Level Up with the Technology and Public Leadership Executive Certificate
The Technology and Public Leadership Executive Certificate at Harvard Kennedy School sets you on an accelerated path to the next level as a leader in your organization. Designed for professionals across sectors, this executive certificate builds a shared understanding of how policy and technology influence one another—and how to lead where they intersect.
Enhance your skills in:
- Ground-breaking innovations in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity
- Strategies and frameworks for managing risk and opportunity within the constantly evolving technology space
- Leadership methods for the present moment
Executive Certificate Requirements
To earn your Executive Certificate in Technology and Public Leadership, you must finish three programs within two years. At least two must be from the list of core technology programs below, and the third must be from the list of leadership programs below. Programs may be a mix of online or on-campus. Programs can not be substituted. You will need to apply for each program separately and complete them within two years. A $1,500 discount will be applied to your final program.
Choose your own learning experience by completing two programs from the technology programs list, and one program from the public leadership programs list.
Core Technology Programs
Cybersecurity: The Intersection of Policy and Technology
Upcoming Sessions
Leading in Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Technology and Policy
Upcoming Sessions
Leadership in Emerging Technology: Security, Strategy & Risk
Upcoming Sessions
Core Public Leadership Programs
Leadership Decision Making
Upcoming Sessions
Leadership for the 21st Century
Upcoming Sessions
Strategic Leadership: Enhancing Your Personal Effectiveness
Upcoming Sessions
If you have completed any of these programs since July 1, 2024, you may use that towards earning your Technology and Public Leadership Executive Certificate.
Still Have Questions?
What is the benefit of earning an Executive Certificate?
Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is a significant enhancement to your résumé that recognizes your successful completion of multiple executive programs within a particular concentration area. It also makes you part of a global community of accomplished professionals committed to continuous learning and becoming more effective leaders.
What are the requirements to qualify for an Executive Certificate?
To qualify for the Executive Certificate, you must complete three programs within six years. At least two of your matriculated programs must be core programs listed within your chosen concentration. The third may be any HKS Executive Education program of your choosing. Each program has its own program director, program fee, and admission requirements; you will need to successfully submit a new application for each program.
How do I apply for an Executive Certificate?
There is no application required to receive an Executive Certificate. Once you have been admitted to your third eligible program, you will be able to indicate in our system which Executive Certificate you wish to receive at the conclusion of the program.
What is the discount for the third program?
You will receive a $500 discount on your third program.
Can I use Tuition Assistance towards the programs in my concentration area?
If you are awarded tuition assistance, it may be applied towards a program within the concentration area. Please note, however, that HKS Executive Education has a limited amount of tuition assistance available, and most programs require a separate application for tuition assistance once you have been admitted. Please contact the Program Director for your program directly for more details.
Can I use Tuition Assistance and the Executive Certificate discount on my 3rd program?
No, offers cannot be combined.
Do other Harvard University classes/programs qualify towards my HKS Executive Certificate?
No, only programs taken through HKS Executive Education qualify towards your Executive Certificate.
Can I use one program toward two Executive Certificates? Can I earn multiple Executive Certificates in one concentration area?
No, each program can only be applied towards one Executive Certificate, and you may only earn one certificate per concentration area.
Can I earn an Executive Certificate in more than one concentration area?
Yes, you can earn multiple Executive Certificates by completing three unique programs in more than one concentration area.
Is there a limit to how many programs or certificates I can complete in a year?
To get the most out of the Harvard Kennedy School experience, we strongly recommend a short break between earning an Executive Certificate and attending your next program. The lessons learned at HKS take time to fully take root and applying them in real-world scenarios only strengthens their value. Further, due to high demand, HKS strives to ensure that there is space available to as many first-time participants as possible. Applicants who apply to more than four programs in one year will receive a more stringent level of review.
Will registration-based programs qualify for an Executive Certificate?
No, registration-based programs, such as Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters, are not eligible toward an Executive Certificate. However, participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion to recognize your achievement.
How do I reference my Executive Certificate on my résumé /CV or LinkedIn profile?
Here is the language you should include:
Awarded an Executive Certificate in {Concentration Area} for completion of [Insert Program Name] Program, [Insert Program Month/Year], [Insert Program Name] Program, [Insert Program Month/Year], [Insert Program Name] Program, [Insert Program Month/Year], John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education.