Curriculum for the Master's in Media and Public Affairs Program ...

Curriculum for the Master’s in Media and Public Affairs Program
Students need to take a total of 36 credits. Most students take two years to
complete the degree.
Core courses, 12 credits
SMPA 202 Theories of Mediated Communication
SMPA 204 Strategic Political Communication
SMPA 241 Research Methods
SMPA 201 Strategic communication skills
Students will need to take 3, one-credit courses from the following illustrative
list. Each course will last between four and six-weeks.
• Writing for Public Affairs (press release, argumentation, persuasive
writing)
• Video production/Using digital media (camera and Final Cut Pro)
• Political uses of social media
• Web development and strategy
• Speechwriting
• Formal briefing
• Public speaking
• Others
Elective courses, 18 credits
Students complete an additional 18 credits of elective courses tailored to their
individual interests. Courses may be taken in both SMPA and in other
departments.
At least six credits must be selected from the following list:
SMPA 205 Media, Development, and Globalization
SMPA 210 Media and Foreign Policy
SMPA 203 Information Technologies and Political Communication
SMPA 206 Advocacy Communication and Political Networks
SMPA 207 Political Persuasion and Public Opinion

SMPA 221 Communication and Technology Practicum: Communicating in the
Digital Age
SMPA 220 Strategic Practicum
Capstone, six credits
Students need to complete a capstone project. Three options are offered, from
which students must choose one:
1) research thesis
2) in-depth media project
3) strategic communication project
Students will be required to work with one SMPA faculty member
(“advisor/director”), and two additional faculty (“readers”). Students will identify
suitable faculty members to serve as advisors and readers. Students may, with
permission, include an individual outside of GW as a reader.