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Government Master’s Degree Program

  • Earn Your Way In

    Excel in 3 Degree Courses to Qualify for Admission

  • Format

    Online and On Campus

  • Average Course Tuition

    $3,100

  • Total Number of Courses

    12

Front view of The White House in Washington, DC

Explore the institutions of government, politics, policy, and the systems used to govern communities and nation-states.

In this graduate degree program, you gain a deeper understanding of the complex role of governmental organizations within society.

What You'll Learn

Through the master’s degree in the field of government you:

  • Build an understanding of government’s role in relation to economics, education, ethics, history, law, philosophy, and sociology.
  • Gain crucial theoretical and practical insights into governance and other challenges of governmental and nongovernmental administration.
  • Explore political practice and theory, and analyze political behavior, cultures, and systems.
  • Earn an optional certificate in American literature and culture, international relations, international security, nuclear deterrence, or social justice.

Your Harvard Degree
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Government.

Getting Started: Admissions and Degree Requirements

At Harvard Extension School, your admission is based largely on your performance in three specific Harvard Extension courses that you complete before submitting an application.

To get started, we invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Choose your admissions pathway. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.

Our Community at a Glance

Your government degree peers are putting their global understanding and policy training to work in a variety of public service, corporate, and nonprofit industries.

  • 38

    Average Age

  • 1

    Average Courses Taken Each Semester

  • 73%

    Work Full Time

  • 96%

    Would Recommend the Program

  • 69%

    Professional Experience in the Field

  • Most

    Pursued for Career Advancement

Be prepared to work hard for that certificate or degree, while at the same time not wanting it to ever end.

Cost and Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

Our Tuition (2022–23 rate) $3,100 per 4-credit course. ($775 per credit)
Average Tuition of Peer Institutions $5,476 per course
Average Total Cost $37,200

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Webinar: Program Information Session

Are you considering graduate studies in international relations, government, or history?

Watch this on-demand webinar to learn more about the master’s degree programs in these fields.

Watch the Webinar
four professionals standing on government steps