Non-GW students applying as a freshman

High school students may apply to study in SMPA by indicating their wishes on the general application to the university. Although students will generally not begin taking SMPA courses until they are sophomores, applicants learn about whether they have been admitted to SMPA at the same they learn about admission to the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at GW.

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GW students applying for a SMPA major

Once on the campus, any GW sophomore already in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences may apply directly to SMPA by submitting an essay, an application form, a declaration form, and a transcript to the school. Deadlines for applications usually occur about the fourth week of the fall and spring semesters. Students who were turned down as high school applicants are free to apply again and will have equal standing with other applicants. A sophomore who is not accepted may apply a second time. Applications are accepted anytime but must be received by the posted deadline each semester to be considered for the following semester. Deadlines will be posted at the beginning of each semester. Please submit applications or questions to the SMPA front desk in MPA 400.

Sophomore applicants for the Journalism and Mass Communication major must take SMPA 2110, Introduction to Newswriting and Reporting, either before applying for the major or be currently registered. They must also earn a grade of B or better in SMPA 2110 to be admitted to the Journalism and Mass Communications major. 

Journalism and Mass Comm. Application →

Political Communication Application →

Dual Degree Programs

A dual-degree program is available for undergraduate students in Political Communication or Journalism and Mass Communication interested in pursing an MA in Media and Public Affairs. The program allows students to complete the MA degree in less time at a considerable tuition savings.

SMPA has also joined with the Graduate School of Political Management to offer our undergraduates the opportunity to pursue a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management along with their BA.

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