BA in Government

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Harvard University

Program Overview

Harvard’s undergraduate Government concentration gives students the opportunity to explore how political systems work, how governments make decisions, and how political ideas shape societies around the world. It is ideal for students interested in politics, public policy, international relations, law, and leadership who want to strengthen their research, analytical, and communication skills while examining real-world political challenges.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

Students explore a broad range of subjects before formally choosing their concentration. Introductory Government courses may include Foundations of Political Thought, Foundations of Comparative Politics, American Government: A New Perspective, and International Conflict and Cooperation in the Modern World. These courses introduce students to political ideas, government institutions, and international affairs.

Second Year

Students declaring Government take Gov 97: Sophomore Tutorial in Government, which introduces them to the department’s academic expectations and approaches to political research. They also complete a methods course, usually Gov 50: Data Science for the Social Sciences, and begin studying the four main subfields: political theory, comparative government, American politics, and international relations.

Third Year

Students deepen their understanding of political systems through courses across the four subfields and a selection of Government electives. They also take an undergraduate seminar, such as a Gov 94 course, which allows them to investigate a political question in greater depth and develop their research and discussion skills. Approved courses at the Harvard Kennedy School may count toward certain concentration requirements.

Fourth Year

Students continue advanced coursework and can focus on the political questions that interest them most. Those following the honors track complete Gov 99: Senior Tutorial across two terms and write a senior thesis, giving them the opportunity to conduct independent research and develop a substantial academic project. The standard track does not require a senior thesis.

Focus Areas

American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy, political economy, data science, technology and politics, law and justice.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse political institutions, evaluate public policies, understand international affairs, interpret political data, build evidence-based arguments, and communicate complex ideas clearly. They also strengthen their research, critical-thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Harvard’s Government concentration is an academic program in political science rather than a professionally licensed degree. The university does not identify a specific professional accreditation for this undergraduate concentration. Instead, the program develops transferable skills relevant to public service, policy analysis, law, research, journalism, and related fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Harvard’s Department of Government is recognised by the university as a centre for political science teaching and research. Graduates pursue careers at academic institutions, companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organisations. A verified employment rate or employability ranking specifically for Government concentrators was not identified in the official sources reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students can connect their studies to real political and policy challenges through faculty-led research, internships, study abroad, and specialised seminars. Harvard’s Department of Government offers opportunities to explore political issues beyond the classroom, build research skills, and gain experience in public service, international affairs, and policy-related work.

Practical learning opportunities include:

Faculty-led research: Through Gov 92r, students can participate in supervised research projects with Government faculty and earn academic credit.
Government internships: The department supports selected summer internships through its Chair’s Traveling Fund and connections with Harvard centres. Opportunities may include research institutes, think tanks, nonprofit organisations, and international organisations.
Experiential Study: Students undertaking eligible work or internship experiences may complete Experiential Study 1r, a one-credit course that includes a portfolio related to their experience.
Harvard Kennedy School courses: Students can take approved Kennedy School courses toward certain Government concentration requirements, gaining exposure to public policy and governance.
Study abroad: Harvard-affiliated international programs allow students to experience different political systems and cultures. Eligible coursework may count toward Government electives with prior approval.
Research methods: Courses such as Gov 50: Data Science for the Social Sciences and Gov 51: Data Analysis and Politics help students build quantitative and analytical skills for political research.
Specialised academic pathways: Students can explore optional curricular programs in Public Policy, Political Economy, Data Science, Tech Science, and Law and Justice to develop expertise in a particular area of political study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Harvard Government graduates can pursue careers in public service, political research, policy development, law, business, education, media, and nonprofit organisations. The concentration develops analytical reasoning, research, writing, and communication skills that can be applied across many professional settings.

Possible career paths include:

Policy Analyst
Legislative or Political Research Assistant
Government Affairs Associate
International Relations or Public Affairs Specialist

Students can prepare for these careers through Harvard’s academic, research, and career-development resources:

Career support: The Mignone Center for Career Success offers career advising, internship and job-search support, career fairs, and guidance for graduate and professional school applications. Students can also explore public service opportunities through Harvard’s Center for Public Service and Engaged Scholarship.
Employment statistics and salaries: Harvard College provides graduate-outcome resources, but a verified employment rate or salary figure specifically for Government concentrators was not identified in the official sources reviewed. Salaries vary depending on the role, sector, location, and level of experience.
Research and professional connections: The Government Department works with Harvard centres to support selected internship opportunities. Students may also explore opportunities through the Harvard Kennedy School and the Institute of Politics, which connects students with political activities and public-service experiences.
Professional recognition: The concentration does not lead directly to a professional licence. Its value comes from developing transferable skills and providing a strong academic foundation for careers in policy, public service, research, and related fields.
Graduation outcomes: The department reports that graduates work at academic institutions, companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organisations. Harvard College also provides guidance for students pursuing employment, public service, graduate study, and professional school.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue a Master of Public Policy, Master of Public Administration, or master's degrees in international relations or political science. Those interested in academic research may pursue a research-focused master's degree or PhD in political science, while students interested in legal careers can apply to law school. Students aiming for business leadership may consider an MBA after gaining relevant experience. Harvard’s career and graduate-school advising services can help students explore suitable programs and prepare their applications.