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 equip students 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.
Our curriculum exposes you to 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.
Through the master’s degree in government, you will:
- 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.
Program Benefits
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Customizable online curriculum with stackable certificate options
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Expert instructors, including faculty from Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences
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Personalized academic and career advising
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A faculty-supported thesis or applied research project
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Paid research opportunities supporting faculty
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Harvard Alumni Association membership upon graduation
Customizable Course Curriculum
Our curriculum is flexible in pace and customizable by design. You’ll experience the convenience of online learning and the immersive benefits of learning in person. And you’ll choose courses that fit your schedule and align with your career goals.
In the program’s core courses, you’ll deepen your knowledge of essential government policies, institutions, and systems. Sample core courses include:
- Deliberative Justice: The Theory and Practice of Good Citizenship
- International Conflict and Cooperation
- Democracy: Breakthroughs and Breakdowns
You’ll build on that foundation by selecting elective courses that enable you to focus on the areas that are most important to you. Sample electives include:
- Urban Development Policy
- Sustainability Leadership for the Twenty-First Century
- Power and Privilege in Systems
11 Online Courses
- Synchronous and asynchronous formats
- Fall, spring, January, and summer options
On-Campus Experience
Join faculty and peers in person for Engaging in Scholarly Conversation, which you can take in either:
- 2 weekends
- A 3-week summer session
See course spotlight.
Capstone or Thesis Track
Choose the track that fits your goals:
- Thesis: features a 9-month independent research project with a faculty advisor
- Capstone: includes exploring a topic and completing a project in a classroom community
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program.
First, you’ll register for and complete 3 required courses, earning at least a B in each. These foundational courses are investments in your studies and count toward your degree, helping ensure success in the program.
Alternative admissions pathway: you may choose to earn the Harvard Kennedy School Public Leadership Credential as part of your admissions path.
Upcoming Terms: Summer 2025 & Fall 2025
You can enroll in your first admission course this summer or fall. Course registration opens March 3 for summer and in mid-July for fall.
To get started, explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.
Earning a 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:
A Faculty of Government Experts
Studying at Harvard Extension School means learning from the world’s best. Our instructors are renowned academics in politics, government, social justice, and more. They bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Our Community at a Glance
Our students in the Government Master’s Degree Program are established professionals looking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers. In fact, 65% have over 15 years of experience and work across a variety of industries.
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37
Average Age
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1–2
Courses Taken Each Semester
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82%
Work Full Time
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98%
Would Recommend the Program
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65%
Professional Experience in the Field
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Most
Pursued for Career Advancement
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.
Some alumni continue their educational journeys and pursue further studies in other nationally ranked degree programs, including those at Boston College, Georgetown University, Northeastern University, and Pace University.
Our alumni hold such titles as:
- 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
Our alumni work at a variety of leading organizations, including:
- Amazon
- American Red Cross
- Boeing
- UNICEF
- US Department of Defense
- US Department of Energy
- United Nations
- Wells Fargo
Career Advising and Mentorship
Whatever your career goals, we’re here to support you. Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, employment opportunities, Harvard alumni mentor connections, and career fairs.
Your Harvard University Degree
Upon successful completion of the required curriculum, you will earn the Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Field: Government.
Expand Your Connections: the Harvard Alumni Network
As a graduate, you’ll become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
Be prepared to work hard for that certificate or degree, while at the same time not wanting it to ever end.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $4,330 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $40,080 |
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.
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
Coffee Chat: All About Liberal Arts Programs at HES
Are you interested in learning more about liberal arts graduate degree programs at Harvard Extension School? Attendees joined us for an informational webinar where they had the opportunity to connect with program directors, academic advisors, and alumni.
FAQs
What can you do with a master’s degree in government?
With a master’s degree in government, you can leverage your advanced knowledge of government systems, political theories, and public policy-making processes to pursue a variety of career paths in both the public and private sectors. You could lend your unique expertise to your local government, the courtroom, or even the classroom.
Is a master’s degree in government useful?
For those who are passionate about government and policy, this degree can be a rewarding and valuable investment. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of government institutions, public policy, and political systems, which can become essential insight for many different careers and industries.
How long does it take to complete the government graduate program?
Program length is ordinarily anywhere between 2 and 5 years. It depends on your preferred pace and the number of courses you want to take each semester.
For an accelerated journey, we offer year round study, where you can take courses in fall, January, spring, and summer.
While we don’t require you to register for a certain number of courses each semester, you cannot take longer than 5 years to complete the degree.
What skills do you need prior to applying for the government graduate program?
Harvard Extension School does not require any specific skills prior to applying, but in general, it’s helpful to have solid understanding of the U.S. government and possess reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Initial eligibility requirements can be found on our government degree requirements page.
