John Hopkins University

What you'll study

The programme centres on core areas of political science—American politics, comparative politics, international relations and political theory—alongside intensive training in research design and quantitative methods. Typical course types include seminars in specialised substantive topics, applied methods courses (statistics, causal inference, survey research), and advanced seminars on topics such as political behaviour, parties and elections, institutions and governance, public policy, conflict and security, and political economy.

Students generally follow a mix of required core courses and electives. Typical modules and classes you might encounter are:

• Research Design and Methods – introductory and advanced courses in statistics, causal inference and experimental methods.
• Comparative Politics – comparative institutions, democratization, political development and regional specialisms.
• American Politics and Public Policy – institutions, public opinion, policy analysis and legislative politics.
• International Relations and Security – theories of international politics, foreign policy analysis and security studies.
• Political Theory – contemporary and classical political thought and normative analysis.
• Advanced Seminars – small-group seminars focused on current research and debates in specific subfields.
• Capstone or Thesis – many students complete an original research project or thesis under faculty supervision; there are also capstone options oriented to applied policy work.

The programme emphasises empirical research skills, with opportunities to engage in faculty research projects, practicum placements, or internships with policy organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognised institution. Typical application components include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation. A writing sample that demonstrates analytical ability is often recommended.

Standardised tests such as the GRE may be required or optional depending on the department’s current admissions policy; international applicants will usually need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests unless exempt. Admissions committees look for evidence of quantitative aptitude for applicants planning to specialise in empirical methods, as well as clear research interests and preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a wide range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Research and academic careers, including progression to doctoral programmes and positions as research assistants or analysts in university research centres.
• Public sector and government roles at local, state and national levels, including policy analysis, legislative staff positions and public administration.
• Think tanks, policy institutes and NGOs, where graduates work on policy research, advocacy and programme evaluation.
• International organisations and diplomacy, including roles in multilateral institutions and foreign service.
• Private sector opportunities in consulting, political risk analysis, market research and data analytics that draw on quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Media and communications roles that require subject-matter expertise in politics and public affairs.

The strong methodological training also makes graduates competitive for data-driven roles beyond traditional political science careers.

Why study at John Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins offers a research-intensive environment with faculty who are active scholars across multiple subfields of political science. Students benefit from rigorous methodological training and access to interdisciplinary centres and policy institutes across the university, which foster collaboration with international affairs, public health and data science experts.

Situated near major policy hubs and with institutional links to resources in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, the university provides ample internship, practicum and networking opportunities with government agencies, think tanks and NGOs. Small seminar sizes and a strong mentorship culture mean students receive close supervision on research projects and thesis work.

Finally, extensive library and data resources, regular research seminars and speaker series, and pathways to further study or professional placement make the programme well suited to students aiming for rigorous research training or careers at the intersection of politics and public policy.