"HELPING DEMOCRACY WORK": A SCHOOL DEDICATED TO DEFINING, SHAPING AND LEADING THE FIELD OF PROFESSIONAL POLITICS
The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at The George Washington University educates students and professionals in the tools, principles and values of participatory democracy, preparing them for careers as ethical and effective advocates and leaders at the international, national and local levels - in a non-partisan environment. As the only school of applied politics in the nation's capital, our focus is on those with a passion for politics, those who want to make a difference, and a career, in the political realm. Since its inception, the GSPM has been a unique program in American higher education with the mission of affecting positive change in politics through education.
Founded in 1987 as an independent graduate school chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, GW's Graduate School of Political Management is the pioneer school in the study of political management or "applied politics". Politics, done properly, requires training, and the GSPM has developed an educational program in the art, science and business of politics, preparing graduates to advance and succeed in the field.
The School's first class convened on the Manhattan campus of Baruch College. In 1991, the School opened a degree program on the bustling urban campus of The George Washington University, in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, just a few blocks from the White House, Capitol Hill, both major political parties and many of the top consulting, lobbying and public relations firms in the country. GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences formally acquired the GSPM in 1995, and in 2006, the School moved into GW's College of Professional Studies, where it is currently located. Designed for working professionals, classes conveniently meet in the evenings.
The GSPM offers masters degrees in Political Management, Legislative Affairs and Strategic Public Relations, and graduate certificates in Campaign Strategy, Community Advocacy, Online Politics, PAC's and Political Management, and Strategic Public Relations. Our unparalleled Washington, D.C. connections mean our students learn not only in the classroom but in the campaign offices, legislative suites, lobbying shops, PR agencies and news bureaus that shape the world.
For those that want to make a difference, GW's Graduate School of Political Management offers an innovative learning environment that will help create the next generation of citizen leaders. Our more than 2,000 talented alumni, scattered around the globe and respresenting more than 40 nations, are leaders and change-makers in the world of government, politics, public relations and public affairs.
