Frequently Asked Questions about the School of Media and Public Affairs

Where is the School of Media and Public Affairs?

The Media and Public Affairs (MPA) building is located at 805 21st Street, N.W. on the corner of 21st and H Streets on GW's Foggy Bottom campus. The administrative offices for the School of Media and Public Affairs are located on the fourth floor of the MPA building. Click here for a map or driving directions to the School.

How do I contact the School of Media and Public Affairs?

School of Media and Public Affairs, The George Washington University, 805 21st Street, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C., 20052

Phone: (202) 994-6227; Fax: (202) 994-5806

E-mail: smpa@gwu.edu

I'm a prospective student. How can I make arrangements to visit SMPA?

Undergraduate: To meet with a current student or an advisor who can answer questions about SMPA programs, call (202) 994-6227 or e-mail smpa@gwu.edu to schedule an appointment. If you have never been to the GW campus, you will want to contact the Visitor Center to arrange a campus tour and interview with GW Undergraduate Admissions at (202) 994-6602. During business hours, call 1-800-447-3765 to be transferred to the Visitor Center.

Click here for more information on visiting GW.  

Master's: Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator at (202) 994-8137 or smpa2@gwu.edu to arrange a visit.

What degree programs are offered at SMPA?

The School of Media and Public Affairs offers two undergraduate degree programs in Journalism and Political Communication and a Master's degree in Media and Public Affairs. SMPA also offers students a five-year BA/MA program through a partnership with GW's Graduate School of Political Management.

How can I request application materials?

Undergraduate: For an undergraduate application visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/adm/apply/.  Click here to request a brochure on SMPA programs.

Master?s: Click here to receive an information packet on the Master?s in Media and Public Affairs program.

How much does it cost to attend SMPA?

GW Tuition and Fees for the 2004-2004 academic year can be found online at the Office of Student Accounts.

Is there financial aid for SMPA students?

Yes. Most of the financial aid available to graduate and undergraduate students is handled through the university?s Financial Aid Office. Opportunities from outside organizations are also publicized to our students throughout the year.  

Master?s students can also apply to become a Graduate Teaching Assistant for SMPA. For more information contact the program director at smpa2@gwu.edu.

How will I know that I have been accepted for admission to SMPA?

You will receive a letter of acceptance from the director of the SMPA program to which you applied. Undergraduate applicants: Please be aware that the acceptance letter from the Columbian College at GW only guarantees admission to the College of Arts and Sciences; it does not guarantee admission to the School of Media and Public Affairs.

What is the relationship between GW?s Columbian College and SMPA?

The School of Media and Public Affairs is a division within the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at The George Washington University. 

How do I locate SMPA faculty, staff or students?

You may search the GW Online Directory for contact info on SMPA faculty, staff or students.

For faculty contact information and bios, search the SMPA Faculty Directory.

For alumni: How can I locate a former SMPA classmate?

The GW Alumni Association provides ways for alumni to locate former classmates.

I?m a journalist. How do I locate SMPA faculty members for comments?

The media guide provides background and contact information on SMPA faculty members.

Contact Eric Solomon at University Relations, (202) 994-3087 or solomone@gwu.edu for assistance in locating the right faculty member to provide comments for your story.

How many faculty members are at SMPA?

There are 18 full-time and 32 adjunct faculty members who teach in SMPA?s undergraduate and Master?s programs. Adjunct faculty members are typically experts who work full-time in their respective fields and teach classes developed around their areas of expertise on a part-time basis for the School.

Who is the Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs?

Professor Steven Livingston is the Interim Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs. Click here for his bio.

What is SMPA?s mission?

The mission of the School of Media and Public Affairs is to investigate and teach how ideas and information are communicated through media and how media content and institutions function as a central ingredient of a democratic society. Our commitment is to combine a liberal arts foundation with professional skills and experiences for our students.

We believe that theory and practice cannot be separated, and that viewing them together provides the perspective that enables students to understand the relationships between media and the various institutions of public life -- government, education, corporations and associations. Increasingly, this means a commitment to technological sophistication as our students are required to communicate in converged multimedia environments.

How can I find out about SMPA events?

Check out the calendar for the latest SMPA events and activities.

How do I get tickets for CNN?s Crossfire at GW?

Crossfire tickets are available at TicketMaster in the Marvin Center. Click here for details on tickets and guests. CNN?s Crossfire airs in front of a live studio audience weekdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Jack Morton Auditorium located on the first floor of the Media and Public Affairs building (805 21^st Street, N.W.).

Does SMPA rent out its facilities?

Yes. The 258-seat Jack Morton Auditorium, located on the first floor of the Media and Public Affairs building is available. Click here for venue information.

Where can I report problems encountered on this Web site?

Please report any problems or difficulties you?ve encountered on this site to the SMPA Webmaster at smpa@gwu.edu.