Harvard Kennedy School of Government Campuses

The Harvard Kennedy School of Government offers a comprehensive array of graduate programs focused on public policy, leadership, and governance. At the Cambridge campus, students engage in rigorous academic training designed to equip future leaders with the skills to address complex global challenges.

• Master in Public Policy (MPP): This flagship two-year program emphasizes quantitative analysis, economics, politics, and ethics. Core courses include Policy Analysis, Microeconomics for Policy, and Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods, where students learn to evaluate policies using data-driven approaches and real-world case studies.
• Master in Public Administration (MPA): A one-year program for mid-career professionals, featuring courses like Leadership and Ethics, International and Global Affairs, and Democratic Governance. Participants explore advanced topics in negotiation, organizational management, and crisis response through interactive simulations.
• Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID): Tailored for development practitioners, this program covers Economic Development, Development Finance, and Quantitative Methods for Development. Students delve into poverty alleviation, sustainable growth, and impact evaluation in emerging economies.
• PhD in Public Policy: A research-intensive doctoral program with specializations in areas such as Science, Technology, and Policy; Political Economy and Government; or Judgment and Decision Making. Courses include Advanced Research Methods, Political Institutions, and Behavioral Science for Policy.
• Executive Education Programs: Short-term offerings like the Senior Executive Program in State and Local Government, focusing on strategic leadership, budgeting, and innovation in public sector management. These include modules on Public Finance, Performance Measurement, and Collaborative Governance.

Beyond core curricula, the school provides electives in specialized fields such as Environmental Policy and International Security, often incorporating guest lectures from policymakers and hands-on projects with organizations like the World Bank or UN. The curriculum integrates Harvard's interdisciplinary resources, allowing cross-registration with other schools for courses in law, business, or medicine. Emphasis is placed on practical application through capstone projects, internships, and the school's renowned case method, fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making. With a commitment to diversity and global perspectives, the programs prepare graduates for roles in government, nonprofits, and international institutions, addressing pressing issues like climate change, inequality, and democratic resilience. The Cambridge location enhances learning with proximity to Boston's policy ecosystem, including think tanks and federal agencies.

The Harvard Kennedy School of Government offers a comprehensive array of graduate programs focused on public policy, leadership, and governance. At the core of its curriculum is the Master in Public Policy (MPP), a two-year program that equips students with analytical skills to address complex policy challenges. Courses in this program include quantitative analysis, economics for public policy, politics and institutions, and policy design and delivery. Students engage in real-world case studies, learning to navigate political environments and implement effective solutions.

• Master in Public Administration (MPA): This mid-career program emphasizes advanced leadership training, with courses on strategic management, negotiation, and global governance. Participants explore topics like democratic governance, international development, and social policy innovation.
• Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID): Designed for those interested in economic development, it features rigorous training in econometrics, development economics, and finance. Key courses cover poverty alleviation, sustainable growth, and institutional reform in emerging economies.
• PhD in Public Policy: A research-oriented doctorate that delves into advanced methodologies, with specializations in areas such as energy policy, health policy, and technology innovation. Students conduct original research under faculty mentorship.

Executive education programs provide short-term courses for professionals, including leadership for senior executives, driving government performance, and global leadership and public policy for the 21st century. These feature interactive workshops on crisis management, ethical decision-making, and innovation in public sectors. The school also offers joint degrees with other Harvard programs, such as the JD/MPP with Harvard Law School or MD/MPP with Harvard Medical School, allowing interdisciplinary study in law, medicine, and policy.

Core courses across programs emphasize evidence-based policymaking, with electives in specialized fields like cybersecurity policy, climate change strategies, and urban planning. Faculty-led seminars and capstone projects ensure practical application, preparing graduates for roles in government, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector. The curriculum integrates technology and data science, teaching students to leverage big data for policy evaluation and forecasting. Through these offerings, the Harvard Kennedy School fosters a new generation of leaders committed to advancing the public good, promoting equity, and tackling global issues like inequality, migration, and environmental sustainability. With a focus on diverse perspectives and collaborative learning, the programs cultivate skills in communication, ethics, and adaptive leadership essential for impactful public service careers.