The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM)

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The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) is a professional school of politics at The George Washington University and is a division of the university's College of Professional Studies. The first school of its kind in the United States, GSPM seeks to improve politics by educating its students and professionals in the tools, principles and values of participatory democracy, preparing them for careers as ethical and effective advocates and leaders at the international, national, and local levels. Over 250 GSPM students are planning for careers in professional politics by pursuing one of three master’s degrees or two graduate certificates offered by the School. GSPM’s alumni, numbering over 1,600 individuals, work in Congressional offices, public affairs, political and issue campaigns, trade associations, lobbying firms, and consulting.

Over its history, the GSPM has constructed an innovative and highly regarded curriculum, recruited a well-regarded faculty of career professionals, and attracted quality students, providing them with the best technical training and ethical guidance, and placing them in significant professional positions. With these accomplishments, the GSPM has emerged as the leading institution for the study and teaching of Political Management in the United States and internationally.

History
In 1986, Neil Fabricant, a lawyer from New York City and former Legislative Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, realized that a new profession of politics was coming into being and that a dedicated school could nurture that development and, in the process, improve democratic politics.

Fabricant’s creative vision led to the founding of The Graduate School of Political Management, which began classes in September of 1987 with 24 students. The School operated as an independent graduate school chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and was located on the Manhattan campus of Baruch College. In September 1991, GSPM opened a degree program in Washington, DC, on the campus of The George Washington University (GW). In July of 1995, the University acquired the GSPM and made it a component of its Columbian School of Arts and Sciences. Most recently, in 2006, the GSPM joined the College of Professional Studies at GW, which offers innovative master’s degree programs designed for working professionals.

Programs Master's Degree in Political Management

GSPM’s core academic program provides students with a broad base of Political Management skills by studying applied politics. Students can focus their studies on one of eight areas within political management: Lobbying, Campaign Management, Issues Management, Fundraising, Corporate and Trade Association Public Affairs, Polling and Strategic Research, Public Policy and Politics, and Political Leadership.

Master's Degree in Legislative Affairs

Students in the Legislative Affairs program examine the legislative process by integrating theory and practice. The program prepares graduates to navigate the national policy-making arena, developing skills that will lead to success in the legislative world. Areas of study include: Political Leaders and Parties, Congressional Committees, Campaigns and Elections, Interest Groups, Public Opinion, Media and Public Affairs, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Energy and Environmental Policy, and Presidential Relations.

Master's Degree in Strategic Public Relations
Graduate Certificate in Public Relations

In the school’s newest graduate degree programs, students can earn a master’s degree or graduate certificate while mastering core public relations skills and the practical application of strategic thinking. Topics of discussion include Media & Communications Theory, Ethics & Law, New Media Strategies, Evaluating Communications Programs, Crisis communications, Media Relations, and Management Skills.

Graduate Certificate in PACs and Political Management
The Graduate Certificate Program in PACs and Political Management is designed to give professional Political Action Committee (PAC) managers the fundamental skill set to effectively run their organization's political action committee and successfully tackle the complex realities of political finance and action.

Semester in Washington
Semester in Washington (SIW) offers non-George Washington University undergraduate students the opportunity to study applied politics in the nation’s capital. Students study elections, lobbying, and issues management at the heart of the American political process in Washington, DC.

Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet
The research endeavors of the Institute for Politics, Democracy & the Internet (IPDI) help shape the role of technology in the modern political landscape. Through the annual Politics Online Conference and groundbreaking publications and studies, IPDI teaches new skills that allow for the national and international exchange of ideas on the democratizing uses of the Internet and other new technologies.

Latin American Programs
GSPM’s Latin American programs bring lessons learned through U.S. politics and governance to public leaders in Latin America. The Latin American Project focuses on campaign management, while the Governance Program helps political professionals in Latin America face common issues in democracy using applied solutions.

Young Voter Strategies and Rock the Vote
Originally a project of The Graduate School of Political Management, Young Voter Strategies is considered the leading source for opinion polling, tactical research, and demographic analyses of young voters, working to mobilize the 18-to-30-year-old electorate and educate the public, candidates, and consultants on ways to engage young voters. In 2007, Young Voter Strategies combined operations with Rock the Vote and has since launched a campaign to register two million young voters in 2008.