-
Self-Paced Online
Session Date-Application DeadlineProgram Fee$1995Program Director
This is a registration-based program. There is no application or admissions process. Registration-based executive programs offer a certificate of completion but do not qualify toward Executive Certificates and do not offer alumni status.
Group Enrollment: Tuition discounts are available for groups of five or more. Learn more here.
Live Session Dates: Fridays: January 15, February 5, and February 19, 2027
Session Date-Application DeadlineProgram Fee$1995Program DirectorThis is a registration-based program. There is no application or admissions process. Registration-based executive programs offer a certificate of completion but do not qualify toward Executive Certificates and do not offer alumni status.
Group Enrollment: Tuition discounts are available for groups of five or more. Learn more here.
Live Session Dates: Fridays: March 12, April 2, and April 16, 2027
Session Date-Application DeadlineProgram Fee$1995Program DirectorThis is a registration-based program. There is no application or admissions process. Registration-based executive programs offer a certificate of completion but do not qualify toward Executive Certificates and do not offer alumni status.
Group Enrollment: Tuition discounts are available for groups of five or more. Learn more here.
Live Session Dates: Fridays: May 14, June 4, and June 25, 2027
The HKS Access Advantage
Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters is offered through HKS Access: Flexible Programs for Professional Results.
- Learn on your own schedule with self-paced modules
- Experience live sessions and rigorous curriculum designed and taught by Harvard faculty
- Certificate of completion after all program components are completed
- No application required; simply register and get ready to learn
Program Overview
Generative AI is quickly transforming industries across the globe, and keeping up with the speed of innovation and constant stream of headlines can feel both overwhelming and necessary in order to remain a knowledgeable and strategic leader, regardless of your field.
Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters, a flexible, six-week online program from Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, is designed to demystify this ever-evolving technology. Whether you work in business, government, nonprofit, healthcare, or academia, this largely self-paced program provides a deep understanding of how generative AI works with practical, step-by-step guidance on how to use it with confidence. You'll also develop the insight to engage thoughtfully in the broader dialogue about AI’s risks, limitations, and long-term impact on society, as well as how to use it responsibly.
Curriculum
This six-week online program is designed for flexibility and engagement. You'll progress at your own pace through three dynamic units, each spanning two weeks and featuring interactive modules, instructional videos, practical exercises, and thought-provoking reflection prompts. Plus, you’ll enrich your experience through three live sessions with leading Harvard faculty along with interactions with a peer cohort of participants from around the world.
Unit 1: How Generative AI Works
Introduction to Generative AI
Deep Neural Networks
The Alignment Problem
Unit 2: How to Use Generative AI
Prompt Engineering
Beyond Chatbots
When and How to Use Generative AI
AI Tools in Practice: A Case Study
Unit 3: Implications of Generative AI
Risks of Generative AI
Generative AI and Copyright
Generative AI and the Future of Work
Misinformation and Disinformation
Capstone Session and Reflection
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters, you’ll be able to:
- Explain how ChatGPT and other generative AI systems work.
- Apply practical techniques, including prompt engineering strategies, to leverage large language models in your work.
- Use generative AI to work more productively and learn more effectively in professional or public-service fields.
- Build a bot that you and others can eventually use to improve outcomes in your life or organization.
- Identify uses of generative AI that can responsibly improve organizational and societal outcomes.
- Engage thoughtfully in generative AI policy debates around regulation, security, labor, mis/disinformation, and intellectual property.
Registration Information
Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters is open to professionals who have fluency in English, and a strong interest in understanding and applying generative AI. Ideal participants include:
- Business, technology, and policy professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Government professionals (worldwide)
- Educators
- Nonprofit leaders
- Other leaders in the social sector
You do not need a technical background to participate in this program.
In order to register, you’ll need to complete a brief questionnaire to ensure readiness and fit. Registration requirements include:
- Fluency in written and spoken English
- Access to a device with an internet connection
- Commit to four to five hours per week of online learning for six weeks
- Commit to attending three live faculty sessions
- In recognition that leaders are formed from a vast array of experiences, we have no specific educational requirements
- What is “Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters”?
A six‑week, flexible online Harvard Kennedy School (HKS Access) program that explains how generative AI systems like ChatGPT work and shows you how to use them productively and responsibly in professional and public‑service contexts. - How is the program structured (format and schedule)?
The program combines self‑paced online modules (videos, interactive exercises, reflections) with three live sessions taught by Harvard faculty over six weeks, requiring about four to five hours of online learning per week. - What will I learn and be able to do after this program?
You’ll be able to explain how generative AI and large language models work, apply prompt‑engineering strategies, use AI to work and learn more productively, build a simple bot for your life or organization, identify responsible use cases, and engage thoughtfully in AI policy debates on regulation, security, labor, IP, and mis/disinformation. - Do I need a technical background to take this course?
No technical background is required; the program is designed to provide an intuitive, non‑technical understanding of generative AI while still giving you concrete, hands‑on practice with tools like ChatGPT. - Who should enroll in Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters?
Business, technology, and policy professionals; entrepreneurs; government officials; educators; nonprofit and social‑sector leaders; and other professionals who want to understand and apply generative AI in their work. - What are the registration requirements?
To register you complete a brief readiness questionnaire and must have fluency in written and spoken English, access to an internet‑connected device, and the ability to commit four to five hours per week for six weeks plus attendance at three live faculty sessions; there are no specific educational prerequisites.
Faculty & Research
Sharad Goel
Dan Levy
Teddy Svoronos
Related Resources
Admissions & Financial Information
Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education provides comprehensive admissions and financial information to help you make an informed decision.
Contact Executive Education
Email: exed@hks.harvard.edu | Phone: +1 617-496-9000