Graduate Program Financial Aid
The Finn Partners-Widmeyer Communications Scholar program helps launch the careers of SMPA graduate students with experience at a global PR firm.
The Media and Strategic Communication program offers competitive aid packages to accepted students and a variety of scholarship programs for current students. Prospective students may also contact the graduate office of financial aid to explore additional funding options.
Funding for Admitted Students
Dean's Scholarships
This merit-based scholarship provides significant tuition assistance for students with an exceptional academic record. The deadline to be considered for this funding opportunity is February 1.
Fischer Family Fund
This merit-based scholarship provides tuition assistance for students who are returning to school after working for a significant amount of time. Up to $5,000 is awarded toward tuition costs over the course of an academic year.
Graduate Assistant Packages
These competitive packages cover the cost of full-time tuition each semester (up to 9 credits) plus an $18,000 stipend and salary. Graduate assistants work 20 hours per week for a faculty member as a teaching and/or research assistant. This award is merit-based and priority is given to applicants who apply by the February 1 application deadline. Graduate assistant packages are renewable for two years.
National Council Graduate Scholarship
The National Council Scholar receives $5,000 per semester for one school year. This award is generously funded by the National Council for Media and Public Affairs, distinguished alumni and friends who advise the SMPA director.
Funding for Current Students
Finn Partners-Widmeyer Communications Scholar
The first of its kind at SMPA, this scholarship offers tuition assistance (3 credits per semester) and a paid, part-time internship at the Finn Partners D.C. office — just a short walk from campus. The scholarship provides students hands-on experience in a fast-paced global PR firm where they can apply the skills they are learning in the classroom.
Students are nominated by SMPA each summer and recommended for interviews and the final selection process at the PR News 2016 midsize firm of the year.
FleishmanHillard Public Relations Internship
The Media and Strategic Communication program offers an exclusive paid, full-time internship at FleishmanHillard, a global PR and digital marketing agency focused on crisis communications and brand marketing. The intern works 37.5 hours per week at FleishmanHillard from September through May gaining hands-on experience in public relations and contributing their own cutting-edge learning, research and experience.
Students are nominated by SMPA each summer and recommended to Widmeyer Communications for interviews and the final selection process.
