MA in Government and Politics

Earn your Master of Arts degree in Government and Politics with a concentration in International Relations at St. John’s University’s beautiful Rome Campus, which features a diverse, international student body. Studying abroad in Rome will allow you to prepare yourself for the global arena; learn about international business and political issues; participate in internships at UN agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and embassies; thrive in a comfortable and supportive academic environment; enjoy new experiences; and cultivate life-long friendships with other students from all over the world. As a graduate student on the Rome campus, you’ll have the best of both worlds: the opportunity to earn a degree from an American university while living in a major European center of government, politics, international organizations, and multinational corporations.

The 33-credit M.A. program offers a comprehensive study of the institutions, theories, and political processes of international governments and organizations. In the program, which is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the New York State Department, you’ll develop the analytical and research skills necessary to excel in a career in International Relations. You’ll become an expert in composing policy briefs and reports, drafting and evaluating project proposals, resolutions, and public statements, as well as completing in-depth evaluations of global events and trends. The program will prepare you for an array of opportunities in the civil or foreign services, positions of political or administrative responsibility in the public or private sector, careers in education, or for further study as a doctoral or law student.

As part of the program, you can also earn an 18-credit certificate in International Law and Diplomacy, which you can complete in conjunction with the M.A., after completing the M.A., or independently.

Once admitted to the Rome M.A. in Government and Politics, you’ll also have the opportunity to study for one or more semesters at our main campus in Queens, NY. The flexibility of the program allows you study on both campuses interchangeably. You may also enroll in intersession destination courses as they are available.

Program Requirements

You can complete the M.A. in Government and Politics in one year of full-time study, including summer study. Graduate courses on the Rome campus are offered in fall, spring, and summer sessions, with each session divided into two quarters. The courses are scheduled in the evening or online to accommodate students who are working or doing internships. You may enroll in up to two classes per quarter; online classes span two quarters to cover a whole session.

• GOV 205 Modern Political Research
• GOV 164 Foundations of International Relations
• At least 3 courses from their I.A. Major track
• At least 2 courses from their I.A. Minor track
• Remaining 3 courses from any I.A. course offerings

Comprehensive Exam

During your last semester in the program, after the completion of at least 24 credits, you will be asked to sit for a comprehensive examination to test your knowledge in your concentration.

Admission

Application Requirements

• Complete and submit the online application or print out a paper application, complete it and follow the instructions to submit it.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit official university transcripts and degree conferrals/diplomas. Certified English translations must be submitted with transcripts and diplomas. Transcripts must be submitted from each institution attended.
• Submit the Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS examination score to demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants from the following countries do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Dominica, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, Trinidad/Tobago, United Kingdom and U.S. Pacific Trust (SJU campus code: 0132).
• Submit two letters of recommendation from instructors in the proposed area of specialization.
• Submit a personal statement describing your reason for pursuing graduate study and leadership objectives in 300 to 350 words. Your statement of goals should briefly, but meaningfully, introduce yourself and describe what you hope to achieve by earning a graduate degree at St. John's.
• Application fee of $70 USD.

Scholarships

Students enrolling at the Rome campus are offered scholarships based on scholastic achievement, evidence of work experience, and financial need. To be considered for a Rome scholarship, you must apply directly to the Assistant Dean in Rome.

Career Outcomes

Internships and Career Placement

In Rome, you’ll have the opportunity to take advantage of unique internship opportunities, thanks to relationships that our faculty and administrators maintain with several international organizations, multinational organizations, and government and non-governmental agencies. You can receive up to three credits for internships once you have completed at least 12 credits of coursework for the M.A., and we encourage all students in the program to do at least one internship. In Rome, our students have interned with the United Nations World Food Program, the U.S. Embassy, the International Development and Law Organization, and Save the Children Italia, among many other placements.

These internship opportunities have led to career paths for many of our students, and our graduates have fulfilling jobs around the globe in a variety of fields including the Civil or Foreign Service; the United Nations; policy think-tanks, international NGOs; major multinational corporations; and dynamic start-up companies. Some graduates from the program have also gone on to law and doctoral programs in political science or related fields.