How are PLC courses delivered?

Delivered online each Fall and Spring, PLC six-week courses are academically rigorous, featuring signature HKS pedagogies like peer discussions, case studies, and simulations. They also include short, high-quality videos of HKS faculty and guest lecturers. Learners can expect to spend approximately 10-12 hours per week on course work. This time includes both asynchronous individual work (with weekly deadlines) and required weekly group work with peers over Zoom.

Do I need to come to campus to participate in the PLC?

No, our courses take place 100% online and are available to participants regardless of their location. Our learners are from all over the world - 133 countries and counting!

Do I need to log in to my PLC course at certain times?

Most of your PLC coursework is self-paced and asynchronous, meaning there are no formal class times. However, each new course week officially begins on Tuesday at 9 AM ET, with weekly assignment deadlines the following Tuesday at 5 PM ET. Because of the nature of the learning experience, learners must fully participate in each of the six weeks of the course and submit work by the weekly deadlines.

What access to faculty or Harvard University resources will be available to learners in the PLC?

PLC learners participate in at least one live online session per course with the faculty lead. In addition, learners engage with their PLC peers in weekly group meetings. They can also access teaching assistants who guide the learning experience and answer questions. For administrative dimensions of the program, the PLC delivery team is also available to assist.

Will I need to purchase any additional materials?

No, you do not need to purchase any materials beyond the course fee, provided you have the required technology (a computer with high-speed internet access). The course site and all course materials are designed to be accessed via a desktop or laptop computer.

Will I have access to the course materials after the course ends?

Learners have access to PLC course sites in read-only mode for a limited time after each course concludes. If a learner would like to retain a copy of their work, they need to download this material before the conclusion of the course. Learners retain access to their overall PLC account even after the conclusion of an individual course. Final score outcomes for each course taken will remain in our records.

How do I contact PLC if I have questions?

Reach out to PLC via the online contact form.

The Public Leadership Credential at Harvard

Make an Immediate Positive Impact with Harvard

Accelerate Growth

Grow your career as a leader wherever you are.

Harvard Kennedy School shield icon on a dark blue background.

Designed by Harvard

Created by renowned Harvard Kennedy School faculty.

Flexible and Inclusive Courses

100% online and self-paced, each course requires only 10-12 hours per week of coursework.

Affordable Learning

An affordable way to learn from Harvard Kennedy School faculty experts.

Upcoming PLC Dates

June 2025 Capstone

Course Dates: June 2–13
Registration Deadline: May 29
Course Fee: $1,095

Register for June

Fall 1 Session (A and B Courses)

Course Dates: Sept. 2–Oct. 14
Registration Deadline: Aug. 14
Course Fee: $1,095

Register for Fall 1

Fall 2 Session (A and B Courses)

Course Dates: Nov. 4–Dec. 16
Registration Deadline: Oct. 16
Course Fee: $1,095

Register for Fall 2

Looking for more information on the Public Leadership Credential?

The Public Leadership Credential team offers exclusive one-hour information sessions and 30-minute “Ask Me Anything” sessions. These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the PLC and ask any questions you have leading up to the registration deadlines.

View Information Session Dates >

Why choose the HKS Public Leadership Credential?

Whatever your goals for change in your community, job, or industry, the Public Leadership Credential offers a series of courses to help you improve your decision-making, leadership, and policy-making skills. Whether you register for one course or complete the entire credential, you will develop a toolkit of skills to take immediate action while you learn. The fully online program is a reflection of Harvard Kennedy School’s mission of improving public policy and public leadership to create societies that are safer, freer, more just, and more sustainably prosperous.

“Thanks to the PLC program, I now have the knowledge and the tools I need to do that kind of analysis and create change that is for the benefit of all.”

— Carlos A. Rivera Sanchez, Harvard University, Master of Liberal Arts, Extension School, Government

Discover What the PLC Can Do For You

Career Advancement

Expedite career growth with self-paced courses created by world-class Harvard faculty, potentially leading to a raise or new title.

Register for Courses

Pathways to Advanced Harvard Degrees

Upon earning the PLC, you’ll have the potential to continue your learning through a special PLC pathway to master's degrees at HKS and HES.

Degree Pathway FAQ

Lifelong Alumni Status

Unlock alumni status and Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL) alumni benefits upon completion, including HKS board membership and more.

Explore PLL Benefits

Build Your Network

Establish lifelong relationships with city managers, CEOs/founders, program directors, and others in our global community.

Alumni Community

PLC by the Numbers

Countries and territories represented

Learners

Course registrations

PLC capstone completers

What will you do with a PLC?

begin your journey

How It Works: Six Courses Across Three Focus Areas

The PLC consists of six six-week courses in three curricular areas: Evidence for Decisions, Policy Design and Delivery, and Leadership and Ethics. Each curricular area includes two online courses and offers engaging, collaborative educational experiences similar to those in our degree programs. PLC courses are staffed by a team of subject matter experts who convey the instructional presence of our program's expert faculty.

Start with an A course in the curricular area of your choosing. After completing an A course, you can either continue your learning with the B course in the same curricular area or register for an A course in another curricular area. Upon successful completion of all six PLC courses, the next step is to complete the capstone.

This cumulative online capstone project combines the tools and concepts gained across all your leadership training in the PLC, empowering you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. It is the last requirement you must fulfill to receive your Public Leadership Credential.

The PLC Experience

Earn a credential

Red icon of an official document with a seal.

Take all six courses plus the capstone

By completing all six six-week courses plus the capstone you will earn the credential.

Other ways to further your learning

Red icon of a laptop with an “A” on the screen.

Take one “A” course in any of the three focus area

Evidence for Decisions
Policy Design and Delivery
Leadership and Ethics

Red icons that say Course A and Course B with check marks beside them.

Take both courses in one focus area

You can also register for an “A” course in another curricular area to work towards your credential.