• Curriculum Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new joint degree programs?

Beginning in the fall of 2008, the John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (HKS) and the Harvard Business School (HBS) will offer two new joint degree programs: the Master in Public Policy-Master in Business Administration (MPP- MBA) degree and the Master in Public Administration/International Development- Master in Business Administration (MPA/ID- MBA) degree. Each joint degree program is structured to be completed in three years.

What will happen to the existing concurrent degree programs?

The existing concurrent degree programs will ultimately be replaced by the two new joint degree programs. Students enrolled in one of the concurrent degree programs will continue their studies in their existing concurrent program structure. Students matriculating in the Fall 2007 can apply to the concurrent programs. Applications for the new MPP-MBA and MPA/ID-MBA joint degree programs will be accepted during the 2007-2008 academic year, for entry to the program in the fall 2008.  HKS admissions process uses an online application. Harvard Business School also offers an online application.

How do I apply for the new joint degree programs?

Beginning in the Fall of 2007, applicants interested in the joint degree programs will apply to HKS and HBS independently, but in the same admissions cycle. Applicants will be evaluated independently, but will identify their interest in the joint program on each school's application. While each school will maintain its separate admissions application timetables, all HBS applicants interested in a joint program will be required to apply in the first two of the three HBS application rounds. Additionally, both schools will require a special "joint program" essay as part of the application.

See Office of Admissions for more information on HKS deadlines.  See Harvard Business School for more information on HBS deadlines.

I'm currently enrolled in an HBS-HKS concurrent degree program. Can I transfer to one of the new joint programs?

Unfortunately, that is not possible. Given the curricular differences between the existing concurrent degree program and the new MPP-MBA and MPA/ID -MBA joint degree programs, it is not possible to "transfer" from the concurrent degree programs to the joint degree programs.

What are the differences between the concurrent degree programs and the new joint degree programs?

There are several key differences. In general, the new joint degree programs are designed with a more integrated curriculum and more cross-school coordination than the existing concurrent programs. Specific differences include:

There are now three concurrent degree programs (MPA-MBA, MPP-MBA, and MPA/ID- MBA). In the future, there will only be two joint degree programs (MPP-MBA and MPA/ID-MBA).  The joint degree programs are structured with two years of required core curricula, one year at each school.  In addition to the required years, there are three new required integrative courses over the three years of study that incorporate both fields of study.
The faculty and administration at the two schools will be jointly involved in making the three years of study integrated across the two schools.

How are the tuition and fees managed for the program?

In year one, joint program students will be required to pay full HKS tuition, be eligible for HKS financial aid, and be required to follow HKS financial aid policies and procedures.

In year two, joint program students will be required to pay full HBS tuition, be eligible for HBS financial aid, and be required to follow HBS financial aid policies and procedures.

In year three, there will be a 50/50 split by term. In the fall term, joint program students will be required to pay one term of tuition and fees at HBS and will be eligible for HBS financial aid. In the spring term, joint program students will be required to pay one term of tuition and fees at HKS and will be eligible for HKS financial aid.

Is there a person I can speak with for more information?

The Admissions Offices of both schools will be happy to answer any questions you may have. For information on HKS, see Office of Admissions.   For Harvard Business School, phone 617-495-6127 or email admissions@hbs.edu.