Current Students
As a student in the School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA), you are a member of a small community with an extensive network. Students engage with the world around them through internships and access to decision-makers, community leaders, and power brokers.
Despite the bustle of GW's urban campus, students in SMPA experience a genuine sense of community and connection fostered through small classes, exclusive events, and a sense of common purpose.
If you are a GW student looking to transfer into SMPA, please click here.
Student Opportunities
Internships
Students gain valuable firsthand experience and new skills by working with news organizations, government offices, political firms, digital media companies, and advocacy groups. We provide access to dozens of listings through our weekly Above the Fold newsletter and offer course credit programs and funding opportunities.
Awards, Prizes & Scholarships
SMPA awards over $100,000 to students each year. SMPA also offers special opportunities for students at leading communication and journalism organizations and support for academic and professional goals and achievements.
Study Abroad
SMPA offers a short-term abroad option in Paris for all students and an exchange program in Berlin for our master's students. We also encourage students to take advantage of GW’s many study abroad opportunities and our frequent international research opportunities.
Production Facilities & Technology
SMPA’s fifth-floor production environment holds a professional studio, master control room, audio control room, vocal recording audio booth, and 42 Adobe editing stations that are available to students 24/7 in the multimedia classrooms. Students enrolled in specific SMPA production classes have access to professional-level equipment to complete their multimedia assignments.
SMPA’s fifth-floor production environment holds a professional studio, master control room, audio control room, vocal recording audio booth, and 42 Adobe editing stations that are available to students 24/7 in the multimedia classrooms. Students enrolled in specific SMPA production classes have access to professional-level equipment to complete their multimedia assignments.
Journalism & Mass Communication Honors
To apply for Journalism and Mass Communication Honors, graduating seniors must have a minimum 3.7 GPA and a portfolio of published work. A short letter to faculty members on the SMPA Awards Committee should outline applicable achievements and career goals. This is only open to JMC majors. The application will open on August 25, 2025, and close on October 6, 2025.
Student Organizations
GW Hatchet
The GW Hatchet is the independent student newspaper of record at the George Washington University. First published in 1904, The Hatchet is the second-oldest newspaper in Washington, D.C. in continuous publication.
GW-TV
The student-run television station provides opportunities to produce, write, report, shoot and edit outside the classroom. The station produces shows in news, entertainment, sports and politics.
WRGW TV
The student-run radio station streams live from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week when school is in session. WRGW was founded in 1929 and features opportunities for students interested in music, sports, news and talk radio.
GW Association of Black Journalists
The GW Association of Black Journalists promotes diversity in the media to create a greater sense of community among student and professional journalists with events, mentorship and networking opportunities.
SMPA Director's Advisory Council
Formed to advocate on behalf of SMPA students, the association connects students with faculty and builds a stronger community with town halls and exclusive events for students in the school.