Policy Analysis Exercise

The Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) is the capstone of the MPP curriculum. Many MPP graduates point to the PAE as one of the true highlights of their Harvard Kennedy School education. The PAE is an analytic and consultative professional product which emanates from the student’s work with a real-world client, under the close supervision of a faculty advisor with expertise in the topic area. Students frequently experience the satisfaction of seeing their recommendations implemented by the client organization.

In the fall semester of the second year, MPP students enroll in a year-long seminar in their Policy Area of Concentration (PAC). The seminars are conducted by faculty who serve as PAC Seminar Leaders. The PAC Seminars serve to familiarize students with key issues and policy debates in their particular area of concentration. In addition to the PAC Seminar Leader, when students declare their PAE topics in the early fall, they are each assigned a faculty advisor who specializes in the respective policy area of concentration.

Both MPP/UP and concurrent degree students earning an MPP write the PAE. Neither MPP/UP nor concurrent degree students are required to fulfill the PAC coursework requirements. MPP/UPs will generally enroll in the Housing, Urban Development, and Transportation (HUT) seminar. Starting in fall 2008, joint degree students with Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School will complete a joint seminar in lieu of the PAE.

Further information about the PAE for students and clients can be found at the Policy Analysis Exercise at the HKS Office of Career Advancement.

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