Students come to Harvard Kennedy School from around the world to expand their skills, knowledge, and network. They graduate equipped to engage boldly with the future and make a difference in every sector across the globe.

HKS graduates serve in a variety of positions and sectors around the world but share common strengths, including: 

  • Leadership skills 
  • Creative and analytical thinking
  • Dedication to improve the lives of others
  • Insight and know-how to drive change

They are graduates of our four master’s degree programs: 

Master in Public Policy (MPP) Program

A two-year program for students with at least two years of work experience. Over the past five years, about 19 percent of MPPs pursued a combined MBA, JD, or MD degree.

  • First year: core coursework in economics, ethics, leadership, negotiation, politics, policy design and delivery, and quantitative analysis
  • Second year: focus on a concentration, which culminates in the Policy Analysis Exercise applied thesis
     

Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program

A two-year program for students with at least three years of development-related work experience, including in a developing or transitional economy country. Over the past five years, about 15 percent of MPA/IDs pursued a combined MBA or JD degree.

  • First year: PhD-level coursework in micro- and macroeconomics and econometrics with an emphasis on policy applications to development; courses in politics and governance, management, and the theory and practice of development
  • Second year: focus on an issue area in development, culminating with the Second Year Policy Analysis capstone project
     

Master in Public Administration (MPA) Program

A two-year program for students with at least three years of work experience who have completed a minimum of four graduate-level courses (two quantitative) or hold a relevant graduate degree. Over the past five years, about 64 percent of MPAs pursued a combined MBA, JD, or MD degree. The flexible MPA curriculum deepens their knowledge and skills to prepare them for major leadership responsibilities in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
 

Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA) Program

A one-year program for established, high-performing professionals with about 13 years of work experience. The flexible MC/MPA curriculum boosts their knowledge and skills needed to pursue leadership positions in public service across sectors.

Meet Some of Our Recent graduates
 

Ensuring equitable and efficient city services.

 

Orchestrating meaningful change for refugees.

 

A long route to Cambridge—from China via South Africa.

 

Balancing a life of service with a love of performing.

 

Elevating the stories of diverse, unsung women, one interview at a time.

 

A long military heritage shapes a desire to keep the peace.

 

The data scientist hopes his research can help eliminate disparities in the criminal legal system. 

 

Working to help homeless in less-welcoming land.

 

Lessons from and for Indian Country.

 

Seizing her chance to make the world a better place.

 

Championing nature, community-based resilience, and biodiversity.

 

Connecting a passion for the arts to civic and humanitarian spaces.

 

Coming full circle to help Bedouin parents and their babies.

 

A passion for learning, communicating, and helping others.