Overview

At the Harvard Kennedy School, you can discover how to turn your interest in public service into real-world impact through graduate programs, executive education, and cutting-edge policy research.

You’ll find the tools, insights, and community you need to build skills, learn from leading experts, and prepare for leadership on today’s most urgent global challenges.

You can also explore student stories, campus life, and upcoming events to see how you might engage, connect, and grow as part of the Harvard Kennedy School community.

PPIA Junior Summer Institute (JSI) at Harvard Kennedy School

The Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute at the Harvard Kennedy School is a fully funded, seven-week summer program that prepares undergraduate students for graduate study and careers in public policy and international affairs.

Through a rigorous curriculum in economics, quantitative analysis, race and public policy, and policy design along with co-curricular workshops and exposure to faculty, students, and alumni participants build the analytical, leadership, and communication skills needed for public service.

Ask What You Can Do | Harvard Kennedy School

The Harvard Kennedy School prepares current and future leaders to improve public policy and public leadership in the United States and around the world.

Through rigorous academic study, applied research, and engagement with global scholars and practitioners, students develop the skills needed to advance the public purpose across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Information Sessions & Events

Explore the Harvard Kennedy School through virtual and in-person information sessions that introduce you to graduate study in public policy and leadership. These sessions highlight how the Kennedy School combines academic rigor with real-world practice, giving you opportunities to hear directly from faculty, admissions leaders, and current students about the School’s learning environment and approach to public problem-solving.

Programs & Pathways

The Master’s Programs page at the Harvard Kennedy School highlights a range of graduate degrees designed to prepare students for leadership in public policy, public administration, and international development through rigorous academics and real-world impact. It provides an overview of each program, student experiences, and clear pathways to learn more, apply, and fund a Kennedy School education.

Preparing for Graduate Study

Get guidance on how you can prepare for graduate-level public policy programs through coursework, hands-on experiences, and skill development. This section helps you think ahead, explore your options, and plan intentionally for what comes next.

Careers & Outcomes

Explore firsthand accounts from students across programs, class years, and regions as they share their academic journeys, career paths, and impact-driven experiences. Through featured stories and filters, you get an authentic look at what student life is like and how you can engage with real-world public service and policy challenges at Harvard Kennedy School.