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.

 

graphic: two speech bubbles with "..." written inside them

 

 

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.

 

Program of Study

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

graphic: an open laptop with a list on the screen. Beside each item on the list is a check mark, indicating steps that have been completed

 

 

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

High intermediate coursework in a modern foreign language is required at the time of application to the Global Communication program. Applicants may meet the language requirement in one of the following ways:

  • 4 semesters (or equivalent) of upper-intermediate, college-level language coursework
  • Certification from a language institute, professor, or tutor detailing your high intermediate proficiency
  • Native language experience

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. 

 

 

 

 

photo: Robert Ogburn poses with his arms crossed. The photo is taken outside during the summer months, where Ogburn is standing in front of trees and bushes.

 

 

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 2017-2018 academic year is Robert Ogburn.

 

Where You'll Go 

graphic: a pie graph with the text "Global Communication" in the center. The pie graph is divided as follows: 30% private, 35% public, and 35% non-profit. Private, public, and non-profit refer to the sectors that Elliott Graduates enter

 

 

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. 

 

 

photo: a professional headshot of Elliott MA Global Communication student Laura Brendle

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."