Public leadership starts here.
Public leadership starts here.
World-class education. Groundbreaking research. Real-world impact. Apply today to make your mark on the world.
Our Impact
Read about how our students, alumni, and faculty are driving change in the world.
Building a world-class civil service: How the Cayman Islands invested in leadership education at Harvard Kennedy School
Professional development with global impact is a hallmark of Harvard Kennedy School's Executive Education—and on full display in a custom program to train civil servants.
Featuring Nathalie Laidler-Kylander, Hannah Riley Bowles
Getting to work: HKS students take on government projects
Harvard Kennedy School professor Christopher Avery asked state and local officials what they needed help with, and his students stepped up.
Featuring Christopher Norio Avery
HKS 2036: A vision for Harvard Kennedy School’s next chapter
Dean Jeremy Weinstein is preparing Harvard Kennedy School to take on tomorrow’s challenges.
Featuring Jeremy Weinstein
Creating a community of peacebuilders and changemakers through HKS negotiation courses
For 30 years Brian Mandell, the Mohamed Kamal Senior Lecturer in Negotiation and Public Policy, has taught HKS students real-world skills through simulations that shape careers in conflict resolution and leadership.
Featuring Brian Mandell
Research & Insights
The ideas that shape the future often start here. HKS experts translate insight into impact — in city halls, capitals, and communities. Here’s what they are finding, and what it means for the world.
Traffic-related deaths are a problem in American cities—but politicians are slow to embrace fixes
The recent death of a Boston bike-safety advocate has heightened attention to an issue that many U.S. cities continue to face. Harvard Kennedy School faculty member Justin de Benedictis-Kessner explains what is at stake.
Featuring Justin de Benedictis-Kessner
Explainer: The national debt and the risk of a fiscal crisis
The U.S. national debt is growing. Leading economists say why it matters at a webinar hosted by Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy.
Featuring Karen Dynan, Douglas Elmendorf
Rooting for a team this World Cup? It’s good for you—and society.
As the 2026 Men’s World Cup draws enormous fan bases, Harvard Kennedy School professor discusses how “fandom” can boost well-being, deepen civic engagement, and bridge partisan divides.
Featuring Todd Rogers
Discover Programs That Fit Your Career Goals
Whether you want to get a graduate degree or take a course that helps you further your career, we have the right program for you.
Master’s Programs
One- and two-year master’s degree programs in public policy or public administration prepare students to lead.
Executive Education
Short, intensive open-enrollment and custom programs, on campus and online, that equip public leaders to tackle urgent challenges, build new skills, and drive change.
Doctoral Programs
Full-time PhD programs in public, health, and social policy prepare candidates for careers in academia, research, or policymaking.
Public Leadership Credential
A series of online courses that builds leadership and policymaking skills, with the potential to serve as a pathway to a future master’s degree.
Announcing HKS 2036, a vision for the School’s future
The problems of government and governance have never been more urgent. Read more about how HKS plans to meet this moment.
The Latest
Insights & Analysis
Building a world-class civil service: How the Cayman Islands invested in leadership education at Harvard Kennedy School
Featuring Nathalie Laidler-Kylander, Hannah Riley Bowles
Traffic-related deaths are a problem in American cities—but politicians are slow to embrace fixes
Featuring Justin de Benedictis-Kessner
Explainer: The national debt and the risk of a fiscal crisis
Featuring Karen Dynan, Douglas Elmendorf
Events
Insight. Policy. Action.
Get smart & reliable public policy insights right in your inbox.