Make an Immediate Positive Impact with Harvard
Build the skills to lead change wherever you are in the world.
The Public Leadership Credential (PLC) is a flexible, fully online program for professionals who want to strengthen their leadership and decision-making skills without putting their careers on hold. Through six-week courses grounded in real-world challenges, you’ll gain practical frameworks you can apply immediately—whether you’re leading teams, shaping policy, or driving change in your organization.
Accelerate Growth to Career Advancement with Flexible Courses
Expedite your career growth with 100% online and self-paced courses that require only 10-12 hours of work per week.
Designed by Harvard
Created by renowned Harvard Kennedy School faculty to offer maximum flexibility without compromising rigor.
Build Your Global Network with Lifelong Alumni Status
Unlock alumni status and Professional and Lifelong Learning (PLL) alumni benefits upon completion.
Pursue a Master’s Degree with the PLC Pathway
Completing the PLC makes you eligible to apply to select master’s programs at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Extension School through a special PLC pathway.
From Credential to Degree: Where the PLC Can Take You
The Public Leadership Credential is designed to deliver immediate value on its own—and for some learners, it can also serve as a pathway to a master’s degree.
Eligible PLC completers may use a dedicated pathway to Harvard Kennedy School’s MC/MPA or Harvard Extension School’s ALM in Government. If admitted, the PLC will count for 12 credits to the degree, reducing both the time and cost.
While the PLC is fully online and self-paced, both degrees include required on-campus time, connecting your online learning to an immersive Harvard experience.
Looking for more information on the Public Leadership Credential?
The Public Leadership Credential (PLC) team hosts 30-minute Information Sessions and “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) sessions designed to help prospective learners gain a deeper understanding of the program. During these live, interactive events, you will:
- Learn more about the structure, content, and benefits of PLC.
- Hear insights from program staff and faculty.
- Have the chance to ask questions about registration, course planning, curriculum, and more.
Whether you are exploring your options or preparing to register, these sessions provide valuable guidance and support leading up to registration deadlines.
Upcoming PLC 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.
Discover What the PLC Can Do For You
“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.”
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
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
Take one “A” course in any of the three focus area
- Evidence for Decisions
- Policy Design and Delivery
- Leadership and Ethics
Take both courses in one focus area
You can also register for an “A” course in another curricular area to work towards your credential.
The Public Leadership Credential A and B courses will be offered March 31–May 12.