Public
Leadership
Credential

Online Education for Changemakers.

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Asian woman 40-45 years old with medium length brown hair wearing a blue sleeveless dress and smiling at the camera
Access Harvard Kennedy School from anywhere in the world.

Overview

People from every corner of the globe seek Harvard Kennedy School thought leadership on public policy and public leadership education, but not all learners have the time or flexibility to attend courses on campus. Developed to expand access to public leaders dedicated to public good, the Public Leadership Credential equips learners everywhere with adaptive problem-solving skills to address some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Whatever your goals for change in your community, job, or industry, the PLC offers a series of courses to help you improve your decision-making, leadership, and policymaking skills. Whether you decide to take one course or complete the entire credential, you will develop a toolkit of skills to take immediate action while you learn. The 100 percent online program is a reflection of Harvard Kennedy School’s mission to improve public policy and public leadership across the United States and around the world so that people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives.

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Develop skills to make an immediate impact in public policy and public leadership roles from wherever you are in the world.

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100 percent online coursework, designed to fit into your busy life, features learning modules, case studies, and simulations.

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Qualify for a potential pathway to the Harvard Kennedy School MC/MPA Program.

The Public Leadership Credential flowchart explaining classes that need to be taken in order to complete the credential The Public Leadership Credential flowchart explaining classes that need to be taken in order to complete the credential

Why choose this credential?

Opportunities like this don’t come often. The Public Leadership Credential (PLC) grants you a world-class education online and comprises six six-week courses that foster an active and engaged learning environment for participants. This unique offering entails an in-depth exploration of how to design and evaluate public policy as well as an examination of the role and agency of public leadership.

You can complete the PLC in as little as 11 months or at a pace that fits your schedule and needs. Those who complete all six courses and wish to earn the credential must complete an online capstone. In this experience, faculty members will facilitate an opportunity for learners to assess the toolkit they have developed throughout the PLC and evaluate a plan to make an immediate impact on their communities.

Why choose Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is a graduate and professional school that brings together students, scholars, and practitioners who combine thought and action to make the world a better place.

Our mission is to improve public policy and public leadership across the United States and around the world so that people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives. Harvard Kennedy School teaches current and future leaders the skills they need to effectively advance public purpose throughout society. Our renowned faculty and trailblazing research centers pioneer bold new ideas. And as the most international school at Harvard, we convene global leaders in the Forum, host visiting experts in the classroom, and attract a diverse community of faculty, students, and staff.

You can be part of this endeavor. Explore and learn more about Harvard Kennedy School.

Put the world on notice—you’re a changemaker for good.

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