Overview

Key features

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.f

The degree includes 12 courses, three of which are taken on campus.

Get started. You begin by completing three stipulated degree courses as outlined on the degree requirements page. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and ability to perform well as a Harvard student.

Apply to the program. While you are completing your third degree course, you submit the admission application. We have application cycles in the fall, spring, and summer.

Continue your studies, online and on campus. As you progress through the program, you choose from courses offered on campus or online, year round in the fall, spring, or summer. To fully experience Harvard, you take at least three courses on campus.

Thesis option. If you choose this option, you'll work one-on-one with a thesis director to conduct in-depth research on a topic relevant to your work experience or academic interests, producing publishable quality results. You’ll emerge with a solid understanding of how scholarly research is executed and communicated.

Capstone option. For the capstone option, you work with a capstone instructor and in community with fellow candidates to craft a policy, historical, or community-based analysis on a topic of your choice. The final paper will represent the caliber of writing and research evident in peer-reviewed academic journals.

Graduate with your Harvard degree. You participate in the annual Harvard Commencement, receiving your Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Government.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Comparative Politics
American Government—A New Perspective
International Conflict and Cooperation
Political Science Research Methods
Cyberpolitics
The Politics of Citizenship and Naturalization
Preventive Measures: International Peace and Security Challenges.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-27 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-04-15 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

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PTE Academic

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Duolingo English Test

125

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Credits

48 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Public Policy Political Science View 305 other Masters in Political Science in United States

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

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Academic requirements

GPA

3 _{(recommended)}

English requirements

IELTS

Book an IELTS test now!

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

Start preparing for IELTS with Free Practice Tests.

Other requirements

General requirements

To begin the admission process, you complete:

Proseminar: Research Methods and Scholarly Writing in the Social Sciences
To register, you must pass the critical reading and writing skills test or earn a B or higher in the relevant expository writing course.

You need to earn the minimum grade of B in a maximum of two registration attempts. The proseminar cannot be more than two years old at the time of application.
One government course

One government course or elective.

While the three courses don't need to be taken in a particular order or in the same semester, we highly recommend that you start with the proseminar. All three courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher, without letting your overall Harvard cumulative GPA dip below 3.0.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Harvard University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

38640 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 38640 USD for the full programme during 12 months.
National

38640 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 38640 USD for the full programme during 12 months.
In-State

38640 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 38640 USD for the full programme during 12 months.

Living costs for Cambridge

1814 - 3756 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing Loans for studying in the USA & Canada - no co-signer or credit check!

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DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service. 2022 © MPOWER Financing, Public Benefit Corporation NMLS ID #1233542. 1101 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Government.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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