Harvard Kennedy School of Government 2023: Admission, Masters & Graduate Programs

Harvard Kennedy School of Government is the place to transform your desire to do good in the world into real, life-changing action. It is where your passion and aspirations meet the world’s urgent needs. 

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:

  • #3 Best Public Affairs Programs
  • #10 in Environmental Policy and Management
  • #7 in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • #2 in International Global Policy and Administration
  • #16 in Public Finance and Budgeting
  • #5 in Public Management and Leadership
  • #3 in Social Policy
  • #10 in Urban Policy

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. 

  • Master’s Programs
  • Executive Education
  • Doctoral Programs
  • Public Leadership Credential

#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:

  • Master in Public Policy (two-year MPP Program)
  • Master in Public Administration in International Development ( two-year MPA/ID Program)
  • Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (one-year MPA Program)
  • Master in Public Administration (two-year MPA Program)
  • Joint & Concurrent Degrees: As an MPP, MPA/ID, or MPA student, you can explore how the world’s challenges can be addressed at the intersection of business, law, medicine, design, or other fields.

#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:

  • Political Economy & Government
  • Public Policy
  • Health Policy
  • Social Policy

#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:

  • Evidence for Decisions
  • Policy Design and Delivery

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:

  • Online application
  • $100 USD application fee
  • Essays, which vary by program
  • Additional analytical and quantitative résumé or statement, which vary by program
  • Three strong letters of recommendation from individuals in academia or other professional sectors who know you well and can tell us about your qualifications for our programs
  • Academic transcripts that include your institution’s name, course names, grades you received, and proof of your degree (if received)
  • Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English), which vary by program

#2 HKS Executive Education Admissions

To apply to a Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education program, follow these instructions:

  • Select “Apply Now” from any program webpage.

First-time Applicants: Create an Account

  • If it is your first time, select “Create an Account.”
  • Enter your First Name, Last Name, Email, and your Organization. If your organization is not listed, please type Unknown Organization and submit.
  • You will receive an email with a link to set your password.
  • Enter an 8 character password that contains letters and at least 1 number. You will then be logged in to the Application Portal.
  • Proceed to Start a New Application instructions below.

Current Account Holders: Start a New Application

  • Log into Account Portal.
  • To begin a new application, please select “Start A New Application” on the right side of the screen.
  • Select the program and session you wish to apply for.  
  • Once you have completed all required fields, please select “Review and Save Application” at the bottom. If you have missed any required fields, the progress meter will not show 100%. You can review your application and complete any fields you may have missed.
  • If you wish to print or save a copy of your application, please select the print icon at the top of the screen.
  • To submit your application, please select “Submit Your Application.” You will be asked to verify and sign your application.   
  • When you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirmation. You will be notified by email with any updates to your application status within three weeks.

#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:

  • Send your official test scores
  • Meet course prerequisites
  • Be aware of our in-residence requirements,
  • Provide documents to support your application.
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • CV/resume
  • Official GRE scores; GMAT and LSAT are not accepted
  • Official TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT) scores, if necessary
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • One 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

Tuition$52,872
Course materials$575
HKS activity fee$220
HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF)*$1,206
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)*$3,922
Total tuition and fees$58,795
  
Estimated living expenses (9 months)$21,258
Personal expenses and travel$4,806
Books and supplies$1,548
Total indirect costs$27,612
The total cost of attendance$86,407

MC/MPA (Edward S. Mason Program) Tuition

Tuition$52,872
Mason Program Seminar$3,832
Mid-Career MPA Summer Program$8,302
Course materials$575
HKS activity fee$220
HUHS Student Health Fee (SHF)$1,206
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)$3,922
University Health Services (July coverage)$0
Total tuition and fees$70,929 
  
Estimated living expenses (10 months)$23,620
Personal expenses and travel$5,340
Books and supplies$1,820
Total indirect costs$30,780
Total cost of attendance$101,709

#2 HKS Executive Education Tuition

You’ll find details about a program’s fee on its homepage. This fee covers most programs’ 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

Tuition and Health Service Fee 2023–2024
Full Tuition— required first two years of study$49,448
Reduced Tuition—required third and fourth years of study12,858
Facilities Fee—required post-fourth year of study3,272
Active File Fee—minimum charge for approved nonresident status300
Harvard University Student Health Plan (HUSHP) Fees:
HUSHP Basic—Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Fee (required)
HUSHP Supplemental—Prescription Drug Coverage and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Hospital/Specialty
 
1,206
3,922

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 contribute independently 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 Harvard Kennedy School of Government scholarship information.

SCHOLARSHIP LINK

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 over 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 by participating 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

  • Pierre Elliott Trudeau (MA ’45, – former Prime Minister of Canada
  • Miguel de la Madrid (MPA ’65) – former President of Mexico
  • Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (MPA ’71) – President of Liberia, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
  • Carlos Salinas de Gortari (MPA ’73, PhD ’76) – former President of Mexico
  • Lee Hsien Loong (MPA ’80) – Prime Minister of Singapore
  • Juan Manuel Santos (MPA ’81) – President of Colombia, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
  • Eduardo Rodríguez Veltzé (MPA ’88) – former President of Bolivia
  • Jamil Mahuad Witt (MPA ’89) – former President of Ecuador
  • José María Figueres Olsen (MPA ’91) – former President of Costa Rica, CEO of the World Economic Forum
  • John Haglelgam (MPA ’93) former President of the Federated States of Micronesia
  • Abdiweli Mohamed Ali (MPA ’99) – former Prime Minister of Somalia
  • Felipe Calderón Hinojosa (MPA ’00) – former President of Mexico
  • Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (MPA ’02) – former President of Mongolia
  • Tshering Tobgay (MPA ’04) – Prime Minister of Bhutan
  • Morgan Tsvangirai (’02) – Prime Minister of Zimbabwe
  • Frederick Sumaye (MPA ’07) former Prime Minister of Tanzania
  • Maia Sandu (MPA ’10) former Prime Minister of Moldova , current President of Moldova

Others

  • Rizwan Ahmed (MPA) – Maritime Secretary of Pakistan
  • Yam Ah Mee (MPA ’91) – Chief Executive Director of People’s Association, Singapore
  • Bob Anthony (MPA) – Republican politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma[citation needed]
  • Ami Ayalon (MPA ’92) – member, Israeli Knesset
  • Tariq Bajwa (MPA) – former Finance Secretary of Pakistan
  • Ed Balls (MPA ’90) – former British Member of the Parliament and Secretary of State for Children, Schools, and Families
  • Nisrin Barwari (MPA ’99) – Minister of Municipalities and Public Works of Iraq
  • Doug Bereuter (MPA ’73) – former U.S. Congressman, Nebraska
  • Charles A. Blanchard (lawyer) (MPP ’85) – General Counsel of the Army 1999–2001, General Counsel of the Air Force 2009-2013
  • J. Richard Blankenship (MPA ’08) – former U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas
  • André Boisclair (MPA ’05) – former leader of Parti Québécois, former Quebec Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
  • Nicholas Boles (MPP ’89) – former director of Policy Exchange, now Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)
  • Emilia Boncodin (MPA ’86) – Secretary of the Philippine Department of Budget and Management in the Philippines
  • Brendan F. Boyle (MPP ’05) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 13th District of Pennsylvania
  • David A. Bray (Exec ’11) – recipient of the Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership for lifelong public service
  • Anna Escobedo Cabral (MPA ’90) – former U.S. Treasurer
  • Piper Anne Wind Campbell (MPA ’99) – an American diplomat, currently serves as the 9th U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia
  • Robert Castelli (MPA ’96) – member, New York State Assembly, 89th District
  • Rajkumar Chellaraj (MPA ’86) – former Assistant Secretary of State for Administration, United States Department of State
  • Frank Chikane (MPA ’95) – member, African National Congress; South African adviser to the President
  • Aneesh Chopra (MPP ’97) – U.S. Chief Technology Officer under President Barack Obama
  • Albert Chua (MPA ’00) – former Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations
  • Henry Cisneros (MPA ’73) – former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
  • Jacqueline Y. Collins (MPA ’01) – The democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 16th district since 2003
  • Gerry Connolly (MPA ’79) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 11th District of Virginia
  • Dan Crenshaw (MPA ’17) – United States House of Representatives
  • David Cunliffe (MPA ’95) – Leader of the Opposition, Parliament of New Zealand
  • Joseph Curtatone (MPA ’11) – mayor, Somerville, Massachusetts
  • Mark Daly (MPA, ’11) – Irish Senator
  • Božidar Đelić (MPA ’91) – Vice-President of Serbia, former Minister of Finance
  • Stephen Donnelly (MPA ’08) – Irish Teachta Dála (Member of Parliament) for the Wicklow constituency
  • Shaun Donovan (MPA ’95) – U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
  • Theodore L. Eliot, Jr. (MPA ’56) – former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan
  • Benjamin Fernandes (Exec. Ed’17) – Tanzanian entrepreneur
  • John Fetterman (MPP ’99) – Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania (2019–present)
  • Roy Folkman (MPA ’13) – member, Israeli Knesset
  • Fernando Martín García (MPP ’74) – Puerto Rican politician and former Senator
  • Marilinda Garcia (MPA ’10) – a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
  • Robert S. Gelbard (MPA ’79) – former U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia and Bolivia
  • Hector Gramajo (MPA ’95) – former Defense Minister of Guatemala
  • Alan Grayson (MPP ’83) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th District of Florida
  • Katherine Harris (MPA ’97) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 13th District of Florida; former Florida Secretary of State
  • Yoshimasa Hayashi (MPA ’94) – former Minister of Defense, former Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, Japan
  • Teo Chee Hean (MPA ’86) – Senior Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for National Security of Singapore
  • Keith Hennessey (MPP ’94) – former director, White House National Economic Council
  • Paul Heroux, (MPA ’11) Mayor, Attleboro, Massachusetts; former State Representative from Massachusetts
  • Brian Higgins (MPA ’96) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 27th District of New York
  • Stephen Horn (MPA ’55) – former U.S. Congressman, California
  • Rafael Hui (MPA ’83) – former Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong
  • Muhammad bin Ibrahim (MPA ’93) – 8th Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia
  • Natalie Jaresko (MPP ’89) – former Minister of Finance in Ukraine
  • Vuk Jeremić (MPA ’03) – 2012 President of the United Nations General Assembly; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia
  • Ajay Narayan Jha — IAS officer and Expenditure Secretary of India.
  • Daniel J. Jones, lead investigator for “The Committee Study of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Detention and Interrogation Program,” which is better known as “The Torture Report.” Jones is portrayed by Adam Driver in the film The Report.
  • Shane Jones (MPA ’91) – member, Parliament of New Zealand, and chair of the finance committee
  • Mitzi Johnson (MPA ’13) – Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives
  • Lim Hng Kiang (MPA ’85) – Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore; member of the Cabinet of Singapore
  • Ban Ki-moon (MPA ’84) – United Nations Secretary-General
  • Raymond W. Kelly (MPA ’84) – New York City Police Commissioner
  • Rajive Kumar (MPA) – IAS officer and Chief Secretary of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Jim Langevin (MPA ’94) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 2nd District of Rhode Island
  • Andrew Leigh (PhD ’04) – member, Australian House of Representatives
  • Mark D. Levine (MPP ’95) – member, New York City Council, 7th District
  • Stephen F. Lynch (MPA ’99) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 9th District of Massachusetts
  • Dan Maffei (MPP ’95) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 25th District of New York
  • Nabiel Makarim (MPA ’84) – former Minister of the Environment of the Republic of Indonesia
  • Mark McClellan (MPA ’91) – former Commissioner of the United States Food and Drug Administration
  • Sanjay Mitra (MPA) – IAS officer and Defence Secretary of India.
  • Jim Moody (MPA ’67) – former U.S. Congressman, Wisconsin
  • Toshimitsu Motegi (MPP ’83) – Financial Services Minister of Japan
  • Elias Mudzuri (MPA ) – former Mayor of Harare
  • George Muñoz (MPP ’78) – former CFO of the U.S. Department of Treasury; former president and CEO of OPIC
  • Charles A. Murphy, (MPA ’02) – a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee
  • Andrew Natsios (MPA ’79) former U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, and administrator of U.S. Agency for International Development
  • Naheed Nenshi (MPP ’98) mayor of Calgary since 2010
  • Patrick Nip (MPA ’01) – Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of Hong Kong
  • Christine Nixon (MPA ’85) – Chief Commissioner of Victoria, Australia Police
  • Herbert S. Okun (MPA ’59) – former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
  • Nóirín O’Sullivan (Exec ’07) – Police Commissioner of Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service
  • Taku Otsuka (MPP ’05) – a member of the House of Representatives of Japan
  • Francis Pangilinan (MPA ’98) – Senator and the Majority Leader of the Senate of the Philippines
  • Marcus Peacock (MPP ’86) – former Deputy Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Yohanan Plesner (MPA ’04) – member, Israeli Knesset
  • Brune Poirson – Secretary of State, France – Macron Government
  • Larry Pressler (MPA ’66) – former U.S. Senator from South Dakota
  • William Proxmire (MPA ’48) – former U.S. Senator from Wisconsin
  • Jack Reed (MPP ’73) – U.S. Senator from Rhode Island
  • Angelo Reyes (MPA ’90) – Secretary of Energy of the Philippines; former Secretary of National Defense of the Philippines
  • Jesse Robredo (MPA ’99) – Secretary of Interior and Local Government of the Philippines; received the Quezon Service Cross (the highest Philippine honor)
  • Henry Rotich (MPA ‘) – Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, 2013-date Kenya
  • Pete Rouse (MPA ’77) – White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama
  • Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai – Executive Governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria; former Minister of FCT, Director General of Bureau of Public Enterprises both under Obasanjo Administration
  • T. N. Seshan (MPA ’68) – retired IAS officer and former Chief Election Commissioner of India
  • Joe Sestak (MPA ’80, PhD ’84) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 7th District of Pennsylvania
  • Tharman Shanmugaratnam (MPA) – Senior Minister, Co-ordinating Minister for Social Policies of Singapore[citation needed]
  • Yasuhisa Shiozaki (MPA ’82) – former Chief Cabinet Secretary, Japan
  • Rob Simmons (MPA ’79) – former U.S. Congressman, Connecticut
  • Barry Smitherman (MPA) – a member of the Texas Railroad Commission
  • Corazon Soliman (MPA ’98) – former Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines
  • Ralf Stegner (MPA ’89) – former Leader of the SPD in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • T. S. R. Subramanian (MPA) – retired IAS officer and former Cabinet Secretary of India
  • Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera (MPA) – Commerce Secretary of Pakistan
  • Nancy Sutley (MPP ’86) – Director of White House Council on Environmental Quality
  • Syahrir (MPA ’80, PhD ’83) – Economic Adviser in the Republic of Indonesia’s Council of Presidential Advisors
  • Mark E. Talisman (1972) – congressional aide and lobbyist
  • William B. Taylor, Jr. (MPP ’77) – U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine
  • Peter G. Torkildsen (MPA ’90) – former U.S. Congressman, Massachusetts; former chair of Massachusetts Republican Party
  • Robert Torricelli (MPA ’80) – former U.S. Senator from New Jersey
  • Sir Donald Tsang (MPA ’82) – Hong Kong Chief Executive
  • John Tsang (MPA ’82) – Financial Secretary of Hong Kong
  • Chris Van Hollen (MPP ’85) – member, U.S. House of Representatives, 8th District of Maryland
  • Paul Volcker (MA ’51, GSPA) – former chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve; economic advisor to President Barack Obama
  • Solomon Areda Waktolla (MPA ’13 and LLM’14) – Deputy Chief Justice of the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia, Member of the Court of the Permanent Court of Arbitration
  • Kevin White (MA ’57, GSPA) – former Mayor of Boston
  • David Wilhelm (MPP ’90) – campaign manager, Clinton/Gore ’92; former chair, Democratic National Committee
  • Anthony A. Williams (MPP ’87) – former Mayor of Washington, D.C.
  • Adolfo Aguilar Zínser (MPA ’78) – former Mexican National Security Adviser and Ambassador to the United Nations
  • Ed Balls (MPA ’90) – MP and former UK Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

Non-profit

Below are HKS alumni in non-profit organizations:

  • Ayisha Osori – former CEO, Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund
  • Lester R. Brown (MPA ’62) – founder and President of the Earth Policy Institute
  • Robert Kagan (MPP ’91) – co-founder, Project for a New American Century
  • Nancy LeaMond (MPP ’74) – Executive Vice President, AARP
  • Giovanna Negretti (MPA ’05) – co-founder and executive director of ¿Oiste?
  • Michelle Rhee (MPP ’97) – founder of The New Teacher Project; Chancellor of the Washington, D.C. public school system
  • Bryan Stevenson (MPP ’85) – founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, and author of Just Mercy
  • Ramaswami Balasubramaniam (MPA’10) – Founder & President, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement

Military

Below are HKS alumni in

  • John C. Acton (Exec ’05) – retired United States Coast Guard rear admiral who serves as the Director of Operations Coordination for DHS
  • John R. Allen, Jr. (Exec ’85) – retired United States Air Force brigadier general and highly decorated command pilot
  • William J. Begert (Exec ’95) – served as commander, Pacific Air Forces, and Air Component Commander for the Commander, United States Pacific Command
  • Franklin J. Blaisdell (Exec) – U.S. Air Force Major General[citation needed]
  • Sally Brice-O’Hara (MPA ’93) – 27th Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
  • Dan Crenshaw (MPA ’17) – medically retired United States Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander
  • Peter V. Neffenger (MPA ’95) – 29th Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and former Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration
  • Michael E. Fortney (Exec ’11) – U.S. Air Force Brigadier General
  • Jeffrey Fowler (MPA ’90) – United States Navy, Vice Admiral; Superintendent, United States Naval Academy
  • John C. Harvey (MPA ’88) – United States Navy, Admiral; Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
  • Robert C. Hinson (Exec) – U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General
  • William E. Ingram, Jr. (Exec ’02) – U.S. Army Lieutenant General and Director of the Army National Guard
  • Richard C. Johnston (Exec) – U.S. Air Force Brigadier General
  • Andrew F. Krepinevich, Jr. (MPA ’80) – United States Army, Lt. Col.; author of The Army and Vietnam
  • Rick Linnehan (MPA ’09) – astronaut
  • Christopher Loria (MPA ’04) – astronaut
  • Robert W. Parker (Exec ’91) – U.S. Air Force Major General
  • Timothy S. Sullivan (Exec) – U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral
  • Guy C. Swan III (MPA ’86) – U.S. Army Major General, Commanding General of the Military District of Washington
  • Jack Weinstein (Exec ’06) – U.S. Air Force Major General

Academia

Below are HKS alumni in the Academia:

  • William Alonso (MPP ’56) – economist, former director of Harvard Center for Population Studies
  • Lawrence S. Bacow (MPP ’76, PhD ’76) – president, Harvard University, President of Tufts University, and Chancellor of MIT
  • Steve Charnovitz (MPP ’83) – associate professor, George Washington University
  • Ronald A. Heifetz (MPA ’83) – co-founder, Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University
  • Stephen Horn (MPA ’55) – former president of California State University, Long Beach
  • Ira Jackson (MPA ’86) – dean, Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University
  • Nancy Koehn (MPP) – historian; professor, Harvard Business School; author
  • Mark Lilla (MPP ’80) – professor, Columbia University
  • Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (MPA ’66) – former president, George Washington University
  • Jonathan Zittrain (MPA ’95) – professor, Harvard Law School; co-founder Berkman Center at Harvard

Business

Below are HKS alumni in business sectors:

  • Klaus Schwab (MPA ’67) – founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum
  • Faryar Shirzad (MPP ’89) – managing director, Goldman Sachs, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor
  • Peter Sands (MPA ’88) – Group CEO, Standard Chartered
  • Daniel Mudd (MPA ’86) – former president and CEO of U.S. Fannie Mae
  • Rune Bjerke (MPA ’97) – CEO, DNB ASA
  • Gregory C. Carr (MPP ’86) – founder, Boston Technology
  • Leonard S. Coleman, Jr. (MPA ’75) – former president of the National League
  • Debra L. Lee (MPP ’80) – President and CEO, Black Entertainment Television
  • Hilda Ochoa-Brillembourg (MPA ’71) – founder, President, CEO of Strategic Investment Group
  • Greg Rosenbaum (MPP ’77) – CEO, Empire Kosher Poultry, Inc.
  • Chris Voss – adjunct professor at McDonough School of Business

Arts

Below are HKS alumni in Arts:

  • Ashley Judd (MC/MPA ’10) – Actress, Activist
  • Hill Harper (MPA ’92) – Actor
  • Thor Steingraber (MPA ’09) – Opera Director
  • Damian Woetzel (MPA ’07) – former Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet
  • William Butler (MPA ’17) – musician and composer, Arcade Fire

Journalism

Below are HKS alumni in Journalism:

  • Komla Dumor (MPA,’03) – television news presenter, BBC World News and Africa Business Report
  • Mark A. R. Kleiman (MPP, PhD ’85) – author
  • Caroline Glick (MPP ’00) – deputy managing editor of The Jerusalem Post
  • Kaj Larsen (MPP ’07) – Former U.S. Navy SEAL, journalist for Vice News
  • Dambisa Moyo (MPA ’07) – Economist and New York Times best-selling author
  • Bill O’Reilly (MPA ’96) – political commentator
  • Malik Siraj Akbar (MPA, ’16) – editor-in-chief The Baloch Hal, exiled Pakistani journalist
  • Andrew Sullivan (MPA, PhD ’90) – journalist, The Atlantic Monthly
  • Wajahat Saeed Khan Pakistani Journalist for Dunya News & NBC New

Spies

Below are HKS alumni who are/were spies:

  • Donald Heathfield (real name: Andrey Bezrukov) (MPA ’00) – KGB and SVR operative until his disclosure in the United States in 2010.

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.

VISIT SCHOOL

Conclusion

The article has been carefully written to provide 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

  • HKS – About Us
  • Wikipedia – Harvard Kennedy School
  • HKS – Admission
  • HarvardGSAS – Tuition & Costs
  • HKS – Master’s Education Tuition And Fees
  • HKS – Executive Education Fees, Payments & Funding
  • OIRHarvard – Accreditation
  • HKS – Educational Programs
  • HKS – Student Life

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