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.* 

Required
Core field courses (15 credits)
ECON 6280Survey of International Economics
or ECON 6250 Survey of Economic Development
IAFF 6101International Affairs Cornerstone
SMPA 6210Media and Foreign Policy
SMPA 6241Research Design
And one course from the following:
HIST 6030History and Its Uses in International Affairs
SMPA 6202Media Effects, Public Opinion, and Persuasion
SMPA 6204Strategic 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 6898Capstone Workshop
IAFF 6899Capstone Course
Skills courses (3 credits)
Three skills courses in any combination from the following:
IAFF 6502Professional Skills I
IAFF 6503Professional Skills II
Students in the global communication program may choose to take skills courses in the School of Media and Public Affairs:
SMPA 6201Strategic Communications Skills (Crisis Communication)
SMPA 6201Strategic Communications Skills (Developing Digital PR Skills)
SMPA 6201Strategic Communications Skills (Social Media)
SMPA 6201Strategic Communications Skills (Speechwriting)
SMPA 6201Strategic 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 6255Economics of Technological Change
IAFF 6151Environmental Policy
IAFF 6153Science, Technology, and National Security
IAFF 6158Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy *
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Cybersecurity)
IAFF 6501Quantitative Analysis for International Affairs Practitioners
LAW 6414Telecommunications Law
PSPR 6201Strategic Public Relations: Principles and Ethical Practice
PSPR 6204Media Relations in a Digital World
PSPR 6208Integrated Marketing Communications
SMPA 6250Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Changing Media Technology)
SMPA 6250Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Electronic Media Policy)
SMPA 6250Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Information, Media and National Security)
SMPA 6250Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (International Communication)
SMPA 6250Topics 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 6507Nationalism and Ethnicity
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Ethics and International Politics)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Nation Building: Theory and Practice)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Reinventing the United Nations)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Religion and International Affairs)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Theory and Practice of International Negotiations)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Food, Globalization, and Conflict)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military and Post-Conflict Intervention)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Responses to Terrorism)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (War to Peace Transition)
MGT 6215Conflict Management and Negotiations
SMPA 6270Special 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 6501Gender and Sexuality
IAFF 2190WSpecial Topics (Women in Global Politics)
IAFF 3183Special Topics in Development Policy *
IAFF 6102Global Gender Policy
IAFF 6108International Development Policy
PHIL 6238Feminist Ethics and Policy Implications
SMPA 6205Media, Development, and Globalization
SOC 6268Race, Gender, and Class
WGSS 6225Contemporary Feminist Theory
WGSS 6230Global Feminisms
WGSS 6240Gender and Public Policy
WGSS 6257Gender and Sexuality
WGSS 6265Gender, Welfare, and Poverty
WGSS 6268Race, Gender, and Class
*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 6302Issues in Development *
ANTH 6505Medical Anthropology
GEOG 6223Seminar: Population and Health
PUBH 6435Global Health Program Development and Implementation
PUBH 6442Comparative Global Health Systems
PUBH 6503Introduction 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 6301The Anthropology of Development
ANTH 6302Issues in Development *
ANTH 6391Anthropology and Contemporary Problems
ANTH 6505Medical Anthropology
ANTH 6507Nationalism and Ethnicity
PPPA 6002Research Methods and Applied Statistics
PPPA 6006Policy Analysis
PPPA 6016Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation
PSPR 6204Media Relations in a Digital World
PSPR 6208Integrated Marketing Communications
SOC 6230Foundations of Research Methods
SOC 6232Qualitative Methods
Environment
EMSE 6200Policy Factors in Environmental and Energy Management
GEOG 6223Seminar: Population and Health
IAFF 6151Environmental Policy
PPPA 6066U.S. Environmental Policy
PHIL 6281Environmental Philosophy and Policy
Humanitarian assistance
EMSE 6305Crisis and Emergency Management
EMSE 6320International Disaster Management
PUBH 6442Comparative Global Health Systems
PUBH 6503Introduction to Public Health Communication and Marketing
SMPA 6270Special 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 6402Managing in Developing Countries
PPPA 6016Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation
PPPA 6058International Development NGO Management
SMPA 6205Media, Development, and Globalization
SMPA 6250Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Media in the Developing World)
International education
EDUC 6601International and Comparative Education
EDUC 6602Regional Studies in International Education
EDUC 6610Programs and Policies in International Education
EDUC 6620Strategies and Analysis in International Education
EDUC 6640Selected Topics in International Education *
EDUC 6650Education and National Development
Global health
ANTH 6505Medical Anthropology
PUBH 6442Comparative Global Health Systems
PUBH 6503Introduction to Public Health Communication and Marketing
Political economy
ECON 6250Survey of Economic Development (if not taken as core course)
ECON 6295Special Topics (Industrial and Technology Policy in Developing Countries)
PSPR 6208Integrated Marketing Communications
Women and development
ANTH 6501Gender and Sexuality
GEOG 6223Seminar: Population and Health
ECON 6250Survey of Economic Development (if not taken as core course)
WGSS 6230Global Feminisms
*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 6250Survey of Economic Development (if not taken as core course)
ECON 6255Economics of Technological Change
ECON 6295Special Topics (Economic Analysis of International Trade Law)
ECON 6295Special Topics (Economics of the European Union)
ECON 6295Special Topics (Economics of U.S. Trade Law)
ECON 6295Special Topics (Economics of U.S. Trade Policy)
ECON 6295Special Topics (Emerging Market Financial Crises)
ECON 6295Special Topics (Industrial and Technology Policy in Developing Countries)
ECON 6295Special Topics (International Economic Integration)
IAFF 6138Special Topics in International Development Studies (U.S. Aid and Trade in the Developing World)
IAFF 6318Special Topics in Asian Studies (Political Economy of South Asia)
IAFF 6358Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Political Economy of Latin America)
IBUS 6301International Business Finance
IBUS 6303External Development Financing
G. International law and organizations
ECON 6295Special Topics (Economics of the European Union)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Reinventing the United Nations)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Theory and Practice of International Negotiations)
LAW 6520International Law
LAW 6534Law of the European Union
LAW 6870National Security Law
PSC 8226Politics and Organizations
SMPA 6250Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Media Law)
SMPA 6250Topics in Media Processes and Institutions (Public Affairs and Government Information)
H. Public diplomacy
Required:
SMPA 6275Public Diplomacy
Recommended Core Course:
SMPA 6204Strategic Political Communication
Recommended Elective Courses:
EDUC 6620Strategies and Analysis in International Education
EDUC 6640Selected Topics in International Education *
IAFF 6138Special Topics in International Development Studies *
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies *
IAFF 6208Special Topics in Global Communication *
PPPA 6058International Development NGO Management
PUBH 6571Social Marketing: Theory and Practice
SMPA 6205Media, Development, and Globalization
SMPA 6270Special Topics in Media and Public Affairs *
SMPA 6274Media 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 6391Anthropology and Contemporary Problems
ANTH 6507Nationalism and Ethnicity
ECON 6295Special Topics (Economics of U.S. Trade Policy)
HIST 6001Special Topics (History of International Economic System)
HIST 6310Readings in Nineteenth-Century American History
HIST 6330Modern U.S. Foreign Policy
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (U.S. Public Diplomacy)
IAFF 6145U.S. Space Policy
IAFF 6153Science, Technology, and National Security
IAFF 6163Transnational Security Issues
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Covert Action and National Security)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Forward Engagement)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Globalization and National Security)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Intelligence and National Security Policymaking)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military and Post Conflict Intervention)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (National Security Resources)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy)
IAFF 6302Taiwan: Internal Development and Foreign Policy
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Transatlantic Relations)
IAFF 6378Special Topics in Middle East Studies (Mediterranean Region and U.S. Security)
IAFF 6521U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Program
LAW 6870National Security Law
PSC 6346The Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy
PSC 6372Foreign Policy of China
PSC 8229Politics and Public Policy
J. U.S. national security policy and process
ANTH 6507Nationalism and Ethnicity
ANTH 6391Anthropology and Contemporary Problems
HIST 6001Special Topics *
HIST 6330Modern U.S. Foreign Policy
IAFF 6145U.S. Space Policy
IAFF 6151Environmental Policy
IAFF 6153Science, Technology, and National Security
IAFF 6160Defense Policy
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Covert Action and National Security)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Forward Engagement)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Health and National Security)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Intelligence and National Security Policymaking)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Issues in International Criminal Law)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military and Post-Conflict Intervention)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Military Geography)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (National Security Resources)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Organized Crime)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Post-Conflict Development)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Responses to Terrorism)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Strategic Planning for the 21st Century)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Weapons Proliferation and Nonproliferation)
IAFF 6318Special Topics in Asian Studies (Asian Regional Security)
IAFF 6318Special Topics in Asian Studies (Transatlantic Security Issues)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (NATO and European Security)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Transatlantic Security Issues)
IAFF 6163Transnational Security Issues
IAFF 6165Fundamentals of Intelligence
IAFF 6169Homeland Security
IAFF 6171Introduction to Conflict Resolution
LAW 6552Law of War
LAW 6870National Security Law
MGT 6215Conflict Management and Negotiations
PSC 6346The Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy
Regional Field Specialization Options
A. African studies
ANTH 6301The Anthropology of Development
ANTH 6591Topics in Sociocultural Anthropology
ECON 6237Economics of the Environment and Natural Resources
ECON 6250Survey of Economic Development *
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (African Security Forces)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Gender, Peace, and Security in Africa)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (International Peacekeeping)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (International Relations in Africa)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Re-imaging North Africa)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Security Challenges in Africa)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (U.S. Policy Toward Africa)
IAFF 6118Special Topics in International Affairs (Women and Leadership in Africa)
IAFF 6138Special Topics in International Development Studies (Climate Change and Sustainable Development)
IAFF 6138Special Topics in International Development Studies (Democracy and Governance Development)
IAFF 6138Special Topics in International Development Studies (Foundations of Humanitarian Assistance)
IAFF 6171Introduction to Conflict Resolution
IAFF 6173Security and Development
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Conflict Resolution in Africa)
IAFF 6186Special Topics in Security Policy Studies (Peace and Conflict in Africa)
IAFF 6385Special Topics in African Studies (Power, Politics, and Development in Africa)
IAFF 6385Special Topics in African Studies (Rising China in Africa)
IAFF 6385Special Topics in African Studies (Transnational Threats in Africa)
IAFF 6385Special Topics in African Studies (Violent Extremism and Transnational Crime in Africa)
IBUS 6402Managing in Developing Countries
PUBH 6480Public Health in Humanitarian Settings
*If not taken as a core course
B. Asian studies
HIST 6001Special Topics (Central Asian History)
HIST 6611Readings Seminar: Twentieth-Century China
HIST 6621Readings Seminar: Modern Japanese History
HIST 6630Special Topics in Korean History *
IAFF 6302Taiwan: Internal Development and Foreign Policy
IAFF 6318Special Topics in Asian Studies (Asian Regional Security)
IAFF 6318Special Topics in Asian Studies (Force in Asian Politics)
IAFF 6318Special Topics in Asian Studies (International Relations of South Asia)
PSC 6370Politics of China I
PSC 6372Foreign Policy of China
PSC 6475International Politics of East Asia
PSC 8388Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Japanese Politics)
PSC 8388Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Political Economy of East and Southeast Asia)
PSC 8489Selected Topics in International Politics (Japanese Foreign Policy)
PSC 8489Selected Topics in International Politics (Politics of Asia Pacific Economic Integration)
PSC 8489Selected Topics in International Politics (U.S.-China Relations)
PSPR 6201Strategic Public Relations: Principles and Ethical Practice
PSPR 6204Media Relations in a Digital World
PSPR 6208Integrated Marketing Communications
*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 6295Special Topics (East European Economies in Historical Perspective)
ECON 6295Special Topics (Post-Communist Economic Analysis)
GEOG 6265Geography of Russia and Its Neighbors
HIST 6001Special Topics (Central Asian History)
HIST 6051Re-thinking Cold War History
HIST 6170Eastern European History I
HIST 6188History of Modern Russia
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Caucasus in the 20th Century)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Central Asia: Issues and Challenges)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Geopolitics of Ukraine)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Mediterranean Region and U.S. Foreign Policy)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Nationalism in Ukraine and Russia)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (NATO and European Security)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Political Economy of the European Union)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Scandinavia and Baltic States)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Transatlantic Security Relations)
IAFF 6338Special Topics in European and Eurasian Studies (Turkey's Place in Europe)
PSC 6364Comparative Governments and Politics of Central And Eastern Europe
PSC 6465The International Politics of Central and Eastern Europe
PSC 6366Government and Politics of Russia
PSC 8388Selected Topics in Comparative Politics (Government and Politics of Ukraine)
PSPR 6201Strategic Public Relations: Principles and Ethical Practice
PSPR 6204Media Relations in a Digital World
D. Latin American and hemispheric studies
GEOG 6261Geographical Perspectives on Latin America
IAFF 6341Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Cornerstone
IAFF 6358Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Brazil Since Independence)
IAFF 6358Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Economic Integration of the Americas)
IAFF 6358Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Mexico Since Independence)
IAFF 6358Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Political and Economic Development of the Southern Cone)
IAFF 6358Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Political Economy of Latin America)
IAFF 6358Special Topics in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies (Remittances in Latin America)
PSC 6383Comparative Politics of Latin America
PSC 6484International Relations of Latin America
*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
IAFF 6378Special Topics in Middle East Studies *
PSC 6377Comparative Politics of the Middle East
PSC 6478International Relations of the Middle East
*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 6998Thesis
IAFF 6999Thesis

*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.

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.