Undergraduate Programs

The School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA) brings Washington into the classroom with world-class faculty and speakers. Our 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 the school experience a genuine sense of community and connection fostered through small classes, frequent SMPA-exclusive events and a sense of common purpose.

Future graduates come to Washington to develop a deep understanding of the media's complex role in the way people connect, are informed and governed and go on to become future leaders in government, politics, business and journalism.

Connect with our Student Ambassadors

Schedule a tour or connect from anywhere with an SMPA student.

Pick Your Program

The Journalism and Mass Communication major offers a critical mix of practice and theory to give students a thorough understanding of the creation, distribution and effects of journalism and media messages.

Students in the world's first political communication program explore the theory and history of how information is shared and consumed from leading scholars and gain practical strategic communication skills from distinguished practitioners.

SMPA offers two combined degree programs for students who wish to pursue accelerated studies earning an undergraduate and graduate degree before entering the job market.

Chuck Todd

Host of NBC's Meet the Press
SMPA National Council Member & Former GW Student

"I wanted to be in Washington, and GW was the only place that had what I wanted... Every accomplishment that I’ve had is because of GW."

Student Spotlight

Melissa Holzberg, B.A. ’18, spent her weekends working behind the scenes as an intern for NBC's “Meet the Press.”

Juniors Grant Sobetski and Jack Nassetta will use the prize for a documentary on the plight of migrants and groundbreaking political communication research.

Media and Public Affairs Building