Global Communication
The Master of Arts in global communication is offered jointly by GW's Elliott School of International Affairs and Columbian College of Arts and Sciences' School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA). It combines the Elliott School's globally recognized academic excellence in international affairs with SMPA's strengths as a leading school of communication and journalism. This graduate program helps students understand the complex global information environment; its implications for governance, security, and business; and how to communicate effectively with global audiences.
What You'll Study
Students in this program will take a rigorous academic program that prepares them both intellectually and professionally for exciting careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. As a student in the Global Communication program, you will learn about the fascinating and rapidly evolving global information environment. As a future or advancing professional in the field, you will learn how to work in this environment and communicate effectively with audiences worldwide.
Global areas are selected to complement the background and interests of the individual student. Courses composing the focus areas may be offered through the Elliott School or SMPA, as well as other departments at GW.
If you find you're interested in studying conflict and extremism in the Middle East or the changing economies in Latin America, you can choose a regional field to fulfill your elective requirements.
Global Capstone is the culminating experience and signature project for Elliott School graduate students.
How to Apply
When you're ready to apply to the program, you will need to follow the graduate admissions process, including completing and submitting the online application with all of the required materials
There are also certain prerequisites that applicants must meet to be able to apply to the program.
Prerequisites
Academic coursework in a foreign language, which will prepare students to complete the program’s language requirement*, is required at the time of application. This can be demonstrated by:
- Study that is equal to four semesters of university level coursework or equivalent.
- Completion of formal language training as part of employment (ex. Peace Corps, JET, etc.).
- Growing up in a household where the language is spoken.
*Students need to have a strong foundation in a foreign language before enrolling to be successful in completing the language requirement during the program.
Course background in economics (micro- and macroeconomics) is a prerequisite to help prepare students to complete the graduate- level economics course(s) required within the M.A. in Global Communication curriculum. Course(s) must be successfully completed through an accredited institution in:
- Introductory Microeconomics
- Introductory Macroeconomics
-OR-
- Principles of Economics
In some cases, a student may be admitted who has not fulfilled the economics requirement*; in which case, the student is required to take course(s) at an accredited college/university prior to enrollment at the Elliott School.
*Spring applicants are required to have fulfilled this prerequisite at the time of application.
Affiliated Institute
IPDGC provides a forum for faculty, students, and working professionals on global issues via interactions between new media, national security, and public diplomacy, U.S. foreign policy priorities in the developing world and many more.
Smart Power blog is the official blog of the Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication.
Public Diplomacy Fellow
Each year, IPDGC hosts a Senior Foreign Service Officer appointed by the U.S. Department of State as part of an initiative to develop the relationship between the university and the diplomatic communities. The Public Diplomacy Fellow for the 2019-2020 academic year is Emilia Puma.
Where You'll Go
Our graduates continue to pursue a wide variety of exciting careers in diplomacy and public service, business, security, conflict resolution, development and public health. For 2016 graduates, the top employers included:
- U.S. Department of State
- Atlantic Council
- U.S. Institute of Peace
- Mintz Levin
- Meridian International Center
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Chemonics
While you study with us and even once you leave, we'll provide you with resources and support to help you get the job you've always wanted post-graduation. From career counseling, workshops, site visits and information sessions, The Graduate Student Career Development Center has a variety of tools and tips to get you to where you want to be.
Laura Brendle
MA Global Communication
"The Global Communication program at GW has been instrumental in equipping me with the tools necessary to become a communications expert."
