| Admission deadline: | Fall: January 7th - Fellowship & Application Deadline |
| Spring: October 1st - Fellowship & Application Deadline | |
| Applications for admission will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis after the fellowship deadlines have passed, but students will not be considered for fellowships. | |
| Standardized test scores: | GRE and GMAT scores are not accepted and will not be considered in the review process. Please do not submit scores. |
| Recommendations required: | Two (2) letters are required. Applicants should submit one (1) academic letter from a professor and one (1) professional reference. |
| Prior academic records: | Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission and choose to enroll. |
| If academic records are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translations alone should be uploaded into the online application. Official transcripts and certified English translations will be required of applicants who are offered admission and choose to enroll. | |
| Statement of purpose: | All applicants are required to submit an essay of approximately 500 words that answers one of the two questions below: |
| State your purpose in undertaking graduate study at the Elliott School. As part of your statement of purpose, describe your academic and research interests, career objectives, how a degree from the Elliott School will enable you to achieve your goals, and what unique skills, talents and/or perspectives you will bring to your program. Please be specific. | |
| - OR - | |
| Please discuss an issue of international importance you wish to address in your professional career. Please include how the Elliott School and the academic program to which you have applied will prepare you to address this global issue. | |
| Additional requirements: | A resumé or curriculum vitae is required. Resumés/CVs must include dates of employment (if applicable) and date of degree conferral or expected degree conferral. |
| Prerequisites: | Academic coursework in a foreign language, which will prepare students to complete the program’s language requirement*, is required at the time of application. This can be demonstrated by: |
| Study that is equal to four semesters of university level coursework or equivalent. | |
| Completion of formal language training as part of employment (ex. Peace Corps, JET, etc.). | |
| Growing up in a household where the language is spoken. | |
| *Students need to have a strong foundation in a foreign language before enrolling to be successful in completing the language requirement during the program. | |
| --- | |
| Course background in economics (micro- and macroeconomics) is a prerequisite to help prepare students to complete the graduate- level economics course(s) required within the M.A. in Global Communication curriculum. Course(s) must be successfully completed through an accredited institution in: | |
| Introductory Microeconomics | |
| Introductory Macroeconomics | |
| -OR- | |
| Principles of Economics In some cases, a student may be admitted who has not fulfilled the economics requirement*; in which case, the student is required to take course(s) at an accredited college/university prior to enrollment at the Elliott School. | |
| *Spring applicants are required to have fulfilled this prerequisite at the time of application. | |
| International applicants only: | International Applicants may be required to submit official English Language tests scores with their application. Please see the Elliott School's English Language Requirements for guidance on whether you need to take the TOEFL/IELTS/PTE. Please send official TOEFL scores to institution code 5246. |
| The minimum English Language Test Requirements can be found below: | |
| Eligible for Admission & requires EAP Courses: | |
| IELTS- 7.0 overall score, no band score below 6.0 | |
| TOEFL- 100 (internet test) | |
| 600 (paper test) | |
| PTE- 68 | |
| Eligible for Admission & Exempt from EAP Courses**: | |
| IETLS- 7.0 overall score, no band score below 6.5 | |
| TOEFL- 105 (internet test) 650 (paper test) | |
| PTE- 72 | |
| **Spring applicants must receive at least these scores to be considered for admission. | |
| Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements. |
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
The Elliott School of International Affairs
The George Washington University
1957 E Street, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052
Contact for questions:
esiagrad@gwu.edu ~ 202-994-7050 (phone) ~ 202.994.9537 (fax)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 40 credits, including 15 credits in core field courses, a 4-credit capstone course sequence, 3 credits in skills courses, 9 credits in a specialization, and 9 credits in elective courses. In addition, all students must fulfill a language proficiency requirement (see below).
See note regarding special topics and skills courses, the capstone, the additional thesis option, LAW courses, and PPPA courses.*
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| Core field courses (15 credits) | ||
| ECON 6280 | Survey of International Economics | |
| or ECON 6250 | Survey of Economic Development | |
| IAFF 6101 | International Affairs Cornerstone | |
| SMPA 6210 | Media and Foreign Policy | |
| SMPA 6241 | Research Design | |
| And one course from the following: | ||
| HIST 6030 | History and Its Uses in International Affairs | |
| SMPA 6202 | Media Effects, Public Opinion, and Persuasion | |
| SMPA 6204 | Strategic Political Communication | |
| Capstone (4 credits) | ||
| Students complete a two-course capstone sequence that most closely matches the thematic area of their project. The capstone sequence includes a 2-credit capstone workshop taken before the 2-credit capstone seminar. Students must have completed at least 18 credits of coursework prior to starting the capstone sequence. The two 2-credit capstone courses must be taken consecutively. | ||
| IAFF 6898 | Capstone Workshop | |
| IAFF 6899 | Capstone Course | |
| Skills courses (3 credits) | ||
| Three skills courses in any combination from the following: | ||
| IAFF 6502 | Professional Skills I | |
| IAFF 6503 | Professional Skills II | |
| IAFF 6504 | Intermediate Conversation | |
| Students in the global communication program may choose to take skills courses in the School of Media and Public Affairs: | ||
| SMPA 6201 | Strategic Communications Skills (Crisis Communication) | |
| SMPA 6201 | Strategic Communications Skills (Developing Digital PR Skills) | |
| SMPA 6201 | Strategic Communications Skills (Public Speaking) | |
| SMPA 6201 | Strategic Communications Skills (Social Media) | |
| SMPA 6201 | Strategic Communications Skills (Speechwriting) | |
| SMPA 6201 | Strategic Communications Skills (Web Essentials) | |
| *SMPA skills courses are offered only in the spring semester and for 1.5 credits. | ||
| Specialization (9 credits) | ||
| Students must complete a specialization in either global issues or a regional focus in consultation with the Program Director. | ||
| Global issues specializations | ||
| A. Communication and information technology in international affairs | ||
| ECON 6255 | Economics of Technological Change | |
| IAFF 6151 | Environmental Policy | |
| IAFF 6153 | Science, Technology, and National Security | |
| IAFF 6158 | Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy * | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Cybersecurity) | |
| IAFF 6501 | Quantitative Analysis for International Affairs Practitioners | |
| LAW 6412 | Communications Law | |
| LAW 6414 | Telecommunications Law | |
| PPPA 6018 | Public Policy, Governance, and the Global Market | |
| PSPR 6201 | Strategic Public Relations: Principles and Practice | |
| PSPR 6204 | Media Relations in a Digital World | |
| PSPR 6208 | Integrated Marketing Communications | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Changing Media Technology) | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Electronic Media Policy) | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Information, Media and National Security) | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (International Communication) | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Public Affairs and Government Information) | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| B. Conflict and conflict resolution | ||
| ANTH 6507 | Nationalism and Ethnicity | |
| GEOG 6224 | Seminar: Political Geography | |
| HIST 6822 | Nationalism in the Middle East | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Ethics and International Politics) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Nation Building: Theory and Practice) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Reinventing the United Nations) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Religion and International Affairs) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Theory and Practice of International Negotiations) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Food, Globalization, and Conflict) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military and Post-Conflict Intervention) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Responses to Terrorism) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (War to Peace Transition) | |
| MGT 6215 | Conflict Management and Negotiations | |
| PPSY 6103 | Political Violence and Terrorism | |
| PSC 6442 | Politics and Practice of International Institutions | |
| PSC 6444 | Politics of International Law | |
| PSC 6351 | Civil-Military Relations | |
| PSC 6476 | The Arab-Israeli Conflict | |
| PSC 8388 | Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Nationalism in Former Soviet Republics) | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Race, Media and Politics) | |
| SMPA 6270 | Special Topics in Media and Public Affairs * | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| C. Global gender policy | ||
| Students may take IAFF 2190W or IAFF 3183 for graduate credit as a supporting course with permission from the Program Director, academic advisor, and instructor, who must agree to assign additional work: | ||
| ANTH 6501 | Gender and Sexuality | |
| IAFF 2190W | Special Topics (Women in Global Politics) | |
| IAFF 3183 | Special Topics in Development Policy * | |
| IAFF 6102 | Global Gender Policy | |
| IAFF 6108 | International Development Policy | |
| IAFF 6136 | Gender and Development | |
| PHIL 6238 | Feminist Ethics and Policy Implications | |
| PSYC 8275 | Women and Health | |
| SMPA 6205 | Media, Development, and Globalization | |
| SOC 6265 | Gender, Welfare, and Poverty | |
| SOC 6268 | Race, Gender, and Class | |
| SOC 6271 | Gender and Society | |
| SOC 6273 | The Sex Industry | |
| WGSS 6225 | Contemporary Feminist Theory | |
| WGSS 6230 | Global Feminisms | |
| WGSS 6240 | Gender and Public Policy | |
| WGSS 6257 | Gender and Sexuality | |
| WGSS 6265 | Gender, Welfare, and Poverty | |
| WGSS 6266 | Gender and Criminal Justice | |
| WGSS 6268 | Race, Gender, and Class | |
| WGSS 8275 | Women and Health | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| D. Global health | ||
| ANTH 6302 | Issues in Development * | |
| ANTH 6505 | Medical Anthropology | |
| ANTH 6591 | Topics in Sociocultural Anthropology (Refugees and Displaced Persons) | |
| GEOG 6223 | Seminar: Population and Health | |
| PUBH 6430 | Theories for Global Health Communication Interventions | |
| PUBH 6435 | Global Health Program Development and Implementation | |
| PUBH 6437 | Global Health Program Evaluation | |
| PUBH 6442 | Comparative Global Health Systems | |
| PUBH 6503 | Introduction to Public Health Communication and Marketing | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| E. International development | ||
| Anthropology | ||
| ANTH 6301 | The Anthropology of Development | |
| ANTH 6302 | Issues in Development * | |
| ANTH 6331 | Research Methods in Development Anthropology | |
| ANTH 6391 | Anthropology and Contemporary Problems | |
| ANTH 6505 | Medical Anthropology | |
| ANTH 6507 | Nationalism and Ethnicity | |
| ANTH 6591 | Topics in Sociocultural Anthropology (Refugees and Displaced Persons) | |
| PPPA 6002 | Research Methods and Applied Statistics | |
| PPPA 6006 | Policy Analysis | |
| PPPA 6016 | Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation | |
| PSPR 6204 | Media Relations in a Digital World | |
| PSPR 6208 | Integrated Marketing Communications | |
| SOC 6230 | Foundations of Research Methods | |
| SOC 6232 | Qualitative Methods | |
| STAT 6291 | Methods of Demographic Analysis | |
| Environment | ||
| EMSE 6200 | Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management | |
| GEOG 6222 | Seminar: Resources and the Environment | |
| GEOG 6223 | Seminar: Population and Health | |
| GEOG 6230 | Seminar: Environmental Issues in Development | |
| GEOG 6250 | Geographical Perspectives on Development | |
| IAFF 6151 | Environmental Policy | |
| PPPA 6066 | U.S. Environmental Policy | |
| PHIL 6281 | Environmental Philosophy and Policy | |
| Humanitarian assistance | ||
| EMSE 6305 | Crisis and Emergency Management | |
| EMSE 6320 | International Disaster Management | |
| GEOG 6224 | Seminar: Political Geography | |
| PUBH 6430 | Theories for Global Health Communication Interventions | |
| PUBH 6442 | Comparative Global Health Systems | |
| PUBH 6503 | Introduction to Public Health Communication and Marketing | |
| SMPA 6270 | Special Topics in Media and Public Affairs * | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| International development management | ||
| IBUS 6402 | Managing in Developing Countries | |
| PPPA 6016 | Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation | |
| PPPA 6018 | Public Policy, Governance, and the Global Market | |
| PPPA 6025 | Ethics and Public Values | |
| PPPA 6057 | International Development Administration | |
| PPPA 6058 | International Development NGO Management | |
| PPPA 6059 | International Development Management Processes and Tools | |
| SMPA 6205 | Media, Development, and Globalization | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Media in the Developing World) | |
| International education | ||
| EDUC 6100 | Experimental Courses (Technology and Development in International Education) | |
| EDUC 6601 | International and Comparative Education | |
| EDUC 6602 | Regional Studies in International Education | |
| EDUC 6610 | Programs and Policies in International Education | |
| EDUC 6620 | Strategies and Analysis in International Education | |
| EDUC 6640 | Selected Topics in International Education * | |
| EDUC 6650 | Education and National Development | |
| Global health | ||
| ANTH 6505 | Medical Anthropology | |
| PUBH 6430 | Theories for Global Health Communication Interventions | |
| PUBH 6442 | Comparative Global Health Systems | |
| PUBH 6503 | Introduction to Public Health Communication and Marketing | |
| Political economy | ||
| ECON 6250 | Survey of Economic Development (if not taken as core course) | |
| ECON 6269 | Economy of China | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Industrial and Technology Policy in Developing Countries) | |
| IBUS 6403 | International Business Negotiations | |
| IBUS 6404 | New Global Competitive Framework | |
| PSC 6439 | International Political Economy | |
| PSC 6442 | Politics and Practice of International Institutions | |
| PSC 8388 | Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Politics of Development) | |
| PSPR 6208 | Integrated Marketing Communications | |
| Women and development | ||
| ANTH 6501 | Gender and Sexuality | |
| GEOG 6223 | Seminar: Population and Health | |
| ECON 6250 | Survey of Economic Development (if not taken as core course) | |
| SOC 6273 | The Sex Industry | |
| WGSS 6230 | Global Feminisms | |
| WGSS 6270 | Seminar: Selected Topics (Global/Domestic Labor Studies) | |
| WGSS 6270 | Seminar: Selected Topics (Global Islamic Feminisms) | |
| WGSS 6270 | Seminar: Selected Topics (Women and Entrepreneurial Leadership) | |
| WGSS 6270 | Seminar: Selected Topics (Women, Development, and Rights) | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| F. International economic affairs | ||
| ECON 6250 | Survey of Economic Development (if not taken as core course) | |
| ECON 6255 | Economics of Technological Change | |
| ECON 6269 | Economy of China | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Economic Analysis of International Trade Law) | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Economics of the European Union) | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Economics of U.S. Trade Law) | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Economics of U.S. Trade Policy) | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Emerging Market Financial Crises) | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Industrial and Technology Policy in Developing Countries) | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (International Economic Integration) | |
| IAFF 6138 | Special Topics in International Development Studies (U.S. Aid and Trade in the Developing World) | |
| IAFF 6318 | Special Topics in Asian Studies (Political Economy of South Asia) | |
| IAFF 6358 | Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Political Economy of Latin America) | |
| IBUS 6301 | International Business Finance | |
| IBUS 6302 | Seminar: International Banking | |
| IBUS 6303 | External Development Financing | |
| IBUS 6404 | New Global Competitive Framework | |
| IBUS 6405 | Legal Aspects of International and Multinational Business | |
| PSC 6439 | International Political Economy | |
| G. International law and organizations | ||
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Economics of the European Union) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Reinventing the United Nations) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Theory and Practice of International Negotiations) | |
| LAW 6520 | International Law | |
| LAW 6534 | Law of the European Union | |
| LAW 6870 | National Security Law | |
| PSC 6439 | International Political Economy | |
| PSC 6442 | Politics and Practice of International Institutions | |
| PSC 6444 | Politics of International Law | |
| PSC 8226 | Politics and Organizations | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Media Law) | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Public Affairs and Government Information) | |
| H. Public diplomacy | ||
| Required: | ||
| SMPA 6275 | Public Diplomacy | |
| Recommended Core Course: | ||
| SMPA 6204 | Strategic Political Communication | |
| Recommended Elective Courses: | ||
| EDUC 6620 | Strategies and Analysis in International Education | |
| EDUC 6640 | Selected Topics in International Education * | |
| IAFF 6138 | Special Topics in International Development Studies * | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies * | |
| IAFF 6208 | Special Topics in Global Communication * | |
| PPPA 6018 | Public Policy, Governance, and the Global Market | |
| PPPA 6058 | International Development NGO Management | |
| PSC 6345 | Comparative Foreign Policy | |
| PSC 6351 | Civil-Military Relations | |
| PSC 6442 | Politics and Practice of International Institutions | |
| PSC 8334 | Democracy and Democratization in Comparative Perspective | |
| PUBH 6431 | Global Health Communication Strategies and Skills | |
| PUBH 6571 | Social Marketing: Theory and Practice | |
| SMPA 6205 | Media, Development, and Globalization | |
| SMPA 6270 | Special Topics in Media and Public Affairs * | |
| SMPA 6274 | Media and War | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| I. U.S. foreign policy | ||
| ANTH 6391 | Anthropology and Contemporary Problems | |
| ANTH 6507 | Nationalism and Ethnicity | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Economics of U.S. Trade Policy) | |
| HIST 6001 | Special Topics (History of International Economic System) | |
| HIST 6032 | Reading and Research Seminar: Strategy and Policy | |
| HIST 6310 | Readings in Nineteenth-Century American History | |
| HIST 6320 | Readings/Research Seminar: Recent U.S. History | |
| HIST 6321 | Readings/Research Seminar: Recent U.S. History | |
| HIST 6330 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (U.S. Public Diplomacy) | |
| IAFF 6145 | U.S. Space Policy | |
| IAFF 6153 | Science, Technology, and National Security | |
| IAFF 6163 | Transnational Security | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Covert Action and National Security) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Forward Engagement) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Globalization and National Security) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Intelligence and National Security Policymaking) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military and Post Conflict Intervention) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (National Security Resources) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy) | |
| IAFF 6302 | Taiwan: Internal Development and Foreign Policy | |
| IAFF 6305 | U.S.-South Asia Relations | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Transatlantic Relations) | |
| IAFF 6378 | Special Topics in Middle East Studies (Mediterranean Region and U.S. Security) | |
| IAFF 6521 | U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Program | |
| LAW 6870 | National Security Law | |
| PSC 6346 | The Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy | |
| PSC 6347 | U.S. Foreign Policy Traditions | |
| PSC 6348 | Politics of U.S. National Security Policy | |
| PSC 6372 | Foreign Policy of China | |
| PSC 6439 | International Political Economy | |
| PSC 8229 | Politics and Public Policy | |
| PSC 8388 | Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Theories of Democracy) | |
| PSC 8489 | Selected Topics in International Politics (Identity and Major Wars) | |
| J. U.S. national security policy and process | ||
| ANTH 6507 | Nationalism and Ethnicity | |
| ANTH 6391 | Anthropology and Contemporary Problems | |
| HIST 6001 | Special Topics * | |
| HIST 6032 | Reading and Research Seminar: Strategy and Policy | |
| HIST 6330 | Modern U.S. Foreign Policy | |
| IAFF 6145 | U.S. Space Policy | |
| IAFF 6151 | Environmental Policy | |
| IAFF 6153 | Science, Technology, and National Security | |
| IAFF 6160 | Defense Policy and Program Analysis | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Covert Action and National Security) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Forward Engagement) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Health and National Security) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Intelligence and National Security Policymaking) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Issues in International Criminal Law) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military and Post-Conflict Intervention) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military Geography) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (National Security Resources) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Organized Crime) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Post-Conflict Development) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Responses to Terrorism) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Strategic Planning for the 21st Century) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Weapons Proliferation and Nonproliferation) | |
| IAFF 6318 | Special Topics in Asian Studies (Asian Regional Security) | |
| IAFF 6318 | Special Topics in Asian Studies (Transatlantic Security Issues) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (NATO and European Security) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Transatlantic Security Issues) | |
| IAFF 6163 | Transnational Security | |
| IAFF 6165 | Fundamentals of Intelligence | |
| IAFF 6169 | Homeland Security | |
| IAFF 6171 | Introduction to Conflict Resolution | |
| IAFF 6362 | Regional Security in Middle East | |
| LAW 6552 | Law of War | |
| LAW 6870 | National Security Law | |
| MGT 6215 | Conflict Management and Negotiations | |
| PPSY 6101 | Fundamentals of Political Psychology | |
| PPSY 6102 | Political Psychology Research Methods | |
| PPSY 6103 | Political Violence and Terrorism | |
| PSC 6346 | The Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy | |
| PSC 6347 | U.S. Foreign Policy Traditions | |
| PSC 6348 | Politics of U.S. National Security Policy | |
| PSC 6442 | Politics and Practice of International Institutions | |
| PSC 6444 | Politics of International Law | |
| PSC 6457 | Arms Control and Disarmament | |
| PSC 6476 | The Arab-Israeli Conflict | |
| Regional Field Specialization Options | ||
| A. African studies | ||
| ANTH 6301 | The Anthropology of Development | |
| ANTH 6591 | Topics in Sociocultural Anthropology | |
| ECON 6237 | Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources | |
| ECON 6250 | Survey of Economic Development * | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (African Security Forces) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Gender, Peace, and Security in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (International Peacekeeping) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (International Relations in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Re-imaging North Africa) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Security Challenges in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (U.S. Policy Toward Africa) | |
| IAFF 6118 | Special Topics in International Affairs (Women and Leadership in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6136 | Gender and Development | |
| IAFF 6138 | Special Topics in International Development Studies (Climate Change and Sustainable Development) | |
| IAFF 6138 | Special Topics in International Development Studies (Democracy and Governance Development) | |
| IAFF 6138 | Special Topics in International Development Studies (Foundations of Humanitarian Assistance) | |
| IAFF 6171 | Introduction to Conflict Resolution | |
| IAFF 6173 | Security and Development | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Conflict Resolution in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6186 | Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Peace and Conflict in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6385 | Special Topics in African Studies (Power, Politics, and Development in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6385 | Special Topics in African Studies (Rising China in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6385 | Special Topics in African Studies (Transnational Threats in Africa) | |
| IAFF 6385 | Special Topics in African Studies (Violent Extremism and Transnational Crime in Africa) | |
| IBUS 6402 | Managing in Developing Countries | |
| PSC 6379 | Government and Politics of Africa | |
| PUBH 6480 | Public Health in Humanitarian Settings | |
| *If not taken as a core course | ||
| B. Asian studies | ||
| ECON 6269 | Economy of China | |
| HIST 6001 | Special Topics (Central Asian History) | |
| HIST 6610 | Readings Seminar: Late Imperial China | |
| HIST 6611 | Readings Seminar: Twentieth-Century China | |
| HIST 6621 | Readings Seminar: Modern Japanese History | |
| HIST 6630 | Special Topics in Korean History * | |
| HIST 6641 | Modern Southeast Asia | |
| IAFF 6302 | Taiwan: Internal Development and Foreign Policy | |
| IAFF 6305 | U.S.-South Asia Relations | |
| IAFF 6318 | Special Topics in Asian Studies (Asian Regional Security) | |
| IAFF 6318 | Special Topics in Asian Studies (Force in Asian Politics) | |
| IAFF 6318 | Special Topics in Asian Studies (International Relations of South Asia) | |
| PSC 6370 | Politics of China I | |
| PSC 6372 | Foreign Policy of China | |
| PSC 6475 | International Politics of East Asia | |
| PSC 8388 | Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Japanese Politics) | |
| PSC 8388 | Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Political Economy of East and Southeast Asia) | |
| PSC 8489 | Selected Topics in International Politics (Japanese Foreign Policy) | |
| PSC 8489 | Selected Topics in International Politics (Politics of Asia Pacific Economic Integration) | |
| PSC 8489 | Selected Topics in International Politics (U.S.-China Relations) | |
| PSPR 6201 | Strategic Public Relations: Principles and Practice | |
| PSPR 6204 | Media Relations in a Digital World | |
| PSPR 6208 | Integrated Marketing Communications | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Media in the Developing World) | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| C. European and Eurasian studies | ||
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (East European Economies in Historical Perspective) | |
| ECON 6295 | Special Topics (Post-Communist Economic Analysis) | |
| GEOG 6265 | Geography of Russia and Its Neighbors | |
| HIST 6001 | Special Topics (Central Asian History) | |
| HIST 6042 | Seminar: World War II | |
| HIST 6050 | Modernization, Imperialism, Globalization | |
| HIST 6051 | Re-thinking Cold War History | |
| HIST 6105 | Seminar: European Intellectual History | |
| HIST 6120 | Seminar: Early Modern European History | |
| HIST 6121 | Reading and Research Seminar: Modern European History | |
| HIST 6128 | Europe and the World, 1500–Present | |
| HIST 6133 | English People and Institutions | |
| HIST 6170 | Eastern European History I | |
| HIST 6171 | Eastern European History II | |
| HIST 6180 | History of Modern Russia and the Soviet Union | |
| HIST 6185 | Seminar: Russian and Soviet Thought | |
| HIST 6188 | History of Modern Russia | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Caucasus in the 20th Century) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Central Asia: Issues and Challenges) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Geopolitics of Ukraine) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Mediterranean Region and U.S. Foreign Policy) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Nationalism in Ukraine and Russia) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (NATO and European Security) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Political Economy of the European Union) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Scandinavia and Baltic States) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Transatlantic Security Relations) | |
| IAFF 6338 | Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Turkey's Place in Europe) | |
| PSC 6333 | Comparative Politics of Russia and Eurasia | |
| PSC 6360 | Western European Politics | |
| PSC 6361 | Politics of European Integration | |
| PSC 6364 | Comparative Governments and Politics of Central And Eastern Europe | |
| PSC 6465 | The International Politics of Central and Eastern Europe | |
| PSC 6366 | Government and Politics of Russia | |
| PSC 8388 | Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Government and Politics of Ukraine) | |
| PSPR 6201 | Strategic Public Relations: Principles and Practice | |
| PSPR 6204 | Media Relations in a Digital World | |
| D. Latin American and hemispheric studies | ||
| ANTH 6702 | Issues in Latin American Anthropology * | |
| HIST 6701 | Topics in Latin American History (20th Century Latin American Revolutions) | |
| GEOG 6261 | Geographical Perspectives on Latin America | |
| IAFF 6341 | Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Cornerstone | |
| IAFF 6342 | Drug Trafficking in the Americas | |
| IAFF 6358 | Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Brazil Since Independence) | |
| IAFF 6358 | Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Economic Integration of the Americas) | |
| IAFF 6358 | Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Mexico Since Independence) | |
| IAFF 6358 | Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Political and Economic Development of the Southern Cone) | |
| IAFF 6358 | Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Political Economy of Latin America) | |
| IAFF 6358 | Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Remittances in Latin America) | |
| PSC 6383 | Comparative Politics of Latin America | |
| PSC 6484 | International Relations of Latin America | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Media in the Developing World) | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| E. Middle East studies | ||
| HIST 6822 | Nationalism in the Middle East | |
| IAFF 6362 | Regional Security in Middle East | |
| IAFF 6363 | Political Economy of the Middle East | |
| IAFF 6364 | Religion and Society in the Modern Middle East | |
| IAFF 6378 | Special Topics in Middle East Studies * | |
| PSC 6377 | Comparative Politics of the Middle East | |
| PSC 6476 | The Arab-Israeli Conflict | |
| PSC 6478 | International Relations of the Middle East | |
| SMPA 6250 | Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Media in the Developing World) | |
| *Only specific topics that are determined by the director to be relevant to the student's program of study may be used to fulfill this requirement. Any topic intended to be used for this requirement must be approved by the director prior to enrollment. | ||
| Electives (9 credits) | ||
| 9 credits in elective courses relating to international affairs or communication selected with approval of the Program Director. With Program Director approval, graduate students can apply a maximum of 6 credits of language courses toward the electives. | ||
| Additional thesis option | ||
| Students who wish to complete a thesis do so in addition to the capstone requirement. Students pursuing a thesis must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and approval from the faculty member who will serve as their thesis director. Thesis students also need to complete at least one research methods course. Thesis credit is counted as elective or specialization credits with Program Director approval. The two 3-credit thesis courses must be taken consecutively. | ||
| IAFF 6998 | Thesis | |
| IAFF 6999 | Thesis | |
*Specific subject matter covered in special/selected topics courses varies by semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes for each semester's offerings. Topics courses not listed here may be used to fulfill program requirements if approved by the Program Director.
Additional information regarding skills courses, the capstone, and the thesis is available on the Elliott School website.
Law School courses—Students may, with permission of their advisor, include courses in the Law School in their major field. Enrolling in a LAW course also requires permission of the Law School dean of students. Students should consult the Elliott School's Graduate Student Services office before enrolling in LAW courses.
PPPA courses—Students may, with permission of the Department of Public Policy and Public Administration, enroll in these courses. If not listed here, program director permission would also be required. Students should consult their academic advisor within the Elliott School's Graduate Student Services office regarding appropriate next steps for enrolling in PPPA courses.
Language proficiency requirement
Students in the master of arts in the field of global communication program are required to demonstrate proficiency in a modern language other than English. Students may fulfill this requirement in one of the following ways:
- Having earned a minimum grade of B in a sixth-semester university-level advanced language course completed no more than three years prior to matriculation in the Elliott School's master's degree program.
- Having earned a minimum grade of B in a sixth-semester university-level advanced language course at GW, or in an approved course taken at another institution of higher learning, including Elliott School exchange partner institutions, while enrolled in the Elliott School master's program.
- Passing the Elliott School-administered language proficiency reading and speaking examination at the currently-required level of proficiency. The Elliott School administers language proficiency examinations once in the fall and once in the spring semesters. Students should plan to take the language proficiency examination as soon as possible following their matriculation in the program. Students have three opportunities to pass the examination. Failure to pass the examination for a third time results in dismissal from the program.
- Achieving the required proficiency level in a reading and speaking examination administered by an Elliott School-approved language assessment institution, at the student's expense, while enrolled in the Elliott School's Master's Degree Program.
- Demonstrating the required language proficiency level in a language professional skills course offered through the Elliott School. The instructor tests the student during the course to determine if the required proficiency level has been achieved.
As of fall 2018, the above policy applies to new and current students in the Elliott School’s non-regional studies master’s programs with a language requirement. Consult the Program Director for more information.