Our Master's programs take different approaches to required course work and other degree requirements. But all students at the Kennedy School achieve competence in these three skill bases. They take one or more courses specifically designed to sharpen their skills in each of these areas. First, they must be skilled analysts. Public policies represent a series of choices, which must be made on the basis of effective empirical, economic, and institutional analyses.
Analysis is an essential underpinning of good governance.
Second, public servants must be highly competent managers. Human organizations, wherever they are found, are complex and resource-intensive. These resources are precious, and must be used wisely and strategically. Third, effective public servants must also be advocates. They must be able to articulate a vision, and build political consensus around that vision.