The John F. Kennedy School of Government is dedicated to preparing leaders in democratic societies for service in public affairs and to contributing toward the solution of important public problems through research and public policy conferences. The school offers an array of teaching programs, including two-year and mid-career master's degree programs, as well as executive education programs designed to meet the needs of appointed, career, and elected officials in government.

Executive education programs also serve those in the private and non-governmental sector who work at the interface of public/private sector concerns. Many participants from the United States and around the world enroll in executive education programs each year.