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

Justine Coleman

Senior Justine Coleman Selected for News21 Reporting Fellowship

February 23, 2019
She will join top journalism students from across the U.S., Canada and Ireland for a major investigation into disaster recovery in the U.S. as part of the News21 fellowship.
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.
Panelists sit on stage in front of a blue screen

Political Communicators Tackle Ethics Questions

March 12, 2019
Former John McCain press secretary and “Meet the Press” director were among panelists at Project on Ethics in Political Communication launch.
Senator Leahy and Janet Steele pose with an award plaque in a Senate hearing room

SMPA Institute Honors Senator Leahy for Commitment to Public Diplomacy

March 06, 2019
Professor Janet Steele awarded the Vermont senator the Walter Roberts Award for Congressional Leadership in Public Diplomacy during a Capitol Hill ceremony.

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Upcoming Events

March
20
Wednesday

An SMPA Book Talk with Dorothy Butler Gilliam: Trailblazer

6:00pm

March
27
Wednesday

Should the News Take Sides?

6:00pm