Program Overview
The role of government has been evolving to meet the needs of changing societies all over the world. From pandemics to financial crises, technological revolution, or managing existential threats, tackling such demands will require a new generation of leadership with an understanding of government and how to navigate domestic and foreign policy challenges.
Whether you are passionate about public policy, social reform, or national security, pursuing a master’s degree in government will empower you to enact change within nonprofit organizations, private companies, or in public service. Courses will equip you with a deeper appreciation of history and the role of government in addition to developing skills for public service in state capitals, on city councils, or even in the White House.
Through the government graduate program, you’ll:
- Engage in the study of American politics, international relations, comparative politics, political philosophy, and public policy.
- Learn about the complexities of government with greater appreciation for the historical record in the United States and around the world.
- Better understand the development and implementation of domestic and foreign policy.
- Develop and refine individual communication abilities for advanced study or service in government and the private sector.
- Enhance research capabilities to produce substantive policy papers on contemporary issues facing societies all over the world.
- Graduate with a Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of Government.
Courses
Our course curriculum covers a range of topics related to politics, law, domestic policy, justice, and foreign policy in U.S. government and elsewhere. Under the guidance of faculty from Harvard and peer institutions, you will develop a greater understanding of government within society. You can customize your studies by selecting either a thesis or capstone track or choosing electives that align with your interests.
Example Courses
- Deliberative Justice: The Theory and Practice of Good Citizenship
- International Conflict and Cooperation
- Democracy: Breakthroughs and Breakdowns
- Urban Development Policy
- Sustainability Leadership for the Twenty-First Century
- Power and Privilege in Systems
You’ll join faculty and peers for the on-campus course Engaging in Scholarly Conversation. See course spotlight.
Stackable Certificate
As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a professional credential along the way to your degree. For each certificate, you can choose courses that best fit your goals.
Stackable graduate certificates include:
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program. You’ll earn your way in through our performance-based admissions, completing coursework for admission and earning credits toward your degree right away.
Next Start Term
You can enroll in your first admission course this fall. Course registration opens July 21.
Featured Faculty
Our government instructors bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Dustin Tingley
Professor of Government, Harvard University
Gloria Ayee
Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University and Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
Derek Reveron
Lecturer in Extension and Faculty Affiliate, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University, and Professor of National Security Affairs, Naval War College
Michael Miner
Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University
Sergio Imparato
Lecturer on Government, Harvard University
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
Graduates of our Government Master’s Program work in the fields of government administration, information technology, law, research, higher education, banking, healthcare, and more.
Sample Alumni Job Titles
- Foreign Affairs Officer
- Government Administration Consultant
- Defense and National Security Research Manager
- Energy Policy Analyst
- OFAC Sanctions Officer
- Congressman, Chamber of Deputies of Chile
- Humanitarian Affairs Officer
- Chief of Congressional and Media Affairs
Sample Alumni Employers
- Amazon
- American Red Cross
- Boeing
- UNICEF
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Energy
- United Nations
- Wells Fargo
Sample Doctoral Programs
Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue further studies at other nationally ranked institutions, including:
- Boston College
- Georgetown University
- Northeastern University
- Pace University
Program Benefits
Experience a rigorous curriculum. 98% of recent graduates would recommend the program.
Access career advising and other services through Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success.
Complete an in-depth thesis or capstone project.
Explore paid research opportunities through the Faculty Aide Program.
Become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
If money and time were not an issue in life, I would be forever a student in this school. I will describe it as an audition. It is hard. You will work a lot. ... But in the end when you get that degree, you'll understand that you've gotten the role of your life.
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in the field of Government, '24
