Harvard Crimson Editorial Calls for Elimination of Concurrent Master’s Program
A Harvard Crimson Editorial argues for the elimination of the concurrent master’s program, citing concerns about its impact on students' academic burden and overall college experience. The program, established in 2019 as a replacement for the Advanced Standing program, allows students to pursue a master's degree concurrently with their undergraduate studies. Unlike its predecessor, which granted 32 credits for AP exams, the current system only double-counts 16 credits, often requiring students to take five classes for multiple semesters. The editorial contends that this intense workload makes it difficult for students to maintain a healthy sleep schedule, social life, and extracurricular commitments, thereby hindering a transformative liberal arts education. It also notes the program's limited availability across only 13 departments and its unpopularity compared to similar programs at other universities, such as Stanford.
