• Mid-Career Summer Program

Curriculum

Harvard Kennedy School Curriculum

Teaching and Learning at HKS

Classes at the John F. Kennedy School of Govenrnment at Harvard University (HKS) are taught by the case method, the more traditional lecture format, or a mixture of both. Students work together in small groups on projects and will have assistance from course assistants, teaching fellows, and faculty members in a collaborative and non-competitive working environment.

Methodological Areas at HKS

The HKS curriculum is built around the concept that future leaders and policy makers need to be adept in analytical, management, and leadership skills in order to serve the public good. The three foundational methodological areas at HKS are:

• Quantitative Analysis
• Strategic Management
• Leadership and Advocacy

Whether as distribution requirements for graduation or as part of a core curriculum, these three areas are the foundation upon which the HKS education is built. No matter what policy area students focus on while studying, HKS graduates depart the school with a powerful complement of skill to increase their effectiveness in working in their chosen field.

Policy Areas at HKS

Teaching and research at HKS are organized around a framework of policy areas that reflect the evolving research of the HKS faculty, the needs of policy makers, and the interests of the HKS student body. Please see HKS Policy Areas for listing.

MC/MPA Requirements

The program consists of the Mid-Career Summer Program and two terms of full-time academic work in residence at HKS.  A minimum of eight credits is required to complete the MC/MPA degree.

In the course of two semesters, students select at least one full-credit course from a wide selection of courses in each of the School’s three methodological areas:

• Quantitative methods
• Strategic public and nonprofit management
• Political advocacy, leadership, ethics and press

The remaining courses required for graduation can selected from any of the many HKS course offerings.

Mid-Career Summer Program

The Mid-Career Summer Program at HKS is an intensive, four-week course of non-credit study designed to create a foundation of analytical, conceptual, and study skills for the coming academic year.

Prospective students should visit the Mid-Career Summer Program for more detailed information.