Overview

The Public Administration (Edward S. Mason) at Harvard University is a premier mid-career programme designed for accomplished professionals dedicated to driving social and economic change. This rigorous course empowers global leaders to address complex policy challenges through advanced analytical training and leadership development. Students join a distinguished community of fellows committed to advancing democracy, equality, and good governance across the globe.

Why Public Administration (Edward S. Mason) at Harvard University?

This programme stands as the oldest international initiative at the institution, offering a unique platform for leaders from newly industrialised and developing nations. Participants benefit from direct access to world-class faculty and a network of peers that includes former heads of state and Nobel Peace Prize winners. The curriculum is specifically tailored to tap into the potential of emerging economies, providing the tools necessary to pioneer innovative solutions for regional and global policy issues.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 61926 per year
National fee: USD 61926 per year
Local fee: USD 61926 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The academic journey begins with an intensive summer session followed by a specialised launch period. The curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to customise their learning experience across two semesters. Modules may include:

Applied Economics
Quantitative Analysis
Political Institutions
Development
Democracy
Good Governance
Equality
Growth
Public Policy and Management

Careers with Public Administration (Edward S. Mason)

Graduates of this programme are prepared for high-level leadership roles within international organisations, national governments, and non-governmental sectors. The alumni network is exceptionally influential, featuring prominent figures such as the former United Nations Secretary General and various global policy pioneers. Mason Fellows typically return to their home regions to lead transformative projects in energy, economic reform, and social justice, leveraging the Mason Certificate in Public Policy and Management alongside their degree.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Economics and Quantitative Analysis

Management and Leadership

Public Ethics and Political Institutions

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Public Administration View 593 other Masters in Public Administration in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application

$100 USD application fee

Essays, which vary by program

Additional analytical and quantitative résumé or statement, which vary by program

Three strong letters of recommendation from individuals in academia or other professional sectors who know you well and can tell us about your qualifications for our programs

Academic transcripts that include your institution's name, course names, grades you received, and proof of your degree (if received)

Standardized test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge English), which vary by program

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

61926 USD / year

≈ 61926 USD / year
Out-of-State

61926 USD / year

≈ 61926 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61926 USD / year

≈ 61926 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

The Mason Program is not a financial fellowship program. Most Mason Program students at Harvard Kennedy School are supported by fellowships through their employers, governments, or grant agencies, with these funds supplemented by personal and family resources.

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Administration (Edward S. Mason).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying Business & Management

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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