About the Program
M.A. in American Government
The M.A. in American Government is an accelerated, one-year program in which students gain both practical experience and political science knowledge. Students in the program learn political science theories about American Government, and then apply those theories in a practicum setting in government or government-related organizations. Students gain in-depth knowledge about American political science and also achieve analytical and quantitative skills through their coursework. They finish the programs with seven months of hands-on experience in a real-world situation.
M.A. in Democracy & Governance
The Master of Arts in Democracy & Governance stands at the intersection of political science, international development, public policy, and diplomacy. Our program reflects a commitment to a diverse curriculum that blends theory and practice, provides students with focused and relevant training, utilizes Georgetown University’s international expertise and reputation, and provides unique opportunities for practical experience.
To realize these goals, this academically-demanding program requires the successful completion of 34 credit hours of coursework over two years. Leading scholars and practitioners teach classes examining the challenges that contemporary democracies face, the philosophical, social and economic forces that have fostered political change across the globe, and the practical problems of governance reform. With an average incoming class size of 12 students, the program offers graduate students individualized academic opportunities, unparalleled access to professors, and a cohesive community of scholars.
Connect with Us
Program Contacts:
- M.A. in American Government: Perry Flores – pf508@georgetown.edu
- M.A. in Democracy & Governance: Bryson Daniels – bd658@georgetown.edu
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Degrees Offered
- M.A.
Accelerated Degree Program (Georgetown students only)
- A.B./M.A.
Admissions Requirements
For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.
M.A. in American Government: Application Materials Required
- Application Form
- Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
- Writing Sample
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL = 80 minimum
- IELTS = 7.0 minimum
M.A. in Democracy & Governance: Application Materials Required
- Application Form
- Non-Refundable Application Fee
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
- Writing Sample
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Transcripts – Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs.
- Resume/CV
- TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)
- TOEFL = 80 minimum
- IELTS = 7.0 minimum
Application Deadlines
M.A. in American Government:
- Fall: January 15
M.A. in Democracy & Governance:
- Fall: January 15
Degree Requirements
M.A. in American Government
Program Goals
The goal of the M.A. in American Government is to prepare students to be effective leaders in careers in the government sector broadly defined, including federal and state governments, non-profits, political organizations, the media, education, academia, think tanks and government-related private industry. Students who complete the program will be able to:
- Understand and explain historical context of U.S. politics including the Constitution, the development of government and political institutions and contemporary political developments.
- Understand and critique theoretical and practical approaches to major topics in American politics including: presidential politics, congressional politics, bureaucratic politics, judicial politics, environmental policy, religion and politics, mass media, public opinion, voting behavior, law and society, public policy, women and politics, federalism, statistical methodology, and political economy.
- Analyze quantitative data effectively up to the level of regression analysis.
- Discuss and write clearly about complex ideas in both a theoretical and professional context.
Degree Requirements
- Ten graduate courses: This includes five electives (at least three of which should be in the American Government subfield) and five required classes: Approaches/Topics in American Politics; Analysis of Political Data; M.A. Capstone Seminars on Leadership and Process in American Government and the M.A. Paper Writing Seminar
- Twenty to thirty hour-per-week in a graduate internship (practicum) during the spring and summer
- Proven competence in statistics, as demonstrated by a “B-” or better in GOVT 501/Analysis of Political Data
- Successful completion of a major applied research paper on a topic related to the practicum experience
- Successful completion of every course with at least a grade of “B-” and an overall grade average of at least a “B”
Program Website
Please see the M.A. in American Government program website for more information.
M.A. in Democracy & Governance
Program Goals
The M.A. in Democracy & Governance stands at the confluence of three distinct fields: public policy, international development and security studies. Practitioners in these three diverse areas have come to realize that effective and accountable government is central to successful programs in their field. Democratic reform and improved governance are thus not stand-alone programs, but integral to more effective government across a range of sectors. Georgetown’s multidisciplinary Democracy & Governance program, the most comprehensive degree of its kind in the United States, seeks to inform policies for more effective government through understanding the foundations of democracy and accountable government, translating theories into practical and effective policies, and preparing students for both careers and further study in these areas.
To realize these goals, this academically demanding program requires the successful completion of 34 credit hours of coursework over two years. Leading scholars and practitioners teach classes examining the challenges that contemporary democracies face, the philosophical, social and economic forces that have fostered political change across the globe, and the practical problems of democracy assistance and governance reform.
Beyond providing academic training, the Democracy & Governance program advances research and policy in areas of democratic change and governance reform through the Center for Democracy and Civil Society (CDACS). CDACS publishes the biannual Democracy and Society journal, undertakes policy advocacy, and hosts speakers and conferences in areas relevant to the broad objectives of the Democracy and Governance Program.
Degree Requirements
- At least 34 credit hours (courses numbered 350 and above), with a grade of “B-” or better in each course, and with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Students may opt to complete an internship in lieu of taking two three-credit electives.
- Subject to the approval of the Graduate School, up to six credit hours of work at another fully accredited university, and with a grade of “B” or better, may be credited toward the M.A. degree, provided that it is earned in graduate-level courses and did not count toward another degree
- Successful completion of a comprehensive examination
- Only courses in which students earn grades of “B-” or better may count toward the MA degree, and students must maintain an overall grade average of 3.0
Program Website
Please visit the Democracy & Governance program website for more information.