Application Process

Thank you for your interest in GSPM! In order to make the process as smooth as possible, you will need to assemble several documents before going through the steps necessary to submit an application. Applicants may also be asked to interview with the Program Director.

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Admissions Deadlines

Please note while our scholarship deadlines are final, we may still accept applications on a rolling basis. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Scholarship Deadlines

Please note: GSPM offers merit-based scholarships during the fall and spring terms only. Students entering their program in the summer may apply for scholarships the following fall. Priority scholarship applicants for the fall term may receive an award decision prior to May 1. Only students applying for a masters program are eligible to apply for a merit-based scholarship. Graduate certificates are not eligible for merit-based scholarships.

Materials Checklist

*Applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree within the last five years must have at least one academic reference.*

**International applicants have additional requirements and are advised to consult the International Applicants page before starting an application.**

Application Instructions:

GSPM Admissions Requirements, Deadlines, and Application Instructions PDF
 

1) Assemble your online application

You must upload all necessary documents in their respective sections in your GW online application portal via the button below. Required documents are not accepted via email to GSPM staff.

*Application School: College of Professional Studies

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2) Prove academic credibility by providing copies of your transcripts

You must provide a transcript from all schools, colleges and universities you have attended -- whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit is transfer credit from another transcript.
Note: Applications will not be reviewed until we've received all of your transcripts. If you have questions, view the Transcript FAQs here.

You may initially submit unofficial transcripts in your online application. However, applicants who have been accepted are then required to mail in sealed official paper copies of transcripts to the below address or electronic copies to [email protected] before the end of their first term. 

Official transcripts must be mailed to:

College of Professional Studies Office of Admissions
The George Washington University
Alexandria Education Center
413 John Carlyle Street, Suite 250
Alexandria, VA 22314

We also accept transcripts electronically through third-party transcript services to [email protected]. Transcripts sent through these services must come through an email directly from the transcript provider; they will not be accepted if forwarded from an applicant.

*Note for international students*: Applicants who have attained a degree from outside the United States must submit a detailed, course-by-course evaluation showing all coursework, grades, and proof of the degree earned from a NACES or AICE member organization. The evaluation must state the equivalency to a U.S. degree and equivalent U.S. GPA.

3) Tell a story with your resume 

Give the review committee a sense of your professional and education background. Be sure to include any relevant experience.

4) Share your passion through a statement of purpose 

GSPM requires a 250-500 word statement of purpose for undertaking graduate education. Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Tell us what you want to do with your degree!

5) Show us your support system with two letters of recommendation

Identify two people who know you well and understand why you are pursuing graduate education. Ask them for their email contact information and enter their name and email address into your online application. The GW system will then send an email to each individual with instructions on how to upload their letter of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a professional or academic reference. If you have earned an undergraduate degree in the last five years, at least one letter must be from an academic reference.

We recommend you contact your chosen recommenders with the request for a letter and email address immediately upon beginning the application process. Be mindful that recommenders may need significant notice to write you a recommendation, ask them giving at minimum a few weeks' time to write.

Additional letters do not improve your chance of admission.

6) Complete your online application and pay application fee

Complete and submit your application and pay the $80 non-refundable application fee, which may be paid online by credit card, check, or money order, made payable to The George Washington University. Print your name on the check or money order. Cash will not be accepted.

The application fee is waived if you are a:

• GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate)
• Current degree or graduate certificate candidate at GW
• U.S. military personnel who have been on active duty within three years of submitting their application for admission
• Current McNair Program Scholars (a completed Certification of McNair Program Participation and Application Fee Waiver form must be either mailed with your supporting documents or scanned and attached to your online application)
• Student in the Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program

International Student Requirements

International applicants are required to submit additional application materials. Review all of the requirements and instructions on the International Applicants page.

Undocumented Student Requirements

Follow the process for admission, regardless of your country of citizenship, immigration status, residency, or school location. The admissions process is confidential and immigration status is not considered by the admissions committee.  

For more information about applying as an undocumented individual, click here.

Requirements for students with less than a 3.0 GPA

If you want to apply, but have an overall undergraduate GPA that is less than 3.0 including transfer credits, you are required to do ONE of the following:
EITHER;
1. Take the GRE and request ETS to have the official scores sent to GWU (school code: 5246).
OR;
2. Submit a petition, based on three or more years of relevant professional experience, consisting of a:
      Descriptive Essay: In a descriptive essay of approximately 500 words, please describe in detail the nature, duties, and duration of your qualifying experience (as defined below). Please identify your direct supervisor and provide his/her current contact information.  This essay should also place the portfolio materials in a context that demonstrates, in your view, an aptitude for graduate study in the program where admission is sought.
     Portfolio: A portfolio of work, compiled of the most outstanding examples of your prior work, for example, research projects, writing samples or any published work. Your portfolio should include 1-3 pieces of work-related professional writing in the range of 500-1000 words.
     Relevant experience is defined as follows: A minimum of three years of full-time (35 or more hours per week), professional, management-level experience that includes some combination of program responsibility, independent decision-making authority, official high-level outside contacts, budgetary responsibility and/or supervisory authority. For the Public Relations program, the experience must be in a professional public relations capacity. “Relevant work experience” does not include internships, volunteering on a campaign, receptionist duties, or clerical responsibilities.