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What is the GSPM?
The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) is a professional
school of politics at The George Washington University and is a component of the university's College of Professional Studies. The
GSPM is devoted to educating students who plan careers in the growing
field of professional politics, including governance, elections,
lobbying, issues management, and public relations.
For what careers does the GSPM prepare its students?
The best answer is provided by example: our alumni work as lobbyists,
campaigners, Congressional staff, and communications professionals; they manage issue campaigns,
encourage grassroots participation in politics, and raise money for
causes, candidates and organizations; they are pollsters, policy
analysts and media consultants; they work for trade associations,
interest groups, political action committees, political parties,
and labor unions; finally, some of our alumni serve as public officials
in elected office.
Which degrees does the school offer?
The GSPM has four academic programs: a Master of Professional Studies
in Political Management, a Master of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs, a graduate certificate in PACs and Political Management, a Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations, a graduate certificate in Public Relations, and a non-degree 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.
How do the GSPM's political programs differ from political science
or public policy programs?
The school's curriculum focuses on applied, or practical politics, not on theory building. Schools of public policy
or public administration focus upon decision-making internal to
the machinery of government, notably executive branch agencies.
In contrast, students of political management concentrate upon the
political processes that influence those agencies from outside the
formal apparatus of government, through such activities as lobbying
or elections. Our faculty are experienced political professionals: full-time professors all have extensive political experience, and our adjunct faculty are professionals working at the top level in the field.
Does the school have partisan affiliations or leanings?
The GSPM is non-partisan. Faculty and
students hold the full spectrum of beliefs, from highly conservative
to very liberal. However, they 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. Advanced courses average 15-20 students.
When can I begin my studies?
Students can enter the Master's degree program in either the Fall, Spring or Summer semesters; either late August, mid-January or late
May, respectively. Non-degree students can also enroll in any semester.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
The school year has three semesters: Fall (late August to mid-December),
Spring (mid-January to early May) and Summer (mid-May to late July).
Most degree students, particularly those who work full-time, take two or three courses per semester and finsih in two years or one-and-a-half years, respectively. Accelerated students who take four courses each semester can finish in 11 months. You can complete the PACs Graduate Certificate in less than one year.
What are the application deadlines?
The admission process works on a rolling basis, so the
earlier you apply in a cycle the better your chances for admission.
The deadline for admissions to the Fall semester is June 15 , the
Spring semester is November 15 and the Summer semester is April 15.
What are the admissions standards?
The College of Professional Studies requires that all students at the Master's degree level have a bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Over the last three years the average GPA of incoming students was 3.4. The GSPM does admit on a provisional basis (i.e. probationary status) a limited number of students who have work experience in politics or a comparable field that offsets low GPA and 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.
What are the TOEFL score requirements?
1. Paper-based TOEFL = 550
2. Computer-based TOEFL = 213
3. Internet-based TOEFL = 80
What is the tuition?
Effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009, tuition is:
$1,065 per credit hour for Political Management and PACs courses offered on campus (Foggy Bottom)
$677 per credit hour for Legislative Affairs and PACs courses offered off-campus (Hall of the States)
$850 per credit hour for Public Relations courses offered off-campus (Alexandria)
Please note, tuition increases 4-5% at the beginning of each fiscal year (June).
Please visit http://www.gwu.edu/~sao/tuition.html at your time of enrollment for current tuition rates.
Are there other fees?
Yes. There is an application fee of $60. A few GSPM courses charge a lab fee, usually to defray the costs of editing in a video studio.
Does the school offer financial aid?
GSPM has a limited amount of student aid money available that will be distributed in small packages to be determined by what the budget will allow. Apply early to have opportunities to seek financial aid. GSPM students who plan a career in lobbying are eligible to apply for the Bryce Harlow Foundation Scholarship. Visit www.bryceharlow.org for scholarship details. Several university-wide scholarships and grants are available through the Student Financial Aid Office. Visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/finaid for more information. See more links to financial aid resources on the GSPM web site.
Is it possible to arrange a personal interview?
Yes. The GSPM has a campus visitation program that affords potential
students an opportunity to discuss the school and its programs with
faculty and members of the administration, meet current students
and attend a representative class. Please contact Colette Beyer via
e-mail.
May I speak to a current student or recent graduate?
Yes. We will be glad to have a member of the student body or the
alumni community call or e-mail you at your convenience.
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