidelines, and Model Programs
Applied Mathematics
Applied Physics
Applied Quantum Physics
Biophysics
Materials Science
Computer Science
Engineering Sciences
Environmental Sciences and Engineering (AOSCE)
Bioengineering
Electrical Engineering
Applied Mechanics