John F. Kennedy School of Government

John F. Kennedy School of Government

Type	Public policy and public administration school
Established	1936
Dean	Douglas Elmendorf
Location	Cambridge , Massachusetts , United States
Campus	Urban

The John F. Kennedy School of Government (also known as Harvard Kennedy School or HKS) is a public policy and public administration school of Harvard University located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States. It offers a range of graduate degrees in public policy, public administration, and international development.

History

The school was originally founded in 1936 as the Graduate School of Public Administration. It was renamed in 1966 in honor of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, following his assassination in 1963. The renaming reflected Kennedy's commitment to public service and the school's mission to combine rigorous academic study with practical experience in public administration and leadership.

Programs

HKS offers several master's degree programs, including the Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master in Public Administration (MPA), and Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID). The school also offers doctoral degrees and executive education programs.

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

The MPP program is designed to develop leaders who understand complex policy issues and are equipped to address them. The curriculum includes courses in economics, quantitative analysis, ethical leadership, and policy analysis.

Master in Public Administration (MPA)

The MPA program focuses on the practical aspects of governance and leadership, preparing students to lead organizations and initiatives in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID)

The MPA/ID program is tailored for those committed to international development. It combines rigorous training in economics and quantitative methods with an emphasis on policy and practice affecting developing countries.

Research and Impact

HKS houses several research centers and programs that contribute to policy analysis and public discourse on national and international issues. These include the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, and the Center for Public Leadership.

Notable Alumni

HKS alumni include heads of state, government officials, leaders in non-governmental organizations, and business executives. Notable alumni include Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia.

Facilities

The school is located on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Its facilities include modern classrooms, conference rooms, and a library dedicated to public administration and policy.

See Also

• Public policy
• Public administration
• Harvard University
• List of Harvard University people