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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. The new 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.
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Curriculum
The 40 credit hour M.A. in Global Communication includes:
Core Courses (15 credit hours)
Required (12 credit hours)
- SMPA 6210 (210) Media and International Relations
- SMPA 6241 (241) Research Methods
- IAFF 6101 Intl Affairs Cornerstone: International Relations Theory and Policy*
- ECON 6280 (280) Survey of International Economics
- OR -
ECON 6250 (250) Survey of Economic Development
*We are excited to announce that students entering the Global Communication program in Fall 2011 will substitute IAFF 6101, International Affairs Cornerstone (and a corresponding discussion section) for PSC 6240, Theories of International Politics. The International Affairs Cornerstone is the Elliott School's core graduate course on International Relations Theory and Policy, taught by two of our best faculty, and tailored to the needs of Elliott School graduate students.Global Communication students are strongly encouraged to take this course in the first semester of their studies. The International Affairs Cornerstone will not be offered during the spring semester.
Students who completed a rigorous upper-level course on International Relations Theory with a grade of "B" or higher can request to have the previous coursework reviewed by faculty to see if the student could opt to take a three-credit graduate-level elective in lieu of IAFF 6101. Such students should complete a petition form 
and submit it to the Assistant and Associate Deans of Academic Programs (esiaacad@gwu.edu, Suite 401, 1957 E Street). A copy of the course syllabus and transcript (unofficial or official) must be submitted along with the petition. Students who intend to petition should still register for a section of IAFF 6101 (and a corresponding discussion section) as a placeholder should your petition not be approved.
and submit it to the Assistant and Associate Deans of Academic Programs (esiaacad@gwu.edu, Suite 401, 1957 E Street). A copy of the course syllabus and transcript (unofficial or official) must be submitted along with the petition. Students who intend to petition should still register for a section of IAFF 6101 (and a corresponding discussion section) as a placeholder should your petition not be approved.
PLUS one additional course (3 credit hours). Choose from the following:
- SMPA 6202 (202) Theories of Mediated Communication
- SMPA 6204 (204) Strategic Political Communication
- HIST 6030 (251) Uses of History in International Affairs
Areas of Specialization (9 credit hours)
Choose one area in consultation with director.
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.
Skills Courses (Four, 1-credit skills courses, IAFF 6502-6503, formerly 202-203)
- Developing Communication Strategies
- Public Speaking
- Formal Briefing
- Cross Cultural Communication
- Introduction to Editing
- Negotiating Skills
- Op-Ed Writing Skills
- Writing for International Affairs Professionals
- Media Relations
- Designing and Evaluating Websites
- Basic Video Production
More information about skills courses.
Electives (9 credit hours)
Electives may consist of courses relating to international affairs or communication, with approval of the program director.
Global Communication Capstone Course (IAFF 6208, formerly 378; 3 credit hours)
The global communication capstone course aims to enhance your ability to produce professional-quality analyses of current issues involving communication and international affairs. It will test your ability to address a policy problem using the analytical, research, writing, and other professional skills you have acquired during your course of study.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Completion of the M.A. in Global Communication requires a demonstrated oral and reading proficiency in a modern foreign language.
Related Links
School of Media and Public Affairs
Learn more about the Elliott School's Global Communication M.A. partner.
» SMPAExplore Career Options
Visit the Elliott School's Graduate Student Career Development to see what you can do with an Elliott School graduate degree.
» Learn moreSchool of Media and Public Affairs
Learn more about the Elliott School's Global Communication M.A. partner.
» SMPAExplore Career Options
Visit the Elliott School's Graduate Student Career Development to see what you can do with an Elliott School graduate degree.
» Learn more
