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Questions:
- What are the offical names of the programs?
- Is the online learning degree any different from the on-campus degree earned at The George Washington University?
- How are the programs accredited?
- How long are the programs?
- How much do the programs costs?
- When could I start a program?
- How much time is required per program?
- For what careers does GSPM prepare its political management students?
- How do the GSPM's political programs differ from political science or public policy programs?
- For what careers does the GSPM public relations program prepare students?
- How does this public relations degree differ from related programs in other U.S. universities?
- Who do I talk to if I have more questions or want to apply?
Answers:
- What are the official names of the programs?
You will earn a Master of Professional Studies in Political Management or a Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations.
- Is the online learning degree any different from the on-campus degree earned at The George Washington University?
No. You will receive the same degree as earned by an on-campus student.
- How are the programs accredited?
The George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and The Council on Post-Secondary Education. State agencies and reputable academic institutions only recognize degrees from regionally accredited institutions when considering someone for employment, or further academic study (including transfer or course credit). These programs also meet the tuition reimbursement standards of most agencies.
- How long are the programs?
Each program will be completed in approximately 24 months. There are six semesters, with each semester lasting approximately seven weeks.
- How much do the programs cost?
Please contact an Admissions Advisor for the most current information. This is a great investment considering that the program will allow you to realize career-advancing opportunities while you continue working. You can have the benefits of a degree from the Nation's Capital with the accessibility of taking courses from your home or office.
- When could I start a program?
You may enter a program six times per year at two points during each semester — fall, spring or summer.
- How much time is required per program?
Each program is designed for the working professional who must keep up with the demands of work and home. Most students require 15 to 20 hours of study per week. It allows you to study on your own schedule. Your small group facilitator acts as your personal mentor and coach and will help keep you on track. Students also find that their classmates are a tremendous source of support.
- For what careers does GSPM prepare its political management students?
The best answer is provided by our alumni who 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 with some of our alumni serving as public officials in elected office.
- 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. Public policy or public administration programs focus upon decision-making integral 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: our full-time professors have extensive political experience, and our adjunct faculty are professionals working at the top level in the field.
- For what careers does the GSPM public relations program prepare students?
Public relations practitioners work for a diverse range of employers, particularly in corporations, not-for-profit organizations, trade and professional associations, government agencies, and public relations firms. Public relations practitioners also work as independent consultants. They handle key assignments that require facile writing and editing skills (for example: working with the press, producing publications, crafting online communications, and creating informational brochures). In publicly-traded companies, they handle investor relations, financial relations and cooperate with marketing and human resources on public relations challenges. In not-for-profit organizations, they engage in fundraising. Public relations practitioners also handle special events, media tours, media training, community relations, and other industry- or cause-specific relationships, while addressing broader issues such as organizational reputation, crisis communications, issues management, government relations, cause marketing, corporate social responsibility, and customer relations.
- How does this public relations degree differ from related programs in other U.S. universities?
Although the curricula of most public relations programs cover the same or similar courses in writing and editing, media relations, corporate communications, and issues management, the GSPM program is much more practical. Professors in our core courses are expert public relations practitioners. Our program also takes advantage of GSPM's reputation as the world's leading center of political education. Our public relations courses address political and public policy case studies in addition to conventional public relations challenges and case studies. Besides studying media relations for promoting products, services and issues, students will also study media relations for promoting political candidates and grassroots advocacy. Students will learn to write effective news releases, pitch letters, stump speeches and position papers. Most importantly, our public relations program emphasizes strategic thinking as the creative source of truly effective public relations campaigns. At GSPM, strategic thinking drives the tactical delivery of the panoply of public relations tools and techniques taught in the program. Students learn to promote and publicize a product, service or idea, and use public relations strategy and tactics to influence public policy, strengthen government relations, promulgate legislation, and win political campaigns.
- Who do I talk to if I have more questions, or I want to apply?
You may contact an Admissions Advisor to answer all your questions or download an information brochure.
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