#  Chemistry Secondary Field 

 



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   ![Chemistry students engaging in discussion in Pfizer lecture hall](/sites/g/files/omnuum7776/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/chemistry/files/img_8113.jpeg?itok=ppT3q9fX) 

 

A secondary field in Chemistry gives students a well-rounded experience of the discipline. This secondary field is appropriate for anyone who has an inherent interest in the subject or would like to gain a deeper knowledge of science to use in their professional lives.

### Undergraduate Chemistry Community

We are committed to fostering a strong community of students interested in chemistry, including chemistry concentrators and students pursuing a secondary field or concurrent master's in chemistry. Throughout the year, the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CCB) hosts community events, research seminars, workshops, and other events. **All Harvard undergraduates interested in chemistry should** [**sign up for our undergraduate newsletters**](/undergraduate-programs/newsletters "Undergraduate Newsletters"), which are a great way to stay informed about chemistry-related opportunities at Harvard.

### How to Declare

If you are interested in declaring a secondary field in chemistry, start by scheduling a meeting with our [undergraduate advisers](https://www.chemistry.harvard.edu/undergraduate-advising) to create a plan of study. After this meeting, you'll be able to submit your declaration through my.Harvard.

### Requirements

**6 courses (24 credits):** Six letter-graded courses in chemistry that include at least one upper-level course in chemistry. Upper-level, letter-graded courses in chemistry include Chem 40, and any 100- or 200-level chemistry course.

### Other Information

- Students completing a secondary field in Chemistry must earn a C- or better in each of these courses, with the exception of designated First-Year Seminars, which are graded SAT/UNS.
- Most students interested in the secondary field will take four or five of the following introductory courses: LPSA, LS1A, Chem 10, PS11, Chem 17, Chem 20, Chem 27, and Chem 30. However, students choosing to complete a secondary field in Chemistry will be free to choose any six courses in chemistry as long as one of these courses is an upper-level course.
- One term of research for credit via the courses Chem 91R, Chem 98R, or Chem 99R may be counted toward the secondary field requirements. These courses do not satisfy the upperlevel course requirement.
- The Harvard Summer School courses Chem S-1 A, B; Chem S-10a; Chem S-17; Chem S-20 A, B; and Chem S-101 can be used to complete secondary field requirements.
- Any First-Year Seminar or General Education course offered by a member of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology (for example, FS 22J) may be used to count toward a secondary field in Chemistry, if at least two upper-level courses in chemistry are included among the six required courses.
- One course taken abroad may count toward a secondary field in Chemistry if successfully approved by petition to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
- The Sophomore Tutorial in Chemistry, offered in the spring term, is optional and cannot be taken for credit by any student. Secondary field students may participate in the sophomore tutorial regardless of class year.