What is the GSPM?
Does the GSPM have a large alumni base?
Which degrees does the school offer?
Why is this degree an MPS and not an MA or MS?
How do GSPM's programs differ from traditional graduate programs like political science or public policy?
Does the school have partisan affiliations or leanings?
What is the average class size?
When can I begin my studies?
How long will it take to complete my degree?
What are the application deadlines?
Do I have to pay the application fee when I start my online application?
Do I have to complete the online application in one sitting?
After submitting a complete application, how long will it take to receive a decision?
What are the admissions standards for your graduate certificate programs?
What are the admissions standards for your master's programs?
What is the tuition?
Are there other fees?
Does the school offer financial aid?
Is it possible to arrange a personal interview or visit with current students or professors?
Are GSPM courses offered online?
- The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) is the nation's first school of professional politics.
- The GSPM prepares individuals for careers as campaign managers, pollsters, speechwriters, communications professionals, legislative aides and directors, candidates, lobbyists, and new media experts.
Does the GSPM have a large alumni base?
Our more than 2,000 graduates work as:- Lobbyists
- Grassroots organizers
- Issue advocates
- Pollsters
- Media Consultants
- Elected Officials
- Campaigners
- Congressional staff
- Communications professionals
- Policy experts
- Candidates
- Fundraisers
- PAC managers
- Public relations consultants
- Community organizers
Which degrees does the school offer?
Master's Degrees (Master of Professional Studies, M.P.S.)- Political Management
- 36 credit hours including an 18 credit hour core
- 400 hours of approved field work
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Legislative Affairs
- 33 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Comprehensive exam
- Strategic Public Relations
- 33 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- PACs and Political Management
- 15 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Public Relations
- 18 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Community Advocacy
- 18 credit hours including
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Online Politics
- 18 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Campaign Strategy
- 18 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Semester in Washington (SIW)
- Program for undergraduates from other colleges who wish to spend a semester in the nation's capital studying politics and political management.
Master of Professional Studies (MPS or M.P.S.) is a type of master's degree concentrated in an applied field of study. The MPS is often interdisciplinary and is sometimes offered in the evenings to accommodate professionals. While Master of Arts and Master of Science degree programs tend to focus on research and theory, Master of Professional Studies tend to emphasize practical skills, and often require some amount of fieldwork or an internship.
The MPS is a master's degree and academically carries the same weight as other master's degrees, albeit with a more professional focus. If you earn a Master of Professional Studies at a leading, ranked university (like The George Washington University), hiring committees will potentially find you more attractive than MA/MS graduates of other schools.
How do GSPM's programs differ from traditional graduate programs like political science or public policy?
- The school's curriculum focuses on applied, practical politics rather than building political theory. We train students to work in politics not to become college professors.
- Schools of public policy or public administration focus upon decision-making internal to the machinery of government. In contrast, students of political management concentrate upon the political processes that influence those agencies on how, and who, makes the final decision.
- Our faculty are experienced political professionals who work at the top of the subject area that they teach. That ensures that you learn the best practices of the field.
Does the school have partisan affiliations or leanings?
- No, the GSPM is non-partisan.
- Faculty and students espouse a full spectrum of beliefs. We are united by a common respect for the political processes of democracy.
What is the average class size?
Core courses average 30-35 students, electives average 25 students, and advanced courses average 15-20 students.
Students can enter the Political Management and Legislative Affairs programs in the fall, spring or summer semesters; either late August, mid-January or late May, respectively. The Public Relations program accepts students in the fall and spring. Non-degree students may enroll in any semester..
How long will it take to complete my degree?
- Degree students, particularly those who work full-time, take two or three courses per semester, and finish in two years or one-and-a-half years, respectively.
- Accelerated students who take four courses each semester can finish in 11 months. One can complete a certificate program, in most cases, in less than one year.
What are the application deadlines?
- The GSPM admits students on a rolling basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.
- Fall semester - June 15
- Spring semester - November 15
- Summer semester - April 15
Do I have to pay the application fee when I start my online application?
No, you do not have to pay the $75.00 application fee immediately. However, your application packet will not be reviewed by the admission committee until receipt of the fee.
- GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate)
- Current degree and graduate certificate candidates at GW
- U.S. military personnel who have been on active duty within three years of submitting their application for admission
- Current McNair Program scholars (a completed Certification of McNair Program Participation and Application Fee Waiver form must be either mailed with supporting documents or scanned and attached to the online application)
Do I have to complete the online application in one sitting?
No, you are able to save and continue the online application for completion at a later time. You will receive email reminders as to what materials are missing from your application packet on an ongoing basis.
After submitting a complete application, how long will it take to receive a decision?
It will take approximately 3-4 weeks to receive a decision after submitting a complete application.
What are the admissions standards for your graduate certificate programs?
- A bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- The average GPA of incoming students is 3.4/4.0
- The GSPM does admit a limited number of applicants on a provisional basis (i.e. probationary status) who have work experience in politics or a comparable field that offsets a low GPA.
- The GRE is required for Public Relations and Community Advocacy certificate programs. The GRE is NOT required for PAC Management, Campaign Strategy, and Online Politics certificate programs.
Note: Students often apply the credit hours earned in a certificate program toward a master's degree, but such applicants are required to take the GRE at that point unless they qualify to waive the GRE requirement.
What are the admissions standards for your master's programs?
- A bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- The average GPA of incoming students is 3.4/4.0
- The GSPM does admit a limited number of applicants on a provisional basis (i.e. probationary status) who have work experience in politics or a comparable field that offsets their low GPA and/or GRE scores.
- In lieu of taking the GRE, applicants with three or more years of substantive, professional full-time work experience can apply to waive the GRE requirement.
- There is an application fee of $75.00.
- A few GSPM courses charge a lab fee, usually to defray the costs of editing in a video studio. These can be found on the course schedule page.
- The University charges a graduation fee of $100.
Does the school offer financial aid?
- The GSPM has a limited number of small student aid packages available each semester. Aid is distributed on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early in the admissions cycle.
- GSPM students who plan a career in lobbying are eligible to apply for the Bryce Harlow Foundation Scholarship.
- Several university-wide scholarships and grants are available through GW's Office of Financial Assistance.
- See more links to financial aid resources on the GSPM web site.
Is it possible to arrange a personal interview or visit with current students or professors?
- We strongly encourage all applicants to visit campus. During your visit, you may take a campus tour, arrange for an informational interview with an admissions representative, meet with a program director and alumnus, and attend a class.
- Telephone interviews with a program representative, program director and/or a faculty member may also be arranged.
Schedule a Visit
Are GSPM courses offered online?
The Master's in Political Management and the Master's in Strategic Public Relations are offered fully online. For more information on these programs, please visit www.gspmonline.com.
