Offered jointly by GW's Elliott School of International Affairs and Columbian College of Arts and Sciences' School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA), the M.A. in Global Communication 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, launched in Fall 2008, helps students understand the complex global information environment; its implications for governance, security, and business; and how to communicate effectively to global audiences.

Students take a rigorous academic program that prepares them both intellectually and professionally for exciting careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. A core curriculum focuses on communication, international politics, international economics, and research methods. Required skills courses on topics such as developing communication strategies, cross-cultural communication, public speaking, and editing prepare students for careers in global communication. Students also choose one of twelve specializations to build expertise on a major world region or global issue. In the final year, a capstone course tests students' ability to address a real-world problem using the skills and knowledge acquired during their course of study.

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.