You are committed to a future in public policy and public service. You’re also interested in how the world’s challenges can be addressed at the intersection of business, law, medicine, design, or other fields.
You should consider a joint or concurrent degree.
As an MPP, MPA/ID, or MPA student at Harvard Kennedy School, you can also work towards a second professional graduate degree. A number of our students do.
Combined Degree Guide
This guide is designed to help you—current and prospective HKS students—understand the intricacies of a combined degree experience to determine whether it is the right fit for your unique academic, career, and personal aspirations. Read the Combined Degree Guide.
Our combined degree programs allow you to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to complete them consecutively, through reduced coursework and residency requirements. If you are interested in pursuing an MPA and MBA, for example, it would typically take you four years to earn both—two for an MPA, two for an MBA. As a concurrent candidate, you would earn both degrees in three years.
You may like the challenges and rewards that come with earning two degrees, but it’s not for everyone. Keep in mind you’ll need to commit yourself to two programs at two institutions, and will graduate only when you meet the requirements for both degrees.
If you are up to the challenge and ready to pursue the combined degree track, you must apply and be admitted to both Harvard Kennedy School and the other graduate school—either at Harvard or a partner institution. Being admitted to one program does not guarantee you will be admitted to the other.
Part lawyer, part policymaker, Ethel Branch MPP/JD 2008 aims to bring justice. "For me it was always about, How do I make Harvard relevant to home? How do I bring these resources back to the Navajo community?"