MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Harvard University

Program Overview

The MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences is a two-year joint graduate degree programme offered by Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. It combines advanced business management education with engineering, product design, technology development, and innovation management to prepare students to lead technology-focused organisations and launch new ventures.

The programme is designed for aspiring technology entrepreneurs, engineers, and innovators who want to combine technical expertise with business leadership. Students earn two separate degrees: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School and a Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Sciences from Harvard Griffin GSAS. The programme is completed over four semesters across two years, with additional coursework during August and the January terms.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 — Business Foundations and Engineering Design

The first year is primarily spent at Harvard Business School, where students complete the MBA Required Curriculum (RC). Before the fall semester, students participate in HBS Online CORe and the joint Design Theory and Practice course, which introduces design principles and practical approaches to developing solutions.

The fall semester covers core management subjects, including Business, Government, and International Economy, Finance 1, The Entrepreneurial Manager, Financial Reporting and Control, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, and Technology and Operations Management. During the January term, students participate in Technology Venture Immersion, a joint course that combines engineering prototyping and early-stage product development with business concept development, customer identification, business models, marketing, sales, and early-stage finance.

In the spring semester, students continue the MBA Required Curriculum, including subjects such as Finance 2, Marketing, Leadership and Corporate Accountability, and Strategy.

Summer Between Years 1 and 2 — Internship or Startup Development

Students use the summer period to pursue an internship at a technology company, develop their own startup concept, or explore entrepreneurial opportunities. This provides an opportunity to apply their business and engineering knowledge to real-world technology challenges and develop their venture ideas.

Year 2 — Engineering Specialisation and Technology Venture Development

During the second year, students divide their academic time between Harvard Business School and SEAS. They select engineering and business electives to strengthen their technical expertise and management capabilities.

In the fall semester, students take Designing Technology Ventures, alongside electives and engineering design coursework. The programme also includes Integrated Design, which helps students connect engineering principles with product development and innovation.

During the January and spring terms, students complete the Launch Lab and Capstone courses. Working in small teams, they develop and build a new product, refine its design, and work towards launching a technology-based solution. Students also complete three SEAS electives and four HBS electives across the second year.

Focus Areas

Engineering sciences, technology entrepreneurship, product design, engineering design, innovation management, technology venture development, systems engineering, business strategy, finance, marketing, organisational leadership, technology and operations management, product development, prototyping, customer discovery, business model development, startup management, and venture financing.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to combine engineering knowledge with business strategy to identify opportunities, design products, and build technology-driven organisations. They learn to evaluate technical challenges, understand customer requirements, develop product prototypes, and assess the commercial potential of new technologies.

The programme also strengthens students' capabilities in strategic management, finance, marketing, organisational leadership, and innovation management. Through Technology Venture Immersion, Integrated Design, and the Launch Lab and Capstone courses, students gain practical experience developing products, testing business models, and working collaboratively to bring technology concepts closer to market.

Professional Alignment

The MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences is designed for individuals who want to lead technology ventures and work at the intersection of engineering, product development, and business management. Its integrated curriculum combines the HBS MBA Required Curriculum with SEAS engineering coursework, design-focused learning, and practical venture-building experiences.

The programme is particularly relevant to technology entrepreneurship, product management, engineering leadership, innovation management, and technology investment. It develops the skills needed to make decisions about what to build, how to develop it, how to meet customer needs, and how to create sustainable business models.

Reputation

The programme brings together Harvard Business School's management education and the engineering and applied sciences expertise of Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Students join a close-knit cohort of approximately 30 students, with access to a growing alumni community of more than 200 graduates.

According to the programme's official information:

Alumni have collectively raised more than $300 million in venture capital.
Approximately 5–7 ventures are founded by programme alumni each year.
Graduates pursue careers in entrepreneurship, product management, engineering, and investing.

Featured alumni include:

Pelkins Ajanoh — CEO, CassVita
Stan Chang — Head of Product, Gumshoe.AI
Kate Grosch — Product Manager, Render
Ankith Harathi — Co-founder, Macro
Andy Harris — Co-founder, Parallel Fluidics
Juan Carlos Lopez — Senior Program Manager, Azure Space at Microsoft
Michael Mancinelli — Co-founder, Tully
Valentina Ratner — Co-founder, Allspice
Ananya Zutshi — Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Cellino
Leni Peterson — CEO and Co-founder, Celeste
Wale Lawal — Co-founder, MesaQuantum
Yinka Ogunbiyi — Co-founder and CEO, Halo Braid

Potential career paths include technology entrepreneur, startup founder, chief technology officer, engineering director, product manager, director of product development, technology strategy consultant, innovation manager, venture capital associate, technology investment professional, engineering programme manager, and business development director.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Harvard University, experiential learning is at the heart of both the MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences programs. These programs are designed to equip students with practical skills that are essential for success in today’s competitive landscape. Students engage in hands-on projects, collaborate with peers, and utilize state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance their learning experience.

In the MBA program, students have access to a variety of tools and opportunities that foster real-world application of business concepts. Similarly, the Engineering Sciences program emphasizes practical experience through research and innovation. Here’s how both programs facilitate experiential learning:

Master of Business Administration (MBA):
- Field Immersion Projects: Students participate in real-world consulting projects with companies, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to solve actual business challenges.
- Harvard Innovation Labs: Access to resources for entrepreneurship, including mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
- Case Method Learning: Engaging with real business cases encourages critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Internships: Opportunities for summer internships with leading firms, providing invaluable industry experience.
- Leadership Development: Programs like the Leadership and Organizational Behavior course focus on developing leadership skills through experiential exercises.

Master of Science in Engineering Sciences:
- Research Laboratories: Access to cutting-edge labs such as the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where students can work on innovative projects.
- Collaborative Projects: Group projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving in engineering contexts.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading tech companies for internships and research opportunities.
- Field Trips: Visits to industry sites and research institutions to gain insights into practical applications of engineering principles.
- Digital Tools: Utilization of advanced software and simulation tools relevant to engineering disciplines, enhancing technical skills.

Both programs emphasize the importance of experiential learning, ensuring that students graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers.

Consider applying to these transformative programs and take the next step in your educational journey!

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing a MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences at Harvard University opens doors to a wealth of opportunities and career advancement. Graduates from these programs often find themselves in high-demand roles such as Management Consultant, Product Manager, or Data Analyst, leveraging their skills to drive innovation and strategic decision-making in various industries.

Here’s how Harvard supports your journey toward success:

- Career Services: Harvard offers robust career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events that connect students with industry leaders.
- Employment Statistics: Over 90% of MBA graduates secure employment within three months of graduation, with average starting salaries exceeding $150,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Harvard has established partnerships with leading companies like Google, McKinsey & Company, and Goldman Sachs, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world projects.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: Both programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates report high levels of job satisfaction and career advancement, with many moving into leadership roles within five years of completing their degrees.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA or Master of Science in Engineering Sciences, you may choose to further your studies through a Ph.D. program in Business Administration or Engineering, or even pursue specialized certifications in areas like Data Science or Project Management. This continued education can enhance your expertise and open even more doors in academia or advanced industry roles.

Choosing Harvard for your graduate studies means investing in a future filled with potential and opportunity. The skills and connections you gain here will serve you well throughout your career.