Tomorrow’s challenges need today’s changemakers.
The world needs leaders who can meet the moment.
Harvard Kennedy School empowers our students and professional learners to make real, tangible impacts in a rapidly changing world. We equip our students with the training and innovative ideas necessary to tackle society’s most pressing challenges.
Whether you’re looking to achieve your master’s or doctorate degree, public leadership credential, or expand your professional scope with executive education, Harvard Kennedy School is where dreamers turn into visionaries.
Explore our diverse portfolio of degree programs and professional and lifelong learning options, where academic excellence and real-world impact meet. You’ll learn from world-class faculty, engage with influential thinkers, and build a global network of peers.
Degree Programs
Master’s Programs
The master’s degree programs at Harvard Kennedy School are designed to equip you with the essential skills to shape public policy, champion impactful ideas, and elevate your leadership potential.
Doctoral Programs
Prepare for a career in academia or policymaking that demands advanced knowledge of economics, political science, and social policy.
Professional & Lifelong Learning
Executive Education
Advance your career in government, nonprofits, or public-interest technology.
Public Leadership Credential
Unlock the path to effective public leadership with the Public Leadership Credential, developed by HKS. Register for a transformative education experience delivered fully online.
Harvard Online courses featuring Harvard Kennedy School experts
For curious adult learners looking to expand their knowledge, Harvard Online offers accessible, self-paced courses on foundational topics. These flexible courses make it easy to learn on your schedule.
Meet our students & participants
Master’s Degree: Brian Goodman
Brian is taking the lessons he learned during his degree program to become a more competent, better equipped military strategist.
PhD: Lauren Russell
An applied microeconomist, Lauren Russell PPOL PhD 2023 is headed to the Federal Reserve Board to continue her study of racial disparities.
Executive Education: Rachel McEneny
Rachel received her Executive Certificate in Public Leadership, with the goal of becoming the most effective leader she could possibly be during a time of unprecedented crisis in her workforce.
PLC: Ripsime Paronikyan
Ripsime completed the Public Leadership Credential and then applied via the PLC pathway to a Master’s program and earned a degree from HKS in 2024.
Graduate Courses & Academic Calendar
Graduate Courses
The courses offered at Harvard Kennedy School provide an enriching curricular experience, and are organized around our seven academic areas.
Academic Calendars & Policies
Find key dates, important policies, and other information about the HKS academic experience.
Undergraduate Opportunities
While Harvard Kennedy School is a graduate school, we also host two programs for undergraduates interested in public policy and leadership: a seven-week summer program focused on public policy and international affairs, and a multi-day conference dedicated to the HKS experience.
Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute
Junior Summer Institute participants at Harvard Kennedy School will join a diverse population of undergraduate students in a rigorous seven-week summer program to prepare them for graduate programs in public policy and international affairs.
Public Policy Leadership Conference
Our annual conference inspires talented undergraduate students to pursue careers in public policy.