October 2013 MA Information Session

M. A. Programs

The School of Media and Public Affairsat The George Washington University

Information Session

Silvio Waisbord

Director of Graduate Programs

November 1, 2013

Mission of the School of Media and Public Affairs

• Study how ideas and information are communicated through the media, and the role of journalism and the media in a democratic society.

• Combine theory and practice.

SMPA is part of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

• 24 full-time faculty members • Two areas of specialization:

– Political communication - creation, distribution, processing, and effects of information as a political resource used by governments, organizations, and individuals.

– Journalism - gathering, analyzing, and presenting information across media platforms.

• Leading scholars and award-winning journalists

• Centers/Institutes– Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication – Center for Innovative Media, including the Documentary Center

• Activities– Planet Forward– Face the Facts USA– Conversation series– Brown bag series– Executive and Professional Education program

Graduate programs

1. M.A. in Media and Public Affairs

2. M.A. in Global Communication (joint program with the Elliott School of International Affairs)

3. Certificate in Documentary Filmmaking

M.A. Program in Media and Public Affairs

• Focus on Strategic Political Communication

• Purpose: To equip students with analytical and practical skills to work on media and politics in non-profit organizations, government agencies, advocacy groups, educational settings.

Structure of the program • Total 36 credits

Core courses 12 creditsElective courses 18 creditsCapstone project 6 credits

• Most students take about 2 years to complete• Full-time and part-time students• Evening classes

Core courses

1. Theories of Mediated Communication

2. Strategic Political Communication

3. Research Methods

4. Strategic Communication Skills– Writing, video production, political uses of social

media, web development and strategy, speechwriting, briefing, public speaking.

Elective courses• Media, development and globalization• Media and foreign policy• Information technology and political

communication• Advocacy communication and political networks• Political persuasion and public opinion

Course List, Fall 2013SMPA 6201 VIDEO AND WEB SKILLS

SMPA 6202 THEORY MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

SMPA 6203 INFO, TECHNOLOGY, COMMUNICATION

SMPA 6204 STRATEGIC POLITICAL COMMUNICATION

SMPA 6210 MEDIA & PUBLIC POLICY

SMPA 6220 STRATEGIC PRACTICUM

SMPA 6241 RESEARCH METHODS

SMPA 6250 TOPICS-MEDIA PROCESSES & INST

SMPA 6270 PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

SMPA 6272 MEDIA BIAS POWER & DEMOCRACY

SMPA 6296 DIRECTED READINGS & RESEARCH (FALL/SPRING)

SMPA 6297 CAPSTONE PROJECT (FALL/SPRING)

Capstone project: Options

1. Research thesis

2. Media project

3. Strategic communication project

Where are our alumni?

Our 190+ alumni have jobs in federal and state government, academia, think tanks/polling firms, media companies, public relations, and advocacy groups.

Application process • Deadlines:

– January 5, 2014 and April 1, 2014 for Fall semester.– October 1 for Spring semester

• Application requirements: GRE, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcript, TOEFL (foreign applicants)

• Class size – about 20 students per academic year• Limited number of financial aid packages

Questions?

For more information:

SMPA (202) 994-6350

waisbord@gwu.edu

smpa.gwu.edu/graduate-programs