The Graduate School of Political Management

The Graduate School of Political Management

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Type	Private
Established	1987
Parent institution	George Washington University
Dean	Ali Eskandarian
Director	Mark Kennedy
Address	805 21st Street, Suite 400 , Washington , D.C., 20052
Campus	Urban — Foggy Bottom
Website	www.gspm.gwu.edu

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. Its graduates hold myriad professional titles including campaign managers, pollsters, speechwriters, communications professionals, legislative aides and directors, candidates, lobbyists, and new media experts.

It is the only school of applied politics in Washington, D.C.,. The faculty train students of all political persuasions in how to win campaigns, advance legislative goals and impact public opinion ethically.

GSPM's master's degree program in Strategic Public Relations was named PRWeek's PR Education Program of the Year in 2015, cited for the "phenomenal guidance" professors provide and a "hugely innovative, world-class curriculum."

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, with the understanding that proper politics requires training.

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.

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 Engagement

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 Ankara, Berlin, Brussels, Beijing, Brasilia, Cape Town, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Johannesburg, London, Sao Paulo, Seoul, and Tokyo. 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.