- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Calculus through multivariable calculus (usually part of a three-course college sequence)
*Applicants may satisfy some of these prerequisites after submitting their application. Requirements must be complete before the program starts. Statistics and linear algebra courses are desirable but not required.
Master in Public Administration
- A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record
- Three years of professional work experience by September 1 of the year you would enroll in the program
- At least four graduate-level courses similar to those in the MPP core curriculum. Two of these courses must be quantitate in nature. Qualifying graduate-level courses may include*:
- Economics
- Financial management
- International business
- International development
- Management
- Mathematics
- Physical science involving math (chemistry of physics, for example)
- Politics and advocacy
- Quantitative analysis and statistics
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of International Business
- Master of International Development
- Master of International Economics
- Master of Science in Engineering
* Courses cannot have counted towards your undergraduate degree.
Mid-Career Master in Public Administration
- A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record
- At least seven years of professional work experience by June 30 of the year you plan to enroll in the program
Public Leadership Credential (PLC) Pathway Applicants
Applicants to the MC/MPA Program through the PLC Pathway must earn the Public Leadership Credential—which includes successful completion of all six courses plus the final capstone assessment—before submitting an application for admission. PLC Pathway applicants must also apply to and enroll in the MC/MPA Program during the admission cycle that immediately follows the PLC capstone experience.
MC/MPA Mason Program Applicants
Applicants to the MC/MPA Edward S. Mason Program typically hold primary citizenship from one of these countries, territories, non-self-governing states, cities, or areas. We recognize, however, some applicants who have spent the majority of their academic and/or professional lives in countries with industrialized economies do not feel the MC/MPA Edward S. Mason Program fits their individual background. Therefore, applicants who are eligible to apply as an MC/MPA Mason Fellow may choose to opt-out of consideration for its co-curricular programming.
Prospective applicants should keep in mind that it is only possible to apply to one master’s program per application cycle, so determining the right program for you is important from the beginning of the application process.
Application Components
Applicants to our master’s degree programs must submit an online application and the following supporting materials.
GRE or GMAT
Our GRE and GMAT test score requirements vary by program.
Master in Public Policy (MPP)
GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPP Program. However, this requirement can be waived if you have earned grades of B+ (or equivalent) or better in intermediate economics and statistics (and/or calculus). These courses must have been full-semester courses taken for credit at a regionally accredited higher education institution. Courses taken as pass/fail (including those taken as satisfactory/unsatisfactory) will not be considered. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), certifications, and other non-credit options will not be considered.
Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID)
GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPA/ID Program. In general, you are most competitive for admission if your quantitative section score is 160 or above on the GRE, or 48 or above on the GMAT.
Master in Public Administration (MPA)
GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply to the MPA Program. However, this requirement can be waived if you have earned grades of B+ (or equivalent) or better in two college-level courses in economics, statistics, and/or mathematics (algebra or higher). These courses must have been full-semester courses taken for credit at a regionally accredited higher education institution. Courses taken as pass/fail (including those taken as satisfactory/unsatisfactory) will not be considered. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), certifications, and other non-credit options will not be considered.
Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/MPA)
GRE or GMAT scores are not required to apply to the Mid-Career MPA Program. You may choose to submit GRE or GMAT scores for consideration in the application process, but this is optional.
MPP/MPA Waiver Instructions
If you are applying to HKS to begin your studies in fall 2025, you will indicate whether you wish to submit standardized test scores or take advantage of the waiver opportunity. Should you choose the waiver option, you will be prompted to list the classes that meet the requirements outlined above, and you will need to provide a transcript showing the courses taken and grades earned.
Test Information and Logistics
You may self-report your test scores for the purposes of submitting your application; however, official, valid scores on all required standardized tests must be received by the application deadline. We strongly recommend that you take all required exams no later than one month prior to the application deadline to account for any processing delays. If official scores are not received by HKS Admissions & Financial Aid by the application deadline, your application will be marked as incomplete, your file will be closed, and your application fee will not be refunded. Late and/or invalid scores will not be accepted. GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years as of the application deadline.
Please make sure to select Harvard Kennedy School as a score recipient when taking the test.
- Use code 3454 when registering for the GRE. We are listed as “Harvard U JFK Sch Govt.” Harvard Kennedy School does not have a department code.
- Our GMAT code is HRL-27-69.
Essays
All of our master’s degree programs require that you submit at least four essays, which vary by program.
MPP Program
- 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)
- MPP Essay: The MPP curriculum is designed to broaden students’ perspective and sharpen skills necessary for a successful career in public service through a rigorous set of courses that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. Please describe how the MPP curriculum at HKS would leverage your distinctive abilities and/or fill gaps in your skill set as you equip yourself to achieve your career 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 and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
- Adversity Essay: Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
- Perspectives Essay: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)
MPA/ID Program
- International Development Essay: Discuss your decision to choose international development as your professional career. Also, explain how developing your analytic skills relates to your career in development. (750 word limit)
- Leadership Experience Essay: Describe an event or experience in which you exercised a significant decision-making, management, or leadership role. (750 word limit)
- Public Policy Essay: Describe a public policy or public management problem related to international development and analyze a range of solutions. (750 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 and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
MPA Program
- 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 and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
- Adversity Essay: Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
- Perspectives Essay: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)
MC/MPA Program
- 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)
- 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 and diverse learning environment that is HKS. (250 word limit)
- Adversity Essay: Describe a time when you faced adversity or a significant challenge to achieving your goals, and how navigating through this shaped your educational or career trajectory. (250 word limit)
- Perspectives Essay: Describe a time when interactions with others and/or an experience caused you to change your mind or expanded your point of view. (250 word limit)
Joint and Concurrent Degree Applicants
In addition to the program-specific essays, applicants to joint or concurrent degree programs must also respond to the following essay prompt: Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership across the United States and around the world, so people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives. How will a joint/concurrent degree enhance your pursuit of this mission? (400 word limit)
Optional Statement
If you have any concerns about your prior academic, professional, or personal background that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee, you may submit an explanation. (250 word limit)
Résumé
A résumé is required of all applicants. This document should highlight:
- Employment history, including titles and dates (months and years) for each position, job responsibilities, reason for any gaps in employment history
- Academic degrees, achievements, and honors
- Volunteer, public service, and political work
- Recent leadership experiences
- Extracurricular activities (months and years) and interests
Letters of Recommendation
You are required to submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who know you and are familiar with your work. Additional letters will not be accepted.
You will input the names and email addresses of your recommenders in your online application. They will each receive an email with instructions on how to submit their recommendation. Your recommenders will also be asked to fill out a form that rates you in a number of areas, including intellectual ability, leadership, and problem-solving orientation. Recommendations must be submitted online and written in English.
Who to Select
If you are an undergraduate or have less than two years of work experience, we encourage you to submit two letters of recommendation from university faculty members and the third from your immediate supervisor from a professional work environment or internship.
If you have more than two years of work experience, two of your three letters of recommendation should be from current or previous work colleagues, including a supervisor. We also encourage you to submit an academic reference, if possible.
We understand you may not be able to submit recommendations from college professors if you are applying to the Mid-Career MPA Program. In this case, you should have colleagues or supervisors who can evaluate your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic environment write your letters of recommendation.
Academic Transcripts
We require submission of transcripts for all colleges and universities you have attended and earned academic credit. This includes institutions where you may have taken courses but did not receive a degree.
Applicants have two options for submitting academic transcripts:
- You may scan and upload unofficial copies of your transcripts directly to your application for admission. (Recommended)
- You may request that your college or university send official transcripts directly to our office.
Please see “Official Documents” below for more information.
Your transcripts must include the following:
- All courses attended and grades received
- Proof of degree conferral
- Date of degree conferral
- Grading policy and scale
If you are currently enrolled in classes or a degree-granting program, we need proof of enrollment that includes a list of your current classes, even if grades are not yet available.
If you transferred universities or studies abroad, you will only need to submit separate transcripts for study abroad programs and transfer classes if your home institution did not report your grades, courses, and dates of attendance.
Do not provide transcripts for professional training, executive education, language programs, secondary schools, Gymnasiums, lycées, or certificate programs that did not earn you college or university credit. Do not list these institutions or programs in your application.
If you participated in the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program, you must submit a copy of your program evaluation in the “Education” section of your application.
Non-English Transcripts
Transcripts and diplomas in languages other than English must be translated by your issuing institution or a certified translation service. We must receive the original and translated versions. We do not have a preferred translation service, but often recommend World Education Services and SpanTran. You are not required to submit a credential evaluation, but we strongly encourage you to do so if your transcript is in a language other than English.
Official Documents
All transcripts uploaded to your application for admission are considered unofficial. You do not need to request official transcripts for the purposes of applying to HKS.
If you are admitted and decide to enroll at HKS, you must then provide official copies of your transcripts and degree conferrals if you received a degree. You must have your issuing institution send the transcript, degree conferral, and translation (if necessary) directly to our admissions office. If you enroll but do not submit your official documents by the deadline in your admissions letter, you cannot enroll in classes until we receive all of your official documents. Due to long processing times, we recommend requesting official documents from your institution(s) at least one month in advance.
English Proficiency Testing
Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit proof of English language proficiency.
If you earned an undergraduate degree conducted entirely in English, you do not need to submit proof of English language proficiency, regardless of your native language. We may ask you to submit proof from your university that your entire undergraduate degree was conducted in English. If you transferred from a non-English speaking undergraduate institution to an English-speaking undergraduate institution, you must submit test scores. An advanced degree such as a master’s or doctorate from a U.S. institution or an institution where English is the language of instruction does not fulfill the English proficiency testing requirement.
Accepted Tests
We accept the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic test only), or Cambridge English exam. We do not accept MyBest TM TOEFL, TOEFL Institutional Testing Program, IELTS General Training, or IELTS Indicator scores. You may be asked to submit additional information to demonstrate your English language proficiency before being offered admission.
Required Scores
The following minimum test scores must be met in a single test sitting:
- 100 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT) either in-person or on the Home Edition. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 25 on each sub-section.
- 7 overall band score on the IELTS. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 7 on each section.
- 185 on Level C1 or Level C2 proficiency on the Cambridge English. The most competitive applicants will also have a minimum of 185 on each section.
Test Information and Logistics
You may self-report your test scores for the purposes of submitting your application; however, official, valid scores on all required standardized tests must be received by the application deadline. We strongly recommend that you take all required exams no later than one month prior to the application deadline to account for any processing delays. If official scores are not received by the application deadline, your application will be marked as incomplete, your file will be closed, and your application fee will not be refunded. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years as of the application deadline.
- Use code 3454 when registering for the TOEFL. We are listed as “Harvard U JFK Sch Govt.” If prompted for a department code when registering for the TOEFL, our preferred code is 99.
- There is no code for the IELTS; list “Harvard Kennedy School” when taking the test.
Application Fee
Our application fee is $100 USD and may be paid by credit card, check, or money order. Checks and money orders must be in U.S. dollars, made payable to Harvard University, and mailed to the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid. We strongly encourage you to pay online.
The fee cannot be refunded if you submit an incomplete application.
Fee Waivers
The application fee may be waived for participants or alumni of certain programs, as well as applicants who require a waiver in order to apply. If you are affiliated with one of the programs below or need a fee waiver for any reason, you should submit a fee waiver form found on the application status page after you submit your application.
Special Program Affiliation
Application fee waivers are available to applicants who are affiliated with the following special programs:
- AmeriCorps (current volunteers only)
- Crown Prince Frederick Fellows
- Kennedy Trust Fellows
- Payne International Development Fellows
- Peace Corps Volunteers (current volunteers only)
- Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellows
- PPIA Fellows
- PPLC Alumni
- Rangel Foreign Affairs Fellows
- Teach for America (currently serving)
- U.S. Air Force Officers
- U.S. Coast Guard Officers
Please keep in mind that receiving a fee waiver does not guarantee your ability to receive financial assistance to attend HKS. Review our financial aid website for detailed information on the funding opportunities available through HKS and outside entities.
