#  Advanced Courses 

 



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Advanced Courses (formerly called Electives) allow you to craft a more individualized program in psychology. We encourage you to explore a broad range of course options by choosing departmental and non-departmental courses that build upon the background in psychology covered in both your [Introductory Course](/introductory-course) and the more focused [Foundational Courses](/Foundational-Courses) to create a cohesive plan of study.

## **What courses count toward the Advanced Course requirement?**

Click on the links below for more information about specific courses that may count for Advanced Course credit...

- [Departmental Advanced Courses](/departmental-advanced-courses) (for concentrators & secondary fields)
- [Approved Non-Departmental Courses](https://undergrad.psychology.fas.harvard.edu/non-departmental-advanced-courses#html1) (for concentrators only)
- [Petitioned Courses](/non-departmental-advanced-courses#petitionedcourses) (for concentrators only)
- [Certain Harvard Summer School Courses](/departmental-advanced-courses#SummerSchool) (for concentrators & secondary fields)
- [Study Out of Residence](/study-out-residence) (for concentrators only)
- [Cross-Registered Courses at other Harvard and local schools](/departmental-advanced-courses#CrossRegistered) (for concentrators only)

And here are some things to keep in mind while selecting Advanced Courses...

- All courses need to be letter-graded (with the exception of PSY 985 and approved [Freshmen Seminars](/departmental-advanced-courses)).
- The [number of Advanced Courses required varies by track](/sites/g/files/omnuum9616/files/2025-08/Digital%20Requirements%20Chart%20Aug%202025.pdf "Digital Requirements Chart ").
- The [number of non-departmental Advanced Courses permitted varies by track](/Limits-on-Non-Departmental-Advanced-courses).
- [How to use the Psychology course numbering system](/numbering-system-psychology-courses).