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Home > Degree Programs > Master's Degrees > Mid-Career Master in Public Administration > Curriculum > Mid-Career Summer Program
Mid-Career Summer Program
The 2008 Summer Program will run from July 30 through August 28.
The Mid-Career Summer Program is designed to prepare students for the MC/MPA program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (HKS). The program provides an introduction to the core methodologies utilized at HKS. The program builds and renews skills important to academic success. As an integral part of this preparation, students begin to develop working relationships with classmates and the instructors, as well as get acquainted with the vast resources of the HKS, Harvard University, and the Cambridge-Boston area.
Throughout the Mid-Career Summer Program, students attend class daily, complete a variety of assignments, and read and discuss cases and other materials. Most of these activities take place in interactive classes that permit the academic instructors to give constructive feedback to students. This work and resulting feedback to you is intended to help identify strengths and interests as students prepare for the academic year.
In addition to the academic component, the Mid-Career Summer Program creates opportunities to set academic and professional goals. Weekly mid-career seminars are designed to help students learn more about classmates' cultures, careers, and the professional challenges they have faced. Along the way, the academic components of the program are rounded out with variety of social activities.
Academic Curriculum
Quantitative Methods
This course provides students with the quantitative tools used during the academic year. Taught in small classes, students review and expand their understanding of the basic mathematics and probability used in policy analysis.
Microeconomics
This course focuses on basic microeconomic concepts and their importance in informing and resolving public policy issues. Again, students are assigned to small classes with others who have a similar level of preparation to work through the materials and daily homework assignments.
Trends in Globalization
This week-long session encourages students to think broadly about the diverse components that constitute the ever changing global context in which we live. Themes such as international trade, environmental issues, human rights, international security and information technology may be discussed. In both lectures and small group discussions, students will work on these issues and report back to the class on their findings.
Policy Analysis Discussion
This course focuses on the case-based model of learning used extensively at HKS. Faculty-led case discussions will help you refine the strategies and skills needed in interactive classes.
Political Institutions
The origins and functions of US political institutions will be discussed, as well as the larger issues of governance and politics. The four lectures will examine constitutional history, the branches of government, and the behavior of citizens and political groups.
Macroeconomics
This seven-part lecture will focus on fiscal, monetary and balance-of-payments issues.
Studio Lab
Studio lab is a time for students to work on their problem sets from both quantitative methods and economics under the instruction of the economics, quantitative and computer faculty.
Administrative Details
Registration
Upon acceptance into the MC/MPA Program, candidates will receive information about the Mid-Career Summer Program. Please complete the on-line registration form on the New Admit site within two weeks of the receipt of your admissions packet.
Tuition
For information about tuition and related costs, please visit Student Financial Services.
Health Insurance
Massachusetts law requires that all students have health insurance coverage throughout the academic year. Harvard University Health Services and Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance is available to all students and dependents. This coverage may be waived for students with an equivalent US-based health insurance that meets Massachusetts requirements. In addition, all students are required to pay a University Health Service fee. For details about these policies and information about obtaining insurance through Harvard University, please visit University Health Services.
Housing
Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. The Harvard University Housing Office provides listings of on- and off-campus apartments. Refer to your admissions packet or contact the housing office for details. If you visit Cambridge before the summer, bring a copy of your letter of admission to allow you access to the housing office. This office also provides a list of local hotels and bed & breakfast inns where you might stay until you have secured permanent housing. Housing in the area is usually unfurnished, so you will need to arrange for the purchase or rental of furniture upon your arrival.
Computer Skills and Equipment
The Summer Program assumes that you will arrive with a working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft software (specifically Word and Excel). You will be using Excel in your economics and quantitative coursework. If you are not actively using these programs, you must prepare yourself prior to arrival in Cambridge.
Please visit Information Services to learn more about the computer labs and IT support for students at HKS.
Contacting the Mid-Career Summer Program
If you require further assistance regarding the Mid-Career Summer Program, please send an e-mail to the program staff.