Master of Arts in Government Johns Hopkins University, Advanced Academic Programs

The Master of Arts in Government gives students the tools to examine governmental and social institutions in our society, explore areas of reform, and most importantly, bring about change. The program combines the theory and practice of government, politics, and policy-making.

The Johns Hopkins MA in Government was designed for working adults with specialized skills in a particular field but who want a broader perspective of government to position them for leadership in politics and administration. While our courses are designed around the latest scholarly and scientific knowledge, their true focus is to provide you with the practical skills necessary for solving governmental, political, and policy-making problems of today.

The MA in Government program offers three optional concentrations:

• Legal Studies focuses on the intersection of law and politics, as well as law enforcement issues.
• Political Communication provides you with the opportunity to study with practitioners in the field: reporters, political operatives, journalists, and campaign and news and media professionals.
• Security Studies covers the fundamentals of administering and preserving American security.

Students must complete all academic work in a master’s degree or certificate program within five years.

The five-year span is calculated from the start of the first course that counts toward the degree (including time spent on continuous enrollment). Continuous enrollment does not stop or extend the time limitation requirement. This time limit includes any courses taken at another Johns Hopkins school/division that have been approved to count toward the degree or certificate. If necessary, students may request from their program committee an extension of time to complete their program beyond the five-year limitation.

If an extension is granted, it will be communicated in a letter, and the five-year limit increased by the time included in the extension. An extension may be granted for a semester up to a full year, and in rare circumstances for two years.