Master of Arts in Government

Bring about meaningful change and advance your career with a master’s degree in government. This flexible program equips you with practical skills for solving today’s governmental, political, and policymaking challenges.

If you’re looking to make a difference in Washington, D.C., impact lives across the United States, or effect change around the world, you may benefit from deepening your knowledge of politics and government.

The Johns Hopkins Master of Arts in Government program, based in the most politically connected city in the world, combines theory with the practical skills needed for today’s evolving workplace.

Learn, collaborate, and network with a community of peers coming from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Our students work in leadership positions on Capitol Hill, at government agencies, and in the private and nonprofit sectors.

Advance Your Career

Whether you are looking to take your existing career to the next level or change direction, the MA in Government program will deepen your understanding, broaden your skills, and allow you to make a profound impact on the political system—and in your professional life.

Study on Your Terms

The program offers a flexible schedule with start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. You can attend evening classes in Washington, D.C., or take some or all of your courses online.

This 36-credit Master of Arts degree is composed of three required core courses, one customizable core course, and eight elective courses. Within the required core courses is the culminating experience of a Research and Thesis III course. In addition, you can choose to pursue one of the three optional Areas of Concentration, including:

• Democracy Studies and Governance
• Political Communications
• Security Studies

• Johns Hopkins University ranked #15 in the 2023 Times Higher Education world university rankings.
• Johns Hopkins University ranked #7 in the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report national rankings.

This Career Outlook combines extensive labor market data to help you evaluate the careers that match your strengths and interests, and where those careers are thriving. Please explore the national, state, and regional data, as you compare the careers related to this program.

Occupations

Showing list of job titles from most popular to least.

• Legislators
• Political Scientists
• Budget Analysts
• Fundraisers
• Public Relations Managers
• Media Programming Directors
• News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
• Survey Researchers
• Regulatory Affairs Managers
• Compliance Managers
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists
• Labor Relations Specialists
• Climate Change Policy Analysts
• Urban and Regional Planners
• Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
• Social and Community Service Managers

Data Source: Industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth data are supplied by Lightcast. Economic and workforce information adjusts based on the selected geographic region and may include estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is not available. Johns Hopkins University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.