Harvard University Child Protection Certificate Program 2026–2027: Applications Now Open for Graduate Students
Applications are now open for the Harvard University Child Protection Certificate Program 2026–2027, offering graduate students an interdisciplinary pathway to gain specialized knowledge in child protection. Administered by the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, the annual cohort is limited to 30 students.
Overview
The Harvard University Child Protection Certificate Program 2026–2027 is an interdisciplinary graduate-level program administered by the François-Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University. Designed around domestic and international contexts, the program addresses issues such as child abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, law and policy, social protection, and cross-sector collaboration.
The curriculum is organized around five major domains:
- Child Protection Systems
- Violence Against Children
- Justice for Children
- Social Change and Family Strengthening
- Child Protection Leadership Tools
Eligibility
The program is specifically intended for Harvard graduate students and is open to students from any Harvard graduate school. Prospective participants must satisfy the program's academic and participation requirements, including coursework and seminars.
Benefits
Participants gain structured interdisciplinary knowledge, practical competencies, and research perspectives in child protection. The program features a mandatory one-semester seminar during Spring 2027 that connects students with panels of child protection experts and senior practitioners.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a short application that includes an essay and a proposed list of qualifying Child Protection Certificate courses. The admissions committee enforces an annual limit of 30 participating students.
Deadline
The application deadline is not specified in the official program information. Candidates should consult the official application materials and submit their materials early.