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Why Attend Harvard Kennedy School?

Thousands of Harvard Kennedy School graduates are changing the world in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors with their leadership skills and through their commitment to public service. The HKS degree programs aim to provide students with the necessary skills in analysis, management, and advocacy and with an ability to call on these skills under ever-changing circumstances.

Harvard Kennedy School leads the global search for innovative, effective means of governance. We generate ideas and bring them into the classroom, where we train the next generation of leaders for public service. We also test our ideas in practice. Our faculty is engaged in the affairs of the world, shaping public policy, advising governments, and running major institutions.

Harvard Kennedy School has also emerged as a forum for passionate debate. An impressive international roster of leaders visits us each year to share their ideas with our students, and with the world. Our student body represents over 80 countries from every region of the world, bringing diverse perspectives to HKS.

Life both inside and outside the classroom at HKS prepares students for significant leadership positions in public service. Beyond the classroom, students immerse themselves in the rich HKS community by joining clubs and caucuses, student government, and by attending events hosted by the 15 policy research centers housed on campus, including Harvard’s Institute of Politics.

Through the efforts of our faculty, the energy of our students, and the accomplishments of our graduates, Harvard Kennedy School leads change by joining compelling ideas and excellent practice.

We invite you to join us and ask what you can do.