Welcome to Harvard Kennedy School

This is the accessibility version designed specifically for users needing extra accessibility features.
Feel free to check out the original experience here.

HKS Courtyard

Tour stop audio transcript

We would like to begin the tour with a land acknowledgment. Harvard University is located on the traditional land of the Massachusett people. The Nipmuc and Wampanoag Nations have long been our neighbors as well. Harvard Kennedy School recognizes and honors the past, present, and future of these Indigenous people and precious lands. We kick off the tour here in the HKS Courtyard. The Courtyard is a popular outdoor space for our students to relax, socialize, read, or enjoy lunch between classes. The tables and chairs are available in the Courtyard until winter weather arrives. When the weather allows, the Courtyard is where we host Quorum Call most Fridays. Quorum Call is a weekly family-friendly gathering for students. It's a great way to catch up with friends or meet students from different programs while enjoying light refreshments. If this is your first visit to our virtual tour, here are some tips to help you get started: -To jump to the next destination, select the "Next" button on the right side of your screen. -Or, if you already know where you want to go, simply select that location from the list on the sidebar OR directly on the map below. -You can explore each destination in more detail by clicking the interactive icons at each location.

Tour stop audio transcript

The John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum—a multi-storied atrium—is the heart of HKS. During the day, students, faculty members, and staff use the Forum to meet informally. In the evening, the Forum regularly hosts heads of state; leaders in government, politics, and the media; academics; and activists to discuss and debate timely issues. Forum events often begin with a speech, panel, or debate over a pressing topic, then conclude with an unscripted question-and-answer session between the audience and Forum speakers—providing Harvard community members with an unrivaled connection to world events, issues, and leaders.

Tour stop audio transcript

The Kennedy School offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the study of public policy, administration, and leadership through a comprehensive range of programs. Whether your goal is to earn a graduate degree or gain new skills through an executive education program, you will learn from our faculty of renowned scholars and seasoned practitioners. You might also consider pursuing a combined degree program or cross-registering into courses across Harvard University, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), or the Fletcher School at Tufts University. The academic 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.

Tour stop audio transcript

From the HKS Courtyard, you can enter the Sunshine Lobby. Proceed down the "Social Staircase"—where students often sit and mingle—to the HKS Café and Wexner Commons. Wexner Commons, an indoor garden space, provides year-round access to green space on campus with its sunlight and evergreen trees. Some larger School-wide events are held here, such as the Student Organization Fair, held in September to introduce new students to the Kennedy School's 90+ student organizations, and the Policy Analysis Exercise Showcase, where select second-year Master in Public Policy students display posters of their applied theses.

Tour stop audio transcript

Offering study space, borrowing services, and a wide variety of physical and digital collections, Harvard Kennedy School Library and Research Services supports the research, learning, and curricular needs of the HKS community. The HKS Library is one of 25 libraries that make up the Harvard Library system, which is the largest academic library system in the world. Have an interest in political memorabilia? Check out the library's political buttons collection, which includes over 1,500 political buttons, representing U.S. political campaigns, ballot initiatives, social issues and movements, and political demonstrations.

Tour stop audio transcript

HKS offers a rich and vibrant student experience. As an HKS student, you can participate in 90+ student-run organizations, coordinate student-led conferences, contribute to student publications, or serve the HKS community through the Kennedy School Student Government. Here in the Ofer Student Lounge, you'll find a comfortable space to socialize, study, or watch TV. Surrounding the lounge are offices of Student Services staff, the Kennedy School Student Government, and the Student Public Service Collaborative—which is a student group dedicated to promoting the ideals of public service on campus and in the surrounding community. Here you'll also find the office of the Associate Director of Student Support Services, who focuses on supporting students' academic, personal, and mental wellbeing.

Tour stop audio transcript

Here we are in the main entrance of the Taubman Building, which is home to many of our research centers. The numerous research centers and initiatives housed at HKS fuel leading-edge thinking. City leadership. Democracy. Gender equity. State and local government. Human rights. International affairs. International development. Leadership. The media. The intersection of business and government. These are just a few of the areas of focus for HKS centers and initiatives. These centers and initiatives fund research, produce publications, offer fellowships, host events, and support our teaching curriculum.

Tour stop audio transcript

From setting career goals to negotiating a job offer, the Office of Career Advancement (OCA) is your partner as you move through HKS to your next professional opportunity. One-to-one coaching is the cornerstone of OCA's work with you. Our career coaches will help you set career goals, develop informed job and internship strategies, and position yourself for success in your job search. HKS graduates go on to pursue meaningful careers across sectors, policy areas, and industries. HKS alumni are shaping public policies in government, nonprofits and NGOs, strategy and economic consulting firms, and advocacy groups around the globe.

Tour stop audio transcript

Located just down the street from the main HKS campus, you'll find 124 Mount Auburn Street, which is home to several administrative offices including Enrollment Services. Within the Enrollment Services suite, you'll find the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid and the Registrar's Office. The Admissions & Financial Aid team is available to support prospective master's degree students through the admission and financial assistance application process and to advise current students on financial aid matters. For the most up-to-date information on admissions requirements, visit the HKS website. We know that pursuing a graduate education is an investment in your personal and professional development, and we're here to help you through the process.

Tour stop audio transcript

Shops, restaurants, bookstores, cafés, street performers, theaters—Harvard Square has it all. Our campus is located just steps from the Charles River, where thousands of rowers come each October for the Head of the Charles—the world's largest three-day regatta. From Harvard Square, you can hop on the "T" (Boston's public transit system) and be in the heart of Boston in just minutes. The city is a hub for government, business, education, technology, culture, and sports—offering HKS students an enriching array of personal and professional opportunities. Beyond Cambridge and Boston, Cape Cod beaches, Vermont ski resorts, New Hampshire hiking trails, and numerous historical sites are all within reach.

Welcome to Harvard Kennedy School

HKS Courtyard

Tour stop audio transcript

John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum

Tour stop audio transcript

Academics

Tour stop audio transcript

Wexner Commons

Tour stop audio transcript

Library and Research Services

Tour stop audio transcript

Student Lounge

Tour stop audio transcript

Research Centers and Initiatives

Tour stop audio transcript

Office of Career Advancement

Tour stop audio transcript

Enrollment Services

Tour stop audio transcript

Harvard Square and Cambridge

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to Harvard Kennedy School

﻿HKS Courtyard

Tour stop audio transcript

John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum

Tour stop audio transcript

Academics

Tour stop audio transcript

Wexner Commons

Tour stop audio transcript

Library and Research Services

Tour stop audio transcript

Student Lounge

Tour stop audio transcript

Research Centers and Initiatives

Tour stop audio transcript

Office of Career Advancement

Tour stop audio transcript

Enrollment Services

Tour stop audio transcript

Harvard Square and Cambridge

Tour stop audio transcript

HKS Courtyard