TOEFL IBT score: 100
Financial support.
Financial award applicants must submit: | FAFSA |
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Application deadlines for financial awards | February 24 |
Types of financial support available | Health Care Benefits Scholarship and/or loans Graduate Assistantships Career or field-related internships Federal Work-Study |
Race/ethnicity.
Hispanic/Latino | 5.2% |
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Black or African American | 4.73% |
White or Caucasian | 41% |
American Indian or Alaska Native | 0% |
Asian | 13.48% |
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0% |
Two or more races | 3.55% |
Unknown | 0.95% |
When you join Harvard University’s Department of Government, you become part of a highly-recognized intellectual community of scholars, researchers, visionaries, leaders, and changemakers. Our strength in teaching and research in all fields of political science is reflected in both our faculty and our curriculum.
Harvard University’s Department of Government is a world leader in the study and scholarship in political science. Our programs of study include:
Our innovative curriculum reflects a diverse range of fields and methodologies. The vibrant graduate student body receives hands-on training by conducting supervised dissertation research and working with our faculty in research projects and undergraduate teaching.
Here, scholars have access to unparalleled resources. They have the opportunity to define and formulate their own research questions and to apply a variety of research methodologies.
Scholars can also take advantage of Harvard’s generous financial aid program. In addition, there is just no match to the energy and excitement that accompanies student life in the Cambridge/Boston area.
Harvard University does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry or any other protected classificiation.
Candidates for the PhD in Government are expected to complete the required coursework during their first two years of graduate study and take the General Examination at the end of the second year. A typical schedule consists of these two years, followed by three or four years of work on a dissertation, combined with supervised teaching.
The graduate program of the Department of Government is designed to train students for careers in university teaching and advanced research in political science. The department does not offer an independent master’s program, the master of arts in political science being reserved for PhD candidates on the way to their final degrees. Click here to visit the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s page on admission to the Government Department to learn more about the application process.
The application for admissions is available at http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/apply .
The application fee is $105. Applicants can determine eligibility for a fee waiver by completing a series of questions in the Application Fee section of the application. Once these questions have been answered, the application system will provide an immediate response regarding fee waiver eligibility.
Application information and instructions are available at www.gsas.harvard.edu . Applicants with admissions questions should call 617-496-6100 from 2-5pm EST or email [email protected] . Applicants with financial aid questions should call 617-495-5396 or email [email protected] .
Financial aid is administered under the direction of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) . The department intends that all graduate students should have support adequate to enable them to complete their studies while enrolled full-time. Prospective students apply for financial aid at the same time they apply for admission and are also required to submit a Statement of Financial Resources. The financial aid package for government students typically includes tuition and fees plus a stipend and a summer research grant for the first two years; tuition and fees plus guaranteed teaching fellowships and a summer research grant for years three and four; tuition and fees in year five; and tuition and fees plus a stipend for the completion year.
In addition to funding from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , graduate students are encouraged to apply for outside fellowships and grants. Please visit the website of the GSAS Fellowships Office for more information.
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Admissions statistics, a brief profile of the admitted class of 2028.
Harvard welcomes students from across the country and all over the world, with diverse backgrounds and far-ranging talents and interests.
Applicants | 54,008 |
Admitted | 1,974 |
Admitted from the waiting list | 41 |
Geographical breakdown
New England | 16.9% |
Middle Atlantic | 20.0% |
South | 16.3% |
Midwest | 9.6% |
Central | 1.6% |
Mountain | 3.2% |
Pacific | 15.4% |
Territories | 0.4% |
International | 16.7% |
Intended division/field of study
Humanities | 12.2% |
Social Sciences | 34.8% |
Natural Sciences | 26.2% |
Engineering | 24.4% |
Special Concentration | 0.9% |
Undecided | 1.5% |
Typical financial aid package for scholarship holders, 2022-2023
Total budget | $80,600 |
Harvard, federal and outside scholarships | $64,500 |
Student term-time work expectation | $2,750 |
Parent contribution | $13,000 |
Student asset contribution | $350 |
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Read stories from current students about their intellectual, social, and personal experiences at Harvard.
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I've been trying to gauge exactly how competitive some of the PhD programs in public policy are and I've noticed that many programs don't publish (or I can't find) the acceptance rates for these programs. Schools like HKS, Harris, Woodrow Wilson, LBJ at Texas, etc. Has anyone else had any luck finding info like this? Why aren't these stats posted like Econ programs do?
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In this section.
The Judgment and Decision Making track in the PhD program in Public Policy provides a curriculum for doctoral students seeking rigorous interdisciplinary training in psychological science, behavioral economics, and decision science, with a focus on understanding and improving public policy. A typical program of study includes emphasis on descriptive and normative approaches as well as on prescriptive interventions.
Graduates will be prepared for academic teaching and research positions in public policy schools, interdisciplinary programs (e.g., management, decision science), and traditional behavioral science departments (e.g., psychology), as well as for analytic positions in industry, think tanks, government, and international institutions.
HKS has a strong core of faculty specializing in judgment and decision-making research as well as faculty specializing in applied policy domains where students may wish to focus. Intrinsic to the program are teaching and research opportunities with leading scholars at HKS and elsewhere at Harvard.
PPOL PhD student Ke Wang led a study to determine whether interventions to mitigate negative emotions and increase positive emotions could improve psychological resilience and help people respond better to adversity. Professor of Public Policy, Decision Science, and Management Jennifer Lerner , who is Wang’s advisor, was also an author in the study.
The Department of Government at Harvard is a world leader in the study of political science, and the department’s faculty covers a wide range of fields and methodologies. The department’s breadth and depth allows you to pursue groundbreaking research on a variety of topics. The doctoral program’s diversity and flexibility enables scholars from all backgrounds and interests to thrive.
In the Department of Government, you will study and do research with the faculty of the department and leading scholars in other Harvard departments and schools, including Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. You have access to unparalleled resources, ranging from the largest university library in the world to the Harvard research computing cluster to a wide array of centers and institutes associated with the department.
Graduates of the department write dissertations on topics ranging from ancient political theory to the politics of cybersecurity. They go on to jobs at leading academic institutions, companies, government agencies, and nonprofits.
Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Government and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .
American Government | Comparative Politics | International Relations | Political Thought and Its History | Quantitative Methods/Formal Theory
Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Government .
A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be a recent scholarly or critical paper, 15 to 25 pages in length.
For the coordinated JD/PhD in law and political science, applicants must apply separately to each program and indicate in the application to the PhD program that a concurrent application has been submitted to the Harvard Law School.
Standardized tests.
GRE General: Required Writing Sample: Required (15-25 pages) iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 105 IELTS preferred minimum score: 7.5
Theses & Dissertations for Government
See list of Government faculty
Questions about the program.
Prepare for a high-impact academic or research career at the forefront of the biological sciences in public health..
As a student in the PhD in biological sciences in public health program, you will gain expertise in the prevention and treatment of diseases that affect thousands—even millions—of people. Working with leading public health scientists, you will learn both mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomedical research, while specializing in one of four areas of investigation:
Each area of investigation emphasizes biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches to understanding disease. In your research, whether basic or translational, you will apply cutting-edge tools and techniques to advance the understanding, treatment, and prevention of human diseases that significantly impact global populations today. Current research within our laboratories includes these and other diseases and risk factors:
As a graduate of the program, you will be prepared for a career as a faculty member in a college, university, medical school, research institute, or school of public health. You may also choose to pursue a career in research at a government agency, or in the private sector at a consulting, biotech, or pharmaceutical firm.
The program provides broad interdisciplinary knowledge of both mechanistic and quantitative approaches to biomedical research and prepares graduate students for research careers with courses in the following areas:
All students admitted to the PhD in biological sciences in public health program, including international students, are guaranteed full funding, which includes a stipend, tuition, and health insurance for five years, provided they maintain satisfactory progress.
To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for the vigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge. Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate preparation in the sciences.
Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in biological sciences in public health is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system . The program is located within the Division of Biological Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
As a PhD candidate in the biological sciences in public health program, you will be part of a diverse and accomplished group of students with a broad range of research and other interests. The opportunity to learn from each other and share ideas outside of the classroom will be one of the most rewarding and productive parts of the program. The School fosters those relationships by sponsoring an “informal curriculum” of seminars, journal clubs, retreats, and other opportunities that will broaden your knowledge, hone your presentation skills, and teach you how to critically evaluate scientific literature while providing a supportive, collaborative community within which to pursue your degree. Our location in the heart of Boston’s Longwood Medical Area—home to Harvard Medical School, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and many world-class hospitals—makes collaboration with eminent laboratory and clinical researchers a natural part of the educational experience. And when you graduate, you will benefit from Harvard’s unparalleled global network of alumni leaders.
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The PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program provides the advanced graduate training you need to successfully launch yourself into a research or related position in academia, government, a nongovernmental organization, or the private sector. You will get the training you need to conduct analytical research, help shape and execute policy, and teach ...
A minimum TOEFL score of 103 OR a minimum IELTS score of 7 is required. Official test scores must be issued within the past two years, no earlier than September 1, 2020. Plan to take the English proficiency tests by mid-November at the latest if you are submitting your application in December.
The PhD in public policy program trains candidates to conduct policy analytic research, help shape and execute public policy, and teach the next generation of educators, researchers, and practitioners. The flexible nature of the program allows you to choose your own path in areas that most interest you—from microeconomic research to ...
Admissions and Enrollment. Admission is for the fall term only. The Public Policy PhD Program, in coordination with Harvard Griffin GSAS, will award an AM (Masters of Arts) degree in passing or terminal AM to students who have satisfactorily completed two years of course work and completed the oral general examination.
The Doctoral Programs housed at Harvard Kennedy School are jointly administered with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) to prepare you for a future in academia or policymaking that demands advanced knowledge of economics, political science, and social policy. Bring your ideas and research ...
The Master in Public Policy Program provides you with a conceptual toolkit rooted in the social sciences and adapted for action. A defining feature of the Master in Public Policy (MPP) Program is its commitment to practice. Take what you learn here and apply it right away—through capstone exercises, case studies, experiential learning ...
Harvard Public Policy PhD Acceptance Rate. The acceptance rate of Harvard Kennedy School is 20%, making it a competitive school to get into. However, this should not discourage you from applying for admission to this prestigious institute. You can get into Harvard Kennedy School with the right qualifications and determination.
The PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program balances theory with practical methods to prepare students for careers in academia, in government, at research organizations, or in the private sector. What do we look for in our PPOL students? Evidence of your ability to handle the rigor of our curriculum, which is why you're required to have completed and excelled in the following:
The Public Policy PhD is awarded by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS) but is administered by the Higher Committee on Public Policy. ... taking into account each student's stated research interests at the time of admission. If the research focus changes, students are encouraged to seek ...
The application for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available in September 2024. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2024. Learn how to apply. The admissions process to the Public Policy (PPOL) and Social Policy (SPOL) PhD programs is managed by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS).
Graduate. The Master in Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year program that prepares students to understand complex public policy problems and craft concrete solutions. Through coursework, exercises, and fieldwork, students master concepts and skills that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. MPP graduates are versatile—they lead ...
PhD in Public Policy. The PhD in Public Policy prepares qualified candidates to shape the direction of public policy research and to train the next generation of researchers, teachers, and leaders. It also qualifies individuals to perform high-level policy analysis in both national and international organizations.
Program in Public Policy at Harvard University provides on-going educational opportunities to those students seeking advanced degrees. ... Acceptance Rate. 1,601 Applied 398 ... Health Care Benefits Scholarship and/or loans Graduate Assistantships Career or field-related internships Federal Work-Study :
Application information and instructions are available at www.gsas.harvard.edu . Applicants with admissions questions should call 617-496-6100 from 2-5pm EST or email [email protected] . Applicants with financial aid questions should call 617-495-5396 or email [email protected].
Harvard, federal and outside scholarships. $64,500. Student term-time work expectation. $2,750. Parent contribution. $13,000. Student asset contribution. $350. Harvard welcomes students from across the country and all over the world, with diverse backgrounds and far-ranging talents and interests.
Research. PhD Program Requirements. African and African American Studies. American Studies. Anthropology. Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning. Astronomy. Molecular and Cellular Biology. Organismic and Evolutionary Biology.
Requirements. Courses — A student must successfully complete at least 12 4-credit courses, of which 8 must be in political science. At least 10 of these 12 4-credit courses and 7 of the 8 4-credit courses in government must be listed in the catalog as 1000- or 2000-level courses. Courses cross-registered with Harvard Divinity School, Harvard ...
I've been trying to gauge exactly how competitive some of the PhD programs in public policy are and I've noticed that many programs don't publish (or I can't find) the acceptance rates for these programs. Schools like HKS, Harris, Woodrow Wilson, LBJ at Texas, etc. Has anyone else had any luck finding info like this?
The PhD in population health sciences is a four-year program based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the world-renowned Longwood Medical Area of Boston, Massachusetts. The degree will prepare you to apply diverse approaches to solving difficult public health research issues in your choice of one of five primary fields of study ...
The PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program at Harvard Kennedy School provides the advanced graduate training you need to successfully launch yourself into a research or related position in academia, government, a nongovernmental organization, or the private sector. The TOEFL iBT® is given online through the internet at designated testing site.
The Judgment and Decision Making track in the PhD program in Public Policy provides a curriculum for doctoral students seeking rigorous interdisciplinary training in psychological science, behavioral economics, and decision science, with a focus on understanding and improving public policy. A typical program of study includes emphasis on descriptive and normative approaches as well as on ...
The Department of Government at Harvard is a world leader in the study of political science, and the department's faculty covers a wide range of fields and methodologies. The department's breadth and depth allows you to pursue groundbreaking research on a variety of topics. The doctoral program's diversity and flexibility enables scholars ...
APPLICATION PROCESS. Like all PhD (doctor of philosophy) programs at the School, the PhD in biological sciences in public health is offered under the aegis of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system.