MA in Government Admission and Application Requirements
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited US college or university, or equivalent international credential
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
How to Apply
Advanced Academic Programs accepts applications year-round for fall, spring, or summer semesters, so, there is no application deadline. Submitting your application materials at least 6 weeks before the desired start date is recommended. International students should apply at least 3 months before the semester starts.
- Complete the Online Application.
- Gather and upload the required supporting materials.
- Submit the application along with the $75 application fee.
Required Supporting Materials
Please include any full- or part-time work, internships, and relevant volunteer history. Be sure to detail your educational background and any previous responsibilities related to your intended program.
Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs accepts official transcripts that are electronically sent directly from the granting institution and emailed to aapadmissions@jhu.edu. If your institution does not provide electronic transcripts, request that your institution send an official transcript directly to:
Johns Hopkins University
Advanced Academic Programs
851 Trafalgar Court
Suite 420 West
Maitland, FL 32751
In 1-2 pages, please share with us why you are interested in pursuing the MA in Government degree. Discuss your interest in studying the theory and practice of government and politics, your analytical skills, and a plan of study.
Please identify two individuals, such as professors or supervisors, who can verify your professional and/or academic accomplishments. Submit your recommenders’ contact information within your online application. They will be emailed automatically with instructions to access the system and provide their recommendations.
Please submit a research-focused writing sample of 5 to 10 pages. This writing sample should demonstrate your ability to make and support an argument.
If you do not have an existing research-focused writing sample to submit, you may write a 5-page paper responding to the following:
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.” – James Madison, Federalist 51
In this well-known quote, Madison points towards the age-old problem of reconciling democracy and political power. Discuss this problem in reference to some recent policy issues or political events, citing at least three references.
Additional Considerations
Applicants who received their bachelor’s degree in a country outside of the United States or have international coursework are required to provide a course-by-course credential evaluation. Studying abroad may be exempt.
If English is your second language, you may be required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination. Please note this program requires a minimum online TOEFL test score of 100.
Take the Next Step
Broaden your perspective of national and global governments and position yourself leadership careers in politics and administration.