Harvard Kennedy School
Prestigious academic institution where Graham Allison is the founding dean.
First Mentioned
3/10/2026, 7:14:50 AM
Last Updated
3/10/2026, 7:22:29 AM
Research Retrieved
3/10/2026, 7:22:29 AM
Summary
The Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), officially the John F. Kennedy School of Government, is the graduate school of public policy at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers master's degrees in public policy, public administration, and international development, as well as four doctoral degrees and executive education programs. As of 2021, the school had an endowment of $1.7 billion and is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). Its campus is located on John F. Kennedy Street, overlooking the Charles River. HKS is a major center for research in politics and international affairs, featuring faculty such as Graham Allison, who analyzes geopolitical crises and nuclear proliferation. The school's alumni include 21 heads of state or government and numerous global leaders.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Motto
Ask what you can do
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Endowment
$1.7 billion (2021)
Membership
Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
Official Name
John F. Kennedy School of Government
Research Fields
Politics, government, international affairs, and economics
Alumni Achievement
21 heads of state or government
Parent Institution
Harvard University
Timeline
- The Harvard Kennedy School reported an endowment of $1.7 billion. (Source: undefined)
2021-01-01
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaHarvard Kennedy School
The John F. Kennedy School of Government, commonly called the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS), is the graduate school of public policy of Harvard University, a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. The Harvard Kennedy School offers master's degrees in public policy, public administration, and international development, four doctoral degrees, and various executive education programs. It conducts research in subjects relating to politics, government, international affairs, and economics. As of 2021, the Harvard Kennedy School has an endowment of $1.7 billion. It is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA), a global consortium of schools that trains leaders in international affairs. The primary campus of the Harvard Kennedy School is 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 train yard. The School is adjacent to the public riverfront John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The Harvard Kennedy School alumni include 21 heads of state or government from around the world. Alumni also include cabinet officials, military leaders, heads of central banks, and legislators.
Web Search Results
- Educational Programs | Harvard Kennedy School
The world needs leaders who can meet the moment. Harvard Kennedy School empowers our students and professional learners to make real, tangible impacts in a rapidly changing world. We equip our students with the training and innovative ideas necessary to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. Whether you’re looking to achieve your master’s or doctorate degree, public leadership credential, or expand your professional scope with executive education, Harvard Kennedy School is where dreamers turn into visionaries. Explore our diverse portfolio of degree programs and professional and lifelong learning options, where academic excellence and real-world impact meet. You’ll learn from world-class faculty, engage with influential thinkers, and build a global network of peers. [...] ### Academic Calendars & Policies Access our student handbook, course preview and exam schedules, and multi-year academic calendar so you can start planning your educational journey. You’ll also find our course preview days, which are opportunities to sit in on classes before the academic year is underway. ## Undergraduate opportunities While Harvard Kennedy School is a graduate school, we also host two programs for undergraduates interested in public policy and leadership: a seven-week summer program focused on public policy and international affairs, and a multi-day conference dedicated to the HKS experience. ### Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute ### Public Policy Leadership Conference [...] ### Executive Education Be part of a vibrant community of leaders around the globe, increase your salary, and gain a competitive edge. Designed for rising and senior leaders, these programs offer high-impact, faculty-led experiences—available on campus or live online. ### Public Leadership Credential Work on improving your public leadership skills online with this flexible series of courses. Designed for learners with a bachelor’s degree, this opportunity offers a pathway to a Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree. ### Harvard Online For curious adult learners looking to expand their knowledge, Harvard Online offers accessible, self-paced courses on foundational topics. These flexible courses make it easy to learn on your schedule. ## Meet our students & participants
- Faculty & Research | Harvard Kennedy School
| Roni Yadlin | Politics and Institutions | The Enemy Within: Extremism, Radicalization, and the Profession of Arms | Erica Chenoweth | U.S. Air Force | [...] | Daniel Stuart | Essays in Energy and Environmental Economics | Joseph Aldy | Associate, Analysis Group | [...] | René Livas | Trade, labor economics, and development | | Dan Ma | Analyzing and addressing the drivers of inequality and discrimination faced by BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities using tools from labor economics, public economics, and industrial organization | | Conor McGlynn | Science and Technology Studies (STS), standard setting, and AI governance | | Joseph Melkonian | Development economics and immigration | | Grace Michel | Development economics and industrial organization with a focus on the role of firms in developing economies | | Sho Miyazaki | Political economy, legislative redistricting, liquid democracy, quantitative methodologies | | Avinash Moorthy | Labor economics, political economy, economic history |
- How to Apply | Harvard Kennedy School
JFK Essay: The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee your plans to create positive change through your public leadership and service. (500 word limit) Two-Year MPA Essay: There are many pathways one can pursue in order to make a difference in the world. Why is the MPA Program at HKS an appropriate pathway to achieving your goals? (500 word limit) Personal History Essay: Harvard Kennedy School believes that academic excellence and personal growth rely on engaging with varied perspectives, embracing our unique differences, and relishing healthy debate. Please share how you would contribute to the vibrant learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit) [...] ### During the application process, you and others, such as recommenders, may provide Harvard Kennedy School with certain kinds of personal data about you that some laws regard as sensitive and deserving of special protection (“Sensitive Personal Data”). For example, in Europe, Sensitive Personal Data can include personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership; genetic or biometric data; data concerning health; data concerning a natural person’s sex life or sexual orientation; and personal data relating to criminal convictions and offences. You can find further information about how Harvard Kennedy School uses personal data of individuals in Europe in the admissions process here. [...] Career Goals Essay: Submit a statement that discusses your career goals, as well as the factors that led you to select the Mid-Career MPA program as a means of furthering your personal and professional goals. Be as specific as possible in describing how your expected course of study will enable you to build on your prior professional experience and achieve those goals. (500 word limit) Professional Contribution Essay: The Harvard Kennedy School motto, echoing the President for whom the School is named, is “Ask what you can do.” Please share with the Admissions Committee how you have created positive change thus far in your most substantial professional leadership and/or public service role. (500 word limit)
- Doctoral Programs | Harvard Kennedy School
In collaboration with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS), Harvard Kennedy School immerses you in rigorous learning that bridges academic disciplines and draws from leading faculties across the university’s graduate schools. When you pursue a doctoral degree at HKS, you are among extraordinarily bright minds, you’ll work with committed faculty members who are leaders in their fields, and you’ll have unparalleled access to resources across Harvard University. Prepare yourself for a career in academia or policymaking that demands advanced knowledge of economics, political science, and social policy. Translate your ideas into action that can untangle our world’s unprecedented challenges. Join us. ### PhD in Public Policy
- Admissions Requirements | Harvard Kennedy School
## Faculty & Research The Harvard Kennedy School faculty is at the forefront of public policy innovation. From politics to policy, our scholars and practitioners advance the public interest and generate solutions to the world’s most daunting problems. [...] As a PPOL student, you must be in residence at Harvard for at least three years. Deferrals are made on a case-by-case basis. ## ## Application To be considered for the program, you must submit to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Admissions by the indicated deadline: The Harvard Griffin GSAS online application Three letters of recommendation Official transcripts for all colleges or universities attended Valid GRE general test scores Internet-based TOEFL or IELTS scores (for those for whom English is not their first language) Statement of purpose (instructions in the application portal) Personal statement (instructions in the application portal) Writing sample of no more than 20 pages, which must be single-authored and written in English
DBPedia
View on DBPediaLocation Data
John F Kennedy High School, East 173rd Street, Lee-Harvard, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 44128, United States
Coordinates: 41.4488207, -81.5601809
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