Difference between Harvard Kennedy and Harvard?

Hey, I came across Harvard Kennedy in my search for colleges, but I'm not quite sure if it's the same as the main Harvard University or something different. Can someone help me understand the difference?

Sure thing! Harvard University is an Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is one of Harvard's graduate and professional schools, which offers degrees in public policy and public administration. So, while they are part of the same overarching institution, they serve different functions and cater to different types of students.

Harvard University is well-known for its undergraduate college (Harvard College), where students pursue bachelor's degrees in various fields of study, as well as its numerous graduate programs. Harvard's graduate schools include Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Medical School, among others.

Harvard Kennedy School, on the other hand, is focused specifically on policy and public administration studies. It offers various master's degree programs like the Master in Public Policy (MPP), Master in Public Administration (MPA), and executive education programs. Additionally, HKS also offers a PhD program in public policy. The school aims to train students to be effective leaders in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

In conclusion, Harvard University refers to the entire university, while Harvard Kennedy School is one of the professional schools within the university, specialized in public policy and administration. If you are looking to pursue a career in public service, policy-making, or global affairs, HKS might be a more suitable choice for you, whereas the undergraduate programs and other graduate schools at Harvard would cater to different interests and career paths.