Curriculum
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"Graduate
study at Hopkins is more than an education; it's an experience.
Here is where some of the world's best students interact with
some of the world's best teachers. In receiving my Master's in
Government, I learned a good deal about politics, and even more
about myself. " |
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The curriculum of the Hopkins Master of Arts in Government program is designed for working adult students who have specialized skills in a particular field and desire the broader perspective necessary for leadership in politics and administration. The courses are based on the latest scholarly and scientific knowledge, but emphasize the application of such knowledge to practical governmental, political, and policymaking problems of today. Classes are designed to maximize individual attention, encourage student contribution, build analytical skills, and provide the tools for engaging in original research. All of this leads to lively and stimulating seminar discussions and an enriching graduate school experience. There is an active speaker and seminar calendar of events as well and students are required to attend three such events each term.
Throughout their studies, students consider possible topics and gather relevant information and data so that early in their final semester they can complete their research and begin writing the thesis. Students take the two core courses, Government and Politics in the United States and Methods of Social Inquiry, which introduce the basic tenets of government and politics and the methodology of social inquiry. Students continue through the program preparing for their master's thesis which is the tenth and final course in their academic work.
There are now three concentrations offered in the Government Program: The concentration in Law and Justice provides a focus in the Government program for students in areas particularly affected by law enforcement issues. The concentration in Political Communication provides students with the opportunity to study with practitioners in the field: reporters, political operatives, journalists, and campaign and news and media professionals. The concentration in Homeland Security covers the fundamentals of administering and preserving American security.
Visit the concentration page for a detailed listing of elective courses.