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Level Up with the Public Policy Executive Certificate
Public policy executive certificate

The Public Policy concentration is for experienced policymakers seeking to become more powerful catalysts for meaningful policy change. 

In these executive leadership programs, you will:

  • Discover how to become more efficient and effective in policy development and delivery.
  • Learn innovative leadership skills essential for public policy experts.
  • Hone your expertise on an urgent public policy topic. 

Alumni with Executive Certificates in Public Policy include elected officials at the federal/national and local-levels, policy experts, and leaders of advocacy organizations. 

Executive Certificate Requirements

To earn your Executive Certificate in Public Policy, you must finish three programs within six years. At least two of which must be from the list of core programs below. Programs may be a mix of online or on-campus. You will need to apply for each program separately and complete them at your own pace within six years. You will receive a $500 discount on your final program.

Core Programs

Create your own learning experience by completing a minimum of 2 programs from the core programs below. You may complete your third program by choosing one from the list below, or by taking any application-based Executive Education programs (except Investment Decisions and Behavioral Finance). Please note: Registration-based Executive Education programs do not count towards the Executive Certificate. 

Additional Programs that Qualify for the Executive Certificate

If you have completed one of the below programs in the past six years, you can earn an Executive Certificate by completing two additional programs. At least one of those two must be from the list of core programs listed above.

  • A Cutting Edge of Economic Development
  • Budgeting in a Time of Crisis
  • COVID-19's Economic Impact and Crafting an Effective Policy Response
  • Creating Collaborative Solutions
  • Digital Transformation in Government
  • Driving Government Performance
  • ​Evidence for Equity
  • Global Change Agents
  • Global Health and Security
  • Infrastructure in a Market Economy
  • Innovation for Economic Development
  • Leading Nonviolent Movements for Social Progress
  • Leading Smart Policy Design
  • Moral Leadership in an Imperfect World
  • Public Finance in a Complex World
  • Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure
  • Recovering the Public in Public Value
  • Rethinking Financial Inclusion
  • Senior Executives in State and Local Government: Leading Resilient Communities
  • Trade Policy for Today's World (Formerly Mastering Trade Policy)
  • Transforming Service Delivery for the 21st Century (formerly Delivering Public Services: Efficiency, Equity, and Quality)

Upcoming Programs

Senior Executive Fellows

Provides experienced professionals with opportunities to gain advanced leadership skills and knowledge. Learn more.
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Still Have Questions?

What is the benefit of earning an Executive Certificate?

Your Harvard Kennedy School Executive Certificate is a significant enhancement to your résumé that recognizes your successful completion of multiple executive programs within a particular concentration area. It also makes you part of a global community of accomplished professionals committed to continuous learning and becoming more effective leaders.

What are the requirements to qualify for an Executive Certificate?

To qualify for the Executive Certificate, you must complete three programs within six years. At least two of your matriculated programs must be core programs listed within your chosen concentration.  The third may be any ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Executive Education program of your choosing. Each program has its own program director, program fee, and admission requirements; you will need to successfully submit a new application for each program.

How do I apply for an Executive Certificate?

There is no application required to receive an Executive Certificate.  Once you have been admitted to your third eligible program, you will be able to indicate in our system which Executive Certificate you wish to receive at the conclusion of the program.

What is the discount for the third program?

You will receive a $500 discount on your third program.

Can I use Tuition Assistance towards the programs in my concentration area?

If you are awarded tuition assistance, it may be applied towards a program within the concentration area. Please note, however, that ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Executive Education has a limited amount of tuition assistance available, and most programs require a separate application for tuition assistance once you have been admitted. Please contact the Program Director for your program directly for more details.

Can I use Tuition Assistance and the Executive Certificate discount on my 3rd program?

No, offers cannot be combined.

Do other Harvard University classes/programs qualify towards my ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Executive Certificate?

No, only programs taken through ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Executive Education qualify towards your Executive Certificate.

Can I use one program toward two Executive Certificates?  Can I earn multiple Executive Certificates in one concentration area?

No, each program can only be applied towards one Executive Certificate, and you may only earn one certificate per concentration area.

Can I earn an Executive Certificate in more than one concentration area?

Yes, you can earn multiple Executive Certificates by completing three unique programs in more than one concentration area.

Is there a limit to how many programs or certificates I can complete in a year?  

To get the most out of the Harvard Kennedy School experience, we strongly recommend a short break between earning an Executive Certificate and attending your next program. The lessons learned at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø take time to fully take root and applying them in real-world scenarios only strengthens their value. Further, due to high demand, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø strives to ensure that there is space available to as many first-time participants as possible. Applicants who apply to more than four programs in one year will receive a more stringent level of review.

Will registration-based programs qualify for an Executive Certificate?

No, registration-based programs, such as Generative AI: How to Use It and Why It Matters, are not eligible toward an Executive Certificate. However, participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion to recognize your achievement.

How do I reference my Executive Certificate on my résumé /CV or LinkedIn profile?

Here is the language you should include:

Awarded an Executive Certificate in {Concentration Area} for completion of [Insert Program Name] Program, [Insert Program Month/Year], [Insert Program Name] Program, [Insert Program Month/Year], [Insert Program Name] Program, [Insert Program Month/Year], John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Executive Education.

Where can I find more information about the Executive Certificate, including eligible programs, program fees, and application deadlines?

Learn more about executive certificates here.

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