Explore our programs — offering exceptional academic preparation, opportunities for growth, and the tools to make an impact.
Find everything you need to apply for and finance your graduate education.
Stories, strategies, and actionable knowledge — putting HGSE's powerful ideas into practice.
With deep expertise that connects research, practice, and policy, HGSE faculty are leaders in the field.
Get to know our community — and all the ways to learn, collaborate, connect, develop your career, and build your network.
Faculty-led programs to deepen your impact and build your effectiveness as an educator and leader.
Access the premiere education subject library for Harvard University.
Access the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of the Registrar, Career Services, and other key resources.
Explore opportunities to grow, build connections, and create change.
Professional Development
Priority Application Deadline: January 31, 2024Apply early for priority consideration in this popular program.
Request more information.
Change is an inevitable part of today’s complex higher education landscape, yet effective change management remains a challenge. The Institute for Management and Leadership in Education (MLE) offers experienced administrators the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of issues that affect their institutions. When you join us at Harvard, you’ll acquire core knowledge and learn strategies that will help you determine how well-positioned your college or university is to meet future challenges and manage the impact of organizational change.
"MLE introduced me to extraordinary leaders, new research, and a much broader array of institutional contexts. I have reflected on my MLE experience again and again throughout my transitions from faculty to provost to president." Elizabeth L. Hillman, President, Mills College
"MLE introduced me to extraordinary leaders, new research, and a much broader array of institutional contexts. I have reflected on my MLE experience again and again throughout my transitions from faculty to provost to president."
Elizabeth L. Hillman, President, Mills College
During the on-campus MLE institute, you’ll learn to identify the elements of your institution’s mission and culture that are critical to future success. And you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to close the gap between your leadership goals and what you can ultimately deliver.
MLE can help strengthen your leadership abilities at the system level, throughout your organization, among your teams, and within your individual practice. MLE also offers you the opportunity for professional assessment and renewal, including time to reflect on your leadership strengths and define areas for growth. The institute takes place in a supportive learning environment that includes Harvard faculty and accomplished higher education leaders from across the country and around the world.
While the program takes place on campus, it may also include such virtual components as a virtual orientation, pre-program preparation work, in-program sessions, and post-program follow-up.
MLE is designed for experienced higher education leaders who have oversight and responsibility for their school, department, division, or functional area, including:
Francesca Purcell is a specialist in higher education policy and practice, with expertise on topics including college completion, student transfer, and developmental education.
Tuition assistance is available for this program on a need- and application-basis. Tuition assistance is granted based on participant and institutional needs. Requests for tuition assistance have no effect on an applicant's prospects for admission. You may access the tuition assistance application after you have submitted your program application.