Government

The Master of Government and Policy (MGP) at Georgetown University is a distinguished graduate program designed to equip students with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective public service and policy analysis. This interdisciplinary program integrates theoretical frameworks from political science, economics, law, and management to prepare graduates for leadership roles within government agencies, non-profit organizations, international institutions, and the private sector. Students engage in rigorous coursework that covers key topics such as public policy formulation, strategic management, ethical governance, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and the complexities of policymaking in a global context. The curriculum emphasizes both analytical thinking and practical application, ensuring that graduates can critically evaluate policy options, develop innovative solutions, and implement strategies that address pressing societal issues.

Throughout the program, students benefit from direct interactions with experienced faculty members who are actively involved in policy research and government consulting. The program also offers opportunities for internships, policy labs, and collaborative projects with government agencies and international organizations, providing invaluable real-world experience. The diverse student body fosters a rich learning environment where ideas are exchanged across different backgrounds and perspectives, preparing students to operate effectively in multicultural and international settings. Graduates of the Master of Government and Policy are well-positioned to pursue careers in public administration, policy analysis, advocacy, international development, and leadership roles in various governmental and non-governmental entities. By emphasizing analytical rigor, ethical responsibility, and leadership capacity, the MGP program aims to cultivate future policymakers and practitioners committed to public service excellence and societal betterment.

Government majors are required to take ten courses in their major: four introductory courses and six electives. The required introductory courses are:

• GOVT 020 U.S. Political Systems (formerly GOVT 008)
• GOVT 040 Comparative Political Systems (formerly GOVT 121)
• GOVT 060 International Relations (formerly GOVT 006)
• GOVT 080 Elements of Political Theory (formerly GOVT 117)

The electives are organized into the four subfields of American Government, International Relations, Comparative Government, and Political Theory. Political Economy courses may exist in each of the four subfields.

Students may take no more than four of the six electives in any one subfield and must include at least on in political theory.

The subfield designations are listed in the Registrar’s course listings under the course title: Field: AG, Field: CG; Field: IR; Field PT; Field: PECO for subfields American Government, Comparative Government, International Relations, Political Theory and Political Economy, respectively.

The Department encourages majors to take one course in statistics, either GOVT-201 Analysis of Political Data I or MATH-040 Probability and Statistics or ECON-121 Economic Statistics. GOVT-201 is particularly recommended given its focus on political issues.  Note all these classes count towards the General Education requirement of the College as a class in mathematics, and one of the three can serve as an elective in the Government major. It is important to underscore that only ONE of these classes may count as an elective in the major.

During the junior or senior year, students are required to take one Department Seminar. These seminars, which count as one of the six electives, will be indicated in the course title as “Dept Sem:” on the Registrar’s course listings.

Students can receive credit towards their major for no more than two courses taken outside of the Government Department, unless the student is a transfer student. It is strongly recommended that students take the four required introductory courses (i.e., GOVT 020, 040, 060, and 080) offered by the Department rather than counting courses outside the Department toward those requirements. Students with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP American Government exam may receive credit for GOVT 020.

Integrated Writing Requirement:

Students acquire and practice a variety of political science research methods and writing skills across the introductory courses in the major. Through short- to medium-length assignments, they gain experience in writing data-analytic papers, policy briefs, comparative case studies, and argumentative and persuasive essays.

In addition, in their advanced coursework (normally numbered 300 and above, and designated as Departmental Seminars), students undertake longer (generally 25 pages or more) writing assignments and undertake individual research. These courses feature intense class discussion and substantial reading and writing assignments, designed to help students write persuasively on political topics. Therefore, all Government courses label "Department Seminar" fulfill the College’s requirement for one “Integrated Writing” course in the major.

Declaring a Major:

Students usually declare their majors in Spring semester of their Sophomore year. Students should go to the College Dean’s office and request a “Declaration of Major” form. The form should be completed by the students and then brought to either Co-Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Government for approval and a signature. Students then return the approved form to the College Dean’s office. One of the Department’s Directors of Undergraduate Studies will assign an adviser to students upon declaration of the major.

In order to declare a major in government, students must complete at least two of the four introductory courses in Government (GOVT 020, 040, 060, and 080) and obtain a grade no lower than a C+ in each. The G.P.A. in all Government courses taken prior to declaration must be a C+ or higher. Similarly, transfer students must have completed at least two courses in political science with a grade no lower than a C+ in each. Please check the schedule each semester for a list of courses and prerequisites.

• SAT - Georgetown's SAT code is 5244. Georgetown only considers the critical reading and math portions of the SAT, not the writing section. If an applicant takes the SAT more than once, the admissions committees will consider the highest critical reading score and the highest math score from multiple test sessions when reviewing the application.
• ACT - Georgetown's ACT code is 0668. Georgetown accepts the ACT in lieu of the SAT. Applicants who take the ACT more than once will have their highest composite score considered in the evaluation process. The optional writing section on the ACT is not required, nor is the writing subscore used in the application review process.
• SAT Subject Tests - It is strongly recommended that all candidates, whether they have taken the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT, submit three SAT Subject Tests scores. The scores from writing portion on the SAT Reasoning Test and the optional writing portion of the ACT will not be used in place of a Subject Test.
• TOEFL - Georgetown's TOEFL code is 5244. TOEFL is recommended for candidates studying in non-U.S. educational systems and whose native language is not English. Georgetown also does accept results from the IELTS. Please contact either the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) for details about this exam.
• If you will graduate from a school with a final examination such as the British A-Levels, Cambridge Pre-U, German Abitaur, French Baccalaureat, or International Baccalaureate, you will need to submit both Projected and Final results. These should be included in the Secondary School Report sent from your college counselor, teacher or the Head of School.

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Scholarships

Georgetown University is Need-Blind for all applicants.

Admitted students who have requested financial aid and are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be considered for a very limited number of need-based scholarships. To be considered for one of these scholarships, the student/applicant will need to indicate their intent to apply for financial aid on the Application for Undergraduate Admission and should submit a CSS/Financial Aid Profile online at http://www.collegeboard.com. For further details, please see the Office of Student Financial Services website.

Whether admitted either under our Early Action or Regular Decision review periods, all candidates for financial aid will be notified about their eligibility for aid, their financial aid awards or about missing documents during the first week of April.

Please note that we are now using the CSS/Financial Aid Profile in place of the International Student Financial Aid form.

The Government major at Georgetown University offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, public policy, and the functioning of governmental institutions. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep knowledge of domestic and international politics. Students have the opportunity to engage directly with political processes through internships and research projects, gaining practical experience that prepares them for careers in government, public service, international organizations, or policy analysis. The curriculum includes courses in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration, among others. The faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners, providing students with insights from both academic and real-world perspectives. Georgetown's location in Washington, D.C., offers unparalleled access to government agencies, think tanks, embassies, and lobbying firms, enriching the learning experience through proximity to policy-making hubs. The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and collaborative research initiatives. Students can also join student organizations related to politics and governance, attend lectures, and engage with guest speakers from the field. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in federal and state government, international organizations, journalism, law, and academia. The program also provides a foundation for further graduate study in political science, law, or public policy. Georgetown University's commitment to public service and its extensive alumni network offer students ongoing support and opportunities long after graduation. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the field of government and politics. Overall, the program aims to produce well-informed, engaged citizens and future leaders equipped to address complex political and societal challenges.