Admission into John F. Kennedy School of Government (just like every other Harvard University schools) is a dream come through for most students. The renowned Harvard faculty, accomplished peers from around the globe, the unmatched environment of Harvard University – everything here screams excellence. Here, I will be giving you the vital information you need about the Harvard Kennedy School from its accreditation to its rankings, acceptance rate, programs, admission process, to its tuition and financial aids, students life, notable alumni and more. Stay with me as we review it together. Established in 1936, the John F. Kennedy School of Government also called the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is the public policy school of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It conducts research in subjects relating to politics, government, international affairs, and economics. Also, to accomplish its mission of improving public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous, HKS combines cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners. In return, the school now has an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. That’s just a tip of what Harvard Kennedy School represents. Keep reading for more… Here is a table to guide you.
Why Study at Harvard Kennedy School of Government?
Every generation faces the opportunity to meet the pressing challenges of its era. At Harvard Kennedy School, they make the commitment to meet these challenges with you. So, if you want to make a change in the world, this is the place to start. Seize the opportunity.
Here are more reasons you should do so.
Harvard Kennedy School educates the leaders and generates the ideas that this moment in history demands.
Now, whether your goal is to earn a graduate degree or gain new skills and knowledge through an executive program, you will learn from the HKS faculty of renowned scholars and seasoned practitioners while engaging with visiting luminaries, global thought leaders, and talented classmates.
The feeling that comes with being a Harvard student is just awesome. And, this can easily be traced with the school’s reputation. Harvard university is currently the best university in the USA, 3rd in the world universities, and also 1st in world reputation rankings – all by Times Higher Education.
On the other hand, the USNEWS ranks Harvard University as the 2nd best university in the USA after Princeton but ranks 3rd in the world by QS ranking.
Bringing it down to Harvard Kennedy School, HKS is currently ranked among the top Ivy League schools that offer public policy or public administration degrees in the USA.
Another reason why you should study here is the Harvard student activities. Stepping away from the books every now and then can make you a better student. So, Harvard has dozens of opportunities for extracurricular involvement. You can volunteer, play a sport, join a professional interest group, attend a conference, share a skill… Just learn something new.
Additionally, HKS programs are recognized. (Keep reading to see accreditation.)
Harvard Kennedy School of Government Location
The Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s primary campus is located on John F. Kennedy Street in Cambridge. The main buildings overlook the Charles River and are southwest of Harvard Yard and Harvard Square, on the site of a former MBTA Red Line trainyard. HKS is adjacent to the public riverfront John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.
Harvard Kennedy School of Government Accreditation
As part of the Harvard University school system, the Kennedy School of Government is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).
Harvard Kennedy School of Government Rankings
Harvard Kennedy School of Government is ranked among the top public affairs and best graduate schools in the USA. HKS programs are duly recognized and ranked highly in the nation and the world by several accrediting bodies. For instance, the Harvard Kennedy School is ranked #1 in Health Policy and Management and #4 in Public Policy Analysis by the USNEWS & World Report. Here are other HKS rankings by USNews: Additionally, according to Wikipedia, Harvard’s Kennedy School ranks #2 based on research output and #1 based on the number of publications among all policy schools in the USA.
What is Harvard Kennedy School of Government Acceptance Rate?
According to CollegeDunia, Harvard Kennedy School has a 20% acceptance rate. This is quite fair especially considering the school’s academic achievement. Regardless, always bear in mind that Harvard’s admission is highly competitive. So ensure you go through and adhere to the HKS admission process and requirements for your preferred program.
Which Programs are Offered at Harvard Kennedy School of Government? | HKS Education
Basically, the HKS experience is defined by academic rigor and excellence, as well as a vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives. Here, the Kennedy School offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the study of public policy, administration, and leadership through a comprehensive range of degree and executive education programs.
#1 HKS Master’s Programs
The master’s programs at Harvard Kennedy School will inspire and prepare you to make a difference in the world by equipping you with the skills you need to improve public policy, pursue powerful ideas, and advance your capacity to lead. A rigorous one- and two-year programs lead to master’s degrees in the following:
#2 HKS Executive Education
Open enrollment and custom programs help senior leaders expand their global perspectives and leadership strategies. With more than 35 open-enrollment programs led by Harvard faculty, Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School is an invaluable educational opportunity for senior leaders from every sector of society who seek to optimize their effectiveness and make a difference. Several executive education courses are offered in the following programs:
#3 HKS Doctoral Programs
In collaboration with Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School immerses you in rigorous learning that bridges academic disciplines and draws from leading faculties across the university’s graduate schools. Full-time programs are available for candidates pursuing PhDs in the following fields:
#4 HKS Public Leadership Credential
Designed by renowned Harvard Kennedy School faculty, the Public Leadership Credential (PLC) is a series of online courses developed to help learners improve their decision-making, leadership, and policymaking skills for the public good. This unique program allows learners to delve into HKS pedagogy in three subject areas, including: Upon completion of the PLC’s six six-week courses and capstone assessment, you will earn the credential. Check out these Free Online Courses at Harvard University for All Students
What are the Admission Requirements at Harvard Kennedy School of Government?
Basically, application into the Harvard Kennedy School of Government is online. However, you’ll need to submit some documents for your application to be successful. Below are the admission processes and requirements for the various HKS programs:
#1 HKS Master’s Programs Admission
Your complete application to one of HKS master’s programs will include the following:
#2 HKS Executive Education Admissions
To apply to a Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education program, follow these instructions: First-time Applicants: Create an Account Current Account Holders: Start a New Application
#3 HKS Doctoral Programs Admissions
There are a few things you will need to know ahead of applying to the Political Economy & Government (PEG) and Public Policy (PPOL) PhD programs. In addition to submitting your application online, you will also need to adhere to the following:
Online application formApplication feeCV/resumeOfficial GRE scores; GMAT and LSAT are not acceptedOfficial TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) scores, if necessaryOfficial academic transcriptsStatement of purposeThree letters of recommendationOne writing sample you have written by yourself (co-authored pieces not accepted)
How Much is Tuition at Harvard Kennedy School of Government?
Tuition at Harvard Kennedy School of Government vary among the HKS programs.
#1 HKS Master’s Programs Tuition
The Harvard Kennedy School master’s tuition is $52,872. However, other fees differ among the different HKS master’s programs. Below is the Harvard Kennedy School’s cost of attendance for the 2020-2021 academic year for each master’s program. Note that HKS tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
MPP, MPA/ID, MPA Tuition
MC/MPA (Edward S. Mason Program) Tuition
#2 HKS Executive Education Tuition
You’ll find details about a program’s fee on its homepage. For most programs, this fee covers tuition, housing, meals, and curricular materials. This is not the case for all programs, so please check each program’s page carefully.
#3 HKS Doctoral Programs Tuition
Below is a tabular representation of the Harvard Kennedy School’s doctoral tuition
Harvard Kennedy School of Government Scholarships
At Harvard Kennedy School, they understand that paying for an HKS program might be a challenge. So, there are plenty of funding options available.
Harvard Program on Education Policy and Governance (PEPG) Fellowship
The Program on Education Policy and Governance seeks to provide high-level scientific training for young scholars who can make independent contributions to scholarly research; foster a national community of reform-minded scientific researchers and produce path-breaking studies that provide a scientific basis for school reform policy. The PEPG Master’s Fellowships provide two-year half-tuition fellowships for students pursuing the Master in Public Policy at HKS or an equivalent master’s program at Harvard. Deadline: 02/03
Harvard University Committee on General Scholarships (CGS) – Restricted Scholarships
Restricted Scholarships are individual funds, usually endowment funds, created by alumni and donors to support different kinds of students within the University. They vary widely in their focus. The preferences of funds may involve ancestry, residency, or academic interest, for example. You may use the buttons to help sort them by category. Candidates for these funds must be nominated by the Harvard school in which they will enroll. If you find a fund that is a match, share that information with the financial aid office. You can do this as part of your financial aid application to the school. CGS does not accept applications for these funds directly from candidates. Deadline: Not Specified
HKS Dean’s and Kennedy Fellowships
Admitted students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction, as defined by the Admissions Committee and the Financial Aid Committee, may be designated as Deans or Kennedy Fellows. NOTE: Eligible candidates will automatically be considered. Deadline: Not Specified
HKS George W. Mallinckrodt Graduate Fellowship
Established in recognition of the involvement, dedication and leadership of George W. Mallinckrodt in supporting HKS students of the Mid-Career MPA Program. Eligible candidates will be of particular distinction, great character, and will have exhibited courage, vision, and a deep commitment to ethics, transparency, and good governance. Recipients will be encouraged to pursue excellence in their home countries. Click on the link below for more information on available Harvard Kennedy School of Government scholarships. Get vital information about Fully Funded Scholarships at Harvard University here
Student Life at Harvard Kennedy School of Government
There is an electric feeling of possibility on the Harvard Kennedy School campus – the energy and activity, forward momentum, and enthusiastic exchange. This can easily be traced to HKS students who are remarkable for their diversity of background, experience, and thought—enriched by their differences and connected by a commitment to transform ideas into solutions to public problems. So as a Harvard Kennedy School student, you will be welcomed into a vibrant community representing countries and territories from around the world and every corner of the United States to form an intellectually curious and globally-minded cohort. As a student at HKS, getting involved in the active life of the school is one of the surest ways to feel at home here. You can participate in more than 80 student-run organizations, ranging from the Student Public Service Collaborative to the Rowing Club. You can also be part of student-led conferences, contribute to any of the student publications, or commit to serving the HKS community through the Kennedy School Student Government.
Harvard Kennedy School of Government Notable Alumni
Harvard Kennedy School has over 63,000 alumni worldwide, including degree program graduates and participants of our executive education courses. The alumni remain connected to HKS through their participation in nearly 30 regional alumni networks and shared interest groups. Here are some Harvard Kennedy School notable alumni as seen on Wikipedia:
Government and Politics
Below are HKS alumni in government and politics:
Heads of Government and State
Others
Non-profit
Below are HKS alumni in non-profit organizations:
Military
Below are HKS alumni in
Academia
Below are HKS alumni in the Academia:
Business
Below are HKS alumni in business sectors:
Arts
Below are HKS alumni in Arts:
Journalism
Below are HKS alumni in Journalism:
Spies
Below are HKS alumni who are/were spies:
Harvard Kennedy School of Government Website
You can visit Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s official website for more information about the school, its admission, programs, tuition, and others.
Conclusion
The article has been carefully written to provide you with all the information you need regarding the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. So, ensure you take your time to go through it. I hope this helps you in your decision making process. Good Luck And Success!!!
References
AUTHOR’S RECOMMENDATION
Do you find this content helpful or have any questions relating to the information we provided here? Please kindly drop a comment on our comment box and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
