By Sarah Olia, Director of the MPA/ID Program
Are you considering the Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program at Harvard Kennedy School? Here are my responses to some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about the application process, what it’s like to be an MPA/ID student, and the career paths our alumni pursue after graduating.
Applying to HKS
What should I focus on in my MPA/ID application?
The MPA/ID admissions committee looks for applicants who are committed to careers in international development and who have demonstrated that they are academically prepared for a quantitatively rigorous program.
Your application should focus on these key questions:
Why are you interested in international development and public policy?
How have your academic, professional, or personal experiences prepared you for rigorous quantitative study?
What kinds of problems do you hope to work on in your career?
Why is the MPA/ID specifically the right fit for your goals?
The strongest applications are those that demonstrate a clear understanding of the MPA/ID Program and explain why you are a strong fit for it. You do not need to have every aspect of your career figured out already, but you should be able to explain what draws you to this field and why the MPA/ID core curriculum appeals to you.
Would I still be a good candidate if I already have a master’s degree in economics (or a related field)?
Yes! Every year, the program enrolls students who already hold graduate degrees in economics, public policy, public administration, international affairs, or related fields.
If you have prior graduate training, think about whether the MPA/ID would add something meaningful to your professional and intellectual development and make sure to highlight these points in your application.
Many students find that the MPA/ID adds to their previous studies through its applied focus on issues related to development and policymaking, its interdisciplinary curriculum, and the opportunity to study alongside peers from many different countries.
Can I still apply to the MPA/ID if I don’t have a background in economics?
Yes. Many successful applicants did not study economics as undergraduates.
Students enter the program from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, including engineering, education, social sciences, business, and more. What matters most is whether you are willing and able to build the quantitative foundation needed for the curriculum. That is why the prerequisite coursework is so important.
Applicants without prior economics experience are encouraged to complete the required economics and quantitative courses before applying. This helps the admissions committee see that you are capable of strong performance in those subjects, and it allows you to confirm that you enjoy that type of coursework, which is equally important.
How do the prerequisite coursework requirements work?
Because the MPA/ID curriculum is quantitatively rigorous, you are expected to complete prerequisite coursework before enrolling. These requirements help ensure that you are prepared for the program’s core coursework.
The required prerequisites are university-level courses in:
Microeconomics
Macroeconomics
Calculus through multivariable calculus (usually part of a three-course college sequence)
You can complete these courses through undergraduate programs, extension schools, online programs, or other accredited institutions. You’ll need to submit an official transcript to prove you’ve fulfilled the requirement.
You may still apply if you are missing some coursework at the time you submit your application. We offer conditional admission to candidates who have a feasible plan for completing the requirements before enrollment. While we don’t usually admit applicants who are missing all of the prerequisite requirements, it’s not uncommon to be missing one or two courses.
“The strongest applications are those that demonstrate a clear understanding of the MPA/ID Program and explain why you are a strong fit for it.”
Once you’re at HKS
What does Math Camp consist of?
Math Camp is a required three-week preparatory program that takes place before the academic year begins. Its goal is to help students refresh and strengthen the quantitative skills they will use the most throughout the program.
It is also a chance to transition into the routine of being back in school and living in the United States, while building relationships with your classmates. You will work through problem sets together, attend orientation sessions, get to know the Cambridge area, and set up your apartment before formal coursework starts.
Overall, Math Camp is designed to help you feel more prepared and confident heading into the semester.
How do MPA/IDs find internships?
MPA/ID students pursue internships across a wide range of sectors, including international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, consulting firms, and the private sector.
Students find internships through multiple channels:
The MPA/ID network comprised of alumni and previous internship employers
Formal internship programs offered by organizations
Employer recruiting events
Connections developed during the academic year with faculty and guest speakers
Independent outreach and networking
You may be eligible to apply for an HKS summer internship grant to offset the costs of doing an internship, which makes it possible to pursue unpaid opportunities in the public and non-profit sectors.
What kinds of jobs do alumni get after graduating?
MPA/ID alumni work across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. In addition, many MPA/IDs have founded their own ventures. Graduates have gone on to careers in:
National governments and central banks
International organizations
Development finance institutions
NGOs and philanthropic organizations
Economic consulting and advisory firms
Management consulting
Technology and AI
Research and academia
One of the strengths of the MPA/ID degree is its flexibility. Graduates leave with strong analytical and policy skills that can be applied across sectors and regions throughout their careers. You can find more employment statistics in the 2025 Employment Snapshot.
More about the MPA/ID Program
The Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program offers unparalleled training for a professional career in development.
