Government

Master of Government at Georgetown University offers an in-depth, comprehensive education designed to prepare students for leadership roles in public service, policy analysis, and governmental affairs. This program combines rigorous interdisciplinary coursework with practical experience, allowing students to develop a nuanced understanding of political institutions, public policy processes, and administrative strategies. Students gain skills in research, critical thinking, and effective communication, equipping them to address complex issues at local, national, and international levels. The curriculum covers core topics such as American government, comparative politics, international relations, public policy analysis, and ethics in governance. Through a combination of seminars, case studies, and experiential learning opportunities, students are encouraged to engage with real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions. The program also offers specialized electives in areas like cybersecurity policy, environmental governance, economic development, and diplomatic strategy, enabling students to tailor their education to their career interests. Networking opportunities are plentiful, including guest lectures from prominent public officials, internships with government agencies, and participation in policy forums. The faculty comprises distinguished scholars and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and fostering a vibrant academic community. Graduates of the Master of Government program are well-prepared to pursue careers in government service, public policy analysis, nonprofit management, international organizations, or further academic study. With its prime location in Washington, D.C., Georgetown provides unparalleled access to government institutions, think tanks, and NGOs, offering students unique opportunities to connect theory with practice and make meaningful contributions to public life.

• Forty-eight hours of course work
• Each student will select one major and one minor field
• A satisfactory appraisal by department faculty at the end of the second semester and a cumulative average of “B+” or better
• A first-year workshop
• Five courses in theory and methods, except for those in Political Theory
• Research competence in a second language must be proven by students in Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory. Native speakers of foreign languages may fulfill the language requirement by showing fluency in English.
• Successfully pass a Ph.D. written comprehensive examinations -- students may also be required to pass an oral examination in their major field.
• Presentation of a thesis proposal and the subsequent completion of a doctoral dissertation.
• Up to 24 hours of work from another accredited university may count toward the Ph.D. degree. Students with a previously earned M.A. degree, which directly prepares them for the department's Ph.D. program, may apply for advanced standing for up to 18 credit hours.

Prospective students applying to our PhD program need to ask themselves two crucial questions: 

1) Does this program suit my theoretical and empirical interests?

2) Which faculty members can help me to advance these interests and enhance my skills as a scholar of political science? 

These questions are crucial because our faculty are eager to welcome promising graduate students whose primary aspiration is to pursue careers in academia, teaching, and research. We are, of course, also interested in real-world empirical issues and their practical implications for policymaking and leadership in a host of professional fields. But the training you will get at Georgetown's Department of Government pivots around exploring key conceptual questions and debates that animate one or more of the four political science sub-fields, i.e., American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, and Political Theory.

Thus, in your application, it it is essential that you look carefully at the scholars who are teaching in these sub-fields, in order to see how their empirical and conceptual research speak to your own background, experience, and interests. Hopefully, you are considering Georgetown because you are already familiar with some of these faculty members. Still, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with our faculty's research topics and regional expertise and to explore the books and journal articles that our faculty have published. A good visit to our website will give you a wider and more detailed sense of whether this program is a good "match."

Note that this match does not - and indeed should not - be perfect: we want to learn from you as well, and we hope that our engagement with your work will expand our own intellectual horizons. However, you must clearly articulate in your application a compelling case as to why you want to join our remarkable faculty and talented students, so that you can become a participant - and partner - in a political science department that has become a national leader when it comes to preparing students for careers in research, scholarship, and academia.

In addition, please take a look at our placement page to see our department's impressive record in placing our students into leading academic and research institutions. This record speaks to our department's deep intellectual energy, commitment, and ambitions. If this is the place for you, we look forward to reading your application!

• Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Statement of Purpose
• Official Transcripts (all prior institutions)
• Official Recommendations (3)
• GRE Scores (required of all applicants)
• TOEFL/IELTS Score (please see below)
• Writing Sample
• CV/Resume

Although it is desirable that applicants have completed 18 undergraduate semester hours in political science, the admissions committee does not apply this credit requirement rigidly. It may accept related courses or recommend that the applicant complete courses beyond the minimum degree requirements. The Department will consider individuals from a wide diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and careers. Its key criterion for admission remains strong scholarly promise.

Statement of Purpose: A statement of purpose should discuss the following: your reasons for wanting to study in the Government Department at Georgetown University; how your research interests fit with those of the various faculty members in the Department of Government; and your long-term academic and/or professional goals. The statement of purpose should be a 500 word (approximately) essay.

Academic Writing Sample: The Department of Government requires that all applicants submit an academic writing sample. There is no minimum or maximum length to the writing sample. The average length of samples received by the Department of Government is 15 - 20 pages. This sample should be scholarly, academic in nature and perhaps of a level that is publishable. It is not mandatory but it is preferable that the writing sample be on a topic you wish to study here at Georgetown. The academic writing sample should be a single-authored work.

Scholarships

• Assistantships: stipends provided in return for service in teaching, research, or other matters of an academic nature
• Fellowships: stipend without a work obligation
• Scholarships: tuition grants
• Fulbright Scholarship Program (Visiting Scholar Program) 
• International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)

The Georgetown University offers an array of graduate programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in various fields, including government, law, foreign service, public policy, and international affairs. The university's academic environment emphasizes a combination of rigorous coursework, practical experience, and research opportunities, fostering a comprehensive understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Students in these programs benefit from Georgetown’s strategic location in Washington, D.C., providing unparalleled access to government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, and policy institutes. This proximity enables students to participate in internships, attend policy hearings, and engage with prominent professionals in their chosen fields, thereby enriching their academic learning with real-world application.

The programs are structured to cultivate analytical, communication, and leadership skills vital for careers in public service, diplomacy, international development, or legal practice. Degree options include Master's degrees such as Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Foreign Service (MFS), and Master of Laws (LL.M.), among others. Each program combines foundational courses with specialized electives to allow students to tailor their studies to their career goals and interests. The curriculum often integrates case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects to develop practical skills and foster critical thinking.

Faculty members at Georgetown are experts with extensive experience in government, international relations, law, and policy analysis. Their research often influences policy debates and international negotiations, providing students with insights into current trends and challenges. Additionally, Georgetown encourages students to participate in research centers and think tanks associated with the university, providing opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and publication.

Graduate students are also encouraged to develop language proficiency and cultural competency, essential qualities for effective international work. The university offers various support services, including career counseling, networking events, and alumni connections, to assist students in transitioning from academic study to professional employment. Graduates of the program often secure positions in government agencies, diplomatic missions, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector firms engaged in global affairs.

Overall, Georgetown's programs are distinguished by their emphasis on public service, experiential learning, and engagement with real-world issues. The university’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive environment ensures that students from various backgrounds can contribute their perspectives to global challenges. With a strong network of alumni worldwide, Georgetown provides graduates with valuable connections and opportunities to influence policy, promote diplomatic relations, and contribute to international development. The program aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation needed to succeed in dynamic, high-stakes environments where policy decisions shape the future of nations and communities globally.