Master in Public Administration / International Development

"Never before in history has the dream of eliminating global poverty been so attainable, yet seemed so elusive. We live in a world where the reach of technology and markets are global, and yet more than a billion men, women, and children live in abject poverty, devoid of their benefits. How can that possibly be? In an age of plenty, what deprives people of adequate food, shelter, clean water, education, good health and enough income to live on with dignity? What can governments, international agencies, and non-governmental organizations do to make the dream a reality? The study of international development is about finding answers to questions like these."

- Dani Rodrik, Faculty Chair of MPA/ID Program

The two-year Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) program, the Harvard Kennedy School's newest program, is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in international development. It is an economics-centered, multi-disciplinary program, combining rigorous training in analytical and quantitative methods with an emphasis on policy and practice.

Each academic year, a class of about 65 students enrolls in this selective program. Although it is geared to the future practitioner in the field of international development rather than the future scholar or teacher, the MPA/ID curriculum is intensely rigorous.

Both US and international candidates are considered for admission. Applicants must demonstrate competence in economics and quantitative analysis and the potential for leadership in international development. Although the MPA/ID program occasionally accepts applicants directly from undergraduate colleges and universities, most admitted candidates have at least three years of work experience in government, central and regional banks, international development institutions, non-governmental organizations, or private businesses.

Prospective students interested in the MPA/ID program are encouraged to review the prerequisites for academic and work experience prior to applying.