Our Programs

SMPA student holding a video camera, filming something

Undergraduate Programs

Students can apply to major in either Journalism and Mass Communication or Political Communication. Both programs offer a critical mix of theory and practice to understand the rapidly evolving media environment. We also offer a minor in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Graduate student taking notes in classroom

Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs prepare students for the evolving communications landscape with a combination of core courses in theory and media skills. Students develop a tailored foundation for careers in advocacy, government, media relations, public opinion, journalism or academia.

Andrew Desiderio

Andrew Desiderio

Class of 2017
Major: Journalism & Mass Communication

I knew I wanted to be a reporter and I thought the best place to cover politics would be at a school that teaches it in the intersection of media and government. 

Our Headlines

Samantha Cookinham outside the New York Times Building

Class Assignment: Work with The New York Times


When I enrolled in the Audience Development course, I never imagined that I would spend the semester working with The New York Times to launch a new section.

Samantha Cookinham
B.A. '20, Journalism and Mass Communication

Colleen Connors and Howard Opinsky

2019 Colonial Valentines: Colleen & Howard

February 14, 2019
Given their academic interests and pursuits, it was inevitable that Colleen Connors, B.A. ’91, and Howard Opinsky, B.A. ’91, would cross paths at GW.
Grant Sobetski and Jack Nassetta in separate photos with white backgrounds

SMPA Announces 2018-19 Manheim-Sterling Prize Recipients

February 10, 2019
Juniors Grant Sobetski and Jack Nassetta will use the prize for a documentary on the plight of migrants and groundbreaking political communication research.
Jason Rezaian and Frank Sesno sit on stage with the new book, Prisoner, displayed on a small table.

544 Days in an Iranian Prison

January 28, 2019
Washington Post writer and former SMPA Terker Distinguished Fellow Jason Rezaian held his first book talk on “Prisoner” at GW with SMPA Director Frank Sesno.
President Donald Trump sits at desk looking at a camera in the foreground

On President Trump’s Approval Rating, the Gap Widens Between Rural Base and Everywhere Else

January 27, 2019
In national polls, President Trump’s approval rating hardly budged in 2018, but through the eyes of the American Communities Project, two different stories unfolded.

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Upcoming Events

February
28
Thursday

SMPA Book Talk with April Ryan: 'Under Fire'

6:00pm