Global Communication

Offered jointly by GW's Elliott School of International Affairs and the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences' School of Media and Public Affairs (SMPA), the master of arts in the field of global communication degree program combines the Elliott School's academic excellence in international affairs with SMPA's strengths as a school of communication and journalism. The graduate program trains students to understand the complex global information environment; its implications for governance, security, and business; and how to communicate effectively to global audiences.

A core curriculum focuses on communication, international politics, international economics, and research methods. Required skills courses cover topics such as developing communication strategies, cross-cultural communication, public speaking, and editing. 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. The rigorous academic program prepares students both intellectually and professionally for exciting careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Prerequisite: a bachelor’s degree in a related field, with introductory macro- and microeconomics and at least two years of a modern foreign language

The program requires 40 credits including: 

• 15 credits in core courses
• 9 credits in specialization
• 3 credits in skills courses
• 9 credits in electives
• 4 credits in capstone course sequence
• Foreign language proficiency

All Elliott School master's degree students (except MIPP students) are required to complete the capstone. Those students who wish to complete a thesis must do so in addition to the capstone requirement. Students pursuing a thesis need a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and approval from the faculty member they wish to serve as their thesis director. Thesis students also need to complete at least one research methods course. Thesis credits will be counted as elective or specialization credits with Program Director approval.

Core Courses

15 credits in core courses

Global Issues Specializations

9 credits in specialization     

Specialization determined in consultation with director within either the global issues specialization or the regional focus specialization, all nine credits must taken in one subtopic; the exception is the international development (see below). The following course lists are meant as suggestions only and are not exhaustive.

Communication and Information Technology in International Affairs Specialization

Conflict and Conflict Resolution Specialization

Global Gender Policy Specialization

Global Health Specialization

International Development Specialization

International Economic Affairs Specialization

3 credits in skills courses

In one of the following topics:

• Cross Cultural Communication
• Developing Communication Strategies
• Formal Briefing
• Introduction to Editing 
• Negotiating Skills
• Op-Ed Writing Skills
• Public Speaking 
• Writing for International Affairs Professionals

9 credits in electives

Courses relating to international affairs or communication, with approval of the program director.

4 credits in capstone course sequence

Alternative capstone option

The traditional capstone model specifically designed for Global Communication student is completed over one semester through the development of a strategic communication plan for an external client. Students must take an additional professional skills course (total of 4 skills courses) to complete their degree through this option.

Foreign Language Proficiency

Completion of the M.A. in Global Communication requires a demonstrated oral and reading proficiency in a modern foreign language.

• 4-Year Bachelor Degree
• Completed Online Application: With $75 non-refundable application fee.
• Current Résumé: Uploaded through the online application system. 
• Three Letters of Recommendation: From professional and/or academic references.
• Statement of Career Objective: In no more than 500 words, describe your career objectives and how the program will help you meet those objectives.
• Include a photocopy of the biographic/identification page of your passport with your application.
• Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0.
• TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based.
• PTE Academic: 68.
• Official GMAT Score or GRE Score

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Scholarships

• Graduate Fellowships & Assistantships