Harris graduated in 1926. Despite the fact that a formal chemistry department did not exist at Oregon, he earned a degree in chemical engineering. In 1929, Harris received a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from Yale University.
Harris completed his academic pursuits in 1926. At the time, Oregon did not have a specialized department for chemistry, but he still earned a degree in chemical engineering. Two years later, in 1929, Harris received his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University.