The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at the George Washington University is a school of political management and applied politics, strategic communications and civic engagement. GSPM is dedicated to educating principled leaders who help make democracy work. It is the nation's first school of professional politics and prepares individuals for careers as campaign managers, pollsters, speechwriters, communications professionals, legislative aides and directors, candidates, lobbyists, and new media experts. The school connects students and professionals to the tools, principles and values of participatory democracy, providing practical and relevant education and preparing them for careers as ethical and effective advocates and leaders at the international, national and local levels.
As the only school of applied politics in the nation's capital, GSPM's focus is on people with a passion for politicsâ€"those who want to make a difference, and a career, in the political realm. Since its inception, GSPM has been focused on the mission of affecting positive change in politics through education. The faculty seek to train students of all political persuasions not only in how to win campaigns, advance legislative goals, and impact public opinion, but also in how to do so ethically in a manner consistent with the common good.
GSPM is led by Mark Kennedy, former U.S. Congressman, presidential appointee (serving under Presidents Bush and Obama), and corporate senior executive (Macy's).
History
GSPM was founded in 1987 as an independent graduate school chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. Politics, done properly, requires training, and GSPM has developed an educational program in the art, science and business of politics, preparing graduates to advance and succeed in the field.
The school's first class convened on the Manhattan campus of Baruch College. In 1991, the school opened a degree program on the urban campus of the George Washington University, in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, just a few blocks from the White House, Capitol Hill, both major political parties and many of the top consulting, lobbying and public relations firms in the country.
The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences formally acquired GSPM in 1995, and in 2006, the school moved into the College of Professional Studies (CPS), where it is currently located. Designed for working professionals, classes meet in the evenings.
Degree Programs
GSPM offers masters degrees in
- Political Management,
- Legislative Affairs,
- Strategic Public Relations,
- Advocacy in the Global Environment, and
- Political Communication and Governance (taught in Spanish, online).
GSPM offers graduate certificates in
- Campaign Strategy,
- Community Advocacy,
- Online Politics,
- PACs and Political Management,
- Public Relations,
- Political Communication and Governance (taught in Spanish, online), and
- Strategic Communications and Campaigns (taught in Spanish, online).
The Political Management program is located on the Foggy Bottom campus, four blocks from the White House, and is also offered online.
Classes for the Legislative Affairs program are offered across from the U.S. Capitol in the Hall of States building.
Classes for the Strategic Public Relations program are held on the Alexandria, Virginia, campus. The program also is offered online.
The Advocacy in the Global Environment classes are held in Washington, D.C., close to the U.S. Capitol. The program is also offered online.
The school's Washington, D.C. connections mean students learn in the classroom but also in campaign offices, legislative suites, lobbying shops, PR agencies, and news bureaus.
Centers
The Global Center for Political Management
The Global Center for Political Management is focused not only on helping democracies to mature, but also on educating organizations about how to effectively engage in Washington, D.C., and in global capitals beyond, such as Brussels, Beijing and Brasilia. Open enrollment and custom professional education opportunities include
- Campaign Seminars
- International Advocacy Seminars
- Latin American Political Management and Governance Program
- Politics Boot Camps
- Washington Road Map Seminars
- Washington, D.C.-based Spanish Language Seminars
- Women in Politics Leadership Seminars
- Customized Campaign and Governance Training Seminars
The Center for Second Service
The Center for Second Service (charter pending) is a new GSPM initiative that trains veterans to continue their commitment to public service in the world of politics. The Center builds on the success of GW’s partnership with the non-profit Veterans Campaign, which has seen several of its alumni successfully campaign for elected office. Qualified veterans can receive full tuition reimbursement through a combination of GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program funding.
Alumni
GSPM has more than 2,000 alumni all around the world, representing more than 40 nations and working in government, politics, public relations and public affairs.
References
- ^ "Discover the Graduate School of Political Management". Retrieved 1 May 2013.Â
- ^ "Mark Kennedy Biography". Retrieved 1 May 2013.Â
- ^ "Discover the Graduate School of Political Management". Retrieved 1 May 2013.Â
- ^ "Global Center for Political Engagement". Retrieved 1 May 2013.Â
- ^ "The Center for Second Service". Retrieved 1 May 2013.Â
- ^ "GSPM Alumni are Changing the World". Retrieved 1 May 2013.Â
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