Modality
On Campus
Program URL
https://government.georgetown.edu/maag/
The M.A. in American Government is an accelerated, one-year program in which students gain both practical experience and political science knowledge. Students in the program learn political science theories about American Government and then apply those theories in a practicum setting in government or government-related organizations.
Academic Policies
The academic and procedures of the American Government program are those specified in Georgetown University’s Bulletin.
The program is sequenced over three semesters: fall, spring and summer.
Students take a total of ten graduate courses in the Government Department. This includes five electives (at least three of which should be in the American Government subfield) and five required classes: Approaches/Topics in American Politics, Analysis of Political Data, M.A. Capstone I and II Seminars on Leadership and Process in American Government and the M.A. Writing Seminar.
In addition, students are required to participate in a 7 month practicum experience, where they are apprentice practitioners in a public or private sector position related to their particular interests and to American Government and Politics more broadly. The practicum is designed to prepare students for future careers in their chosen field.
The program culminates with the writing of a major applied research paper on a topic related to the practicum experience.
Fall Semester: 12 Credit Hours (4 Courses)
Required (2 courses):
GOVT-5001: Analysis of Political Data
GOVT-5200: Approaches/Topics in Am. Politics
Fall Electives (Choose 2):
May include:
GOVT 6223: Congressional Politics
GOVT 6229: Executive Branch Politics and Policy Making
Spring Semester: 12 Credit Hours (4 Courses) + 20 hours/week Practicum
Required (1 course):
GOVT-7951 MA Capstone: Practicum Workshop
Spring Electives (Choose 3):
May include:
GOVT 6233 Women and Leadership
GOVT 5227 Policy and the Business of Government
GOVT 4202 Political Speechwriting
GOVT 6228 Int. Groups & Social Movements
*Students also choose a department elective outside of the American Government field
Summer Term: 6 Credit Hours + 25- 30 Hour per week Practicum
Required (2 courses) in Summer Session
GOVT 5224: Leadership Seminar
GOVT 5222: Practicum Writing Course
Practicum Paper Due
Practicum Ends
Program Completion Celebratory Dinner
Program Requirements
Students must complete five required courses and five electives, for a total of 10 courses, or 30 credits. A typical course of study is outlined below.
Plan of Study Grid
| Fall |
|---|
| GOVT 5001 |
Analysis of Political Data |
3 |
| GOVT 5200 |
Approaches/Topics in US Politi |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| Spring |
|---|
| GOVT 7951 |
MA Capstone:Practicum Workshop |
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
| | Credits | 12 |
| Summer |
|---|
| GOVT 5224 |
MA Leadership Seminar |
3 |
| GOVT 5222 |
MA Capstone II:Practicum Writ |
3 |
| | Credits | 6 |
| | Total Credits | 30 |
Students work 30 hours/week in their practicum placements
Required Examinations
In lieu of comprehensive exams, students present a proposal for their practicum paper at the end of the Spring semester.
Thesis Requirements
In lieu of a thesis, students write a practicum paper during their final term. This paper applies political science theories to a topic related to the student’s practicum placement.
