An internationally recognized center for research and teaching in political and international communication, the Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) program at George Washington University offers a M.A. for students seeking a rigorous grounding in theoretical, research and practical issues related to strategic political communication.

This program is designed to provide solid training for an array of professions, including the following: public and non-profit management; government media relations; advocacy communication; political public relations and consulting; media; public opinion and policy analysis; and academia. The SMPA M.A. curriculum builds on four core courses that provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interaction among media, communication and political processes, as well as research and media production skills. Beyond the core courses, students work closely with faculty advisors to develop expertise on specific issues in the field of media and politics. All M.A. classes are offered during weeknights to allow students the option of working full-time while enrolled in the program.

Besides elective courses offered by SMPA, students can take classes in GW's renowned departments and schools including such top-ranked programs as American Studies, International Business, International Affairs, Law, Political Science, and Public Policy and Administration. To complete the program, students need to conduct a capstone project. Three options are offered: to write a thesis, develop a strategic communication project, or produce a media/journalism project. Students work in their capstone project during the second year with an advisor and two committee members.

Many of our students come with post-college professional experience, and many continue working in salaried or unpaid internship positions while studying. Recently, SMPA students have worked at CNN, CBS, APCO Worldwide Consulting, the federal government and Media Matters.

Graduates have gone on to positions at government institutions like the State Department, Department of Defense, and the U.S. Senate, as well as private companies like the Pew Research Center, Hart Research, Media Matters, and Politico. Some have been admitted to PhD programs at GW, University of North Carolina, the University of Pennsylvania, and Georgetown University.

Our program has a limited number of financial aid packages in the form of tuition support and teaching or research assistantships, which are assigned on the basis of merit. Applicants will be considered for financial aid during the regular admissions process. Applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must apply by mid-January.

To schedule a class visit or to ask additional questions, please email us at smpagrad@gwu.edu.

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Watch our online webinar to learn more about the program. Clicking below will take you to an external website to watch the presentation.

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In this overview video, see interviews with alumni and faculty including:
 Robert Entman, winner of the American Political Science Association's Murray Edelman Distinguished Career Achievement Award; Silvio Waisbord, editor of the International Journal of Press/Politics; and Steven Livingston, author of When The Press Fails: Political Power and the News Media from Iraq to Katrina.

 

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