Student Success Stories
Political Management & Strategic Public Relations
The best way to learn more about the impact of our Strategic Public Relations online program is to hear the stories of our students. Learn more about why they chose The George Washington University's School of Political Management. What will your story be?
"I had great expectations about the GW online courses, but my learning experience exceeded all those expectations. The course represented a positive shift in both my personal and professional life. Thanks to the excellence of the teachers and colleagues I was able to share experiences and develop skills that were hidden in my self-being. Thank you GWU for changing my life!"
~ Miguel Caldeira, Current Student, GW Political Management Online Program
"I was interested in the political management program because as a professional that works on campaigns, I was eager to learn more about the process and see what others in my field had to contribute. The knowledge and experience of both the professors and the facilitators was very high and added value to the learning environment. Varied backgrounds of the students made for lively discussion and group interaction. If you're a self starter looking to improve your career, I would suggest this program for you."
~ Molly Weedn, Current Student, GW Political Management Online Program
"Being an online student takes focus, planning and excellent time management and self motivational skills. In the end, it is very rewarding. I value the excellent teachers--they are not only your professors but life-long friends and mentors. My fellow students have been extremely knowledgeable and of the highest caliber. I have learned a lot from them. I will miss the GW community--it has been fun and hard work--but worth it!"
~ Mary Ostroum, Current Student, GW Political Management Online Program
"I loved the independence and self-discipline required on the online course. It really helped me to grow in my character. The course was very well organized and materials readily available most of the time. I also found the course content to be practical and relevant to current events and to my work. I would have loved to have some more face to face interaction with fellow students but I guess that comes with any online program. I would recommend this to anybody and I am looking forward to my graduation."
~ Ier Jonathan-Ichaver, Current Student, GW Political Management Online Program
"Studying online is being current, efficient and sustainable. With a job that is very demanding, the online approach allows me to study time on planes, lunch, taking breaks, and maximizing my weekends. The interaction with other students in a global world is a special part of the program with discussion threads, Skyping, e-mails, and conference calls. The GWU program is designed to work for busy people who do not want to compromise their interaction with "first-in-class."
~ Clifford DeWayne Bridges, Current Student, GW Strategic Public Relations Online Program
"Working toward a common goal with peers from diverse backgrounds truly made my online experience worthwhile."
~ Lauren Setzer, Current Student, GW Strategic Public Relations Online Program
"The Strategic Public Relations Master Degree program at George Washington University is one of the premier programs for PR professionals in its practical and relevant course of study and application. The online convenience, exceptional faculty and engagement with other students from around the world make this a compelling program for those who want to be leaders in the field and advance in their careers. I highly recommend the program. I just wish I had done it sooner."
~ Nancy Porter, Current Student, GW Strategic Public Relations Online Program
"The online strategic public relations degree allowed me the flexibility to pursue an advanced degree while still working full-time. The courses were challenging from a time management stand point but by planning ahead and working with my professors and facilitators I was able to successfully reach my goal. Each of my professors and facilitators understood, helpful and willing to answer any questions that I had.
One of the greatest aspects of the online program was the ability to work with classmates from around the world. My courses included students from the same state I lived in to military personnel stationed as far away as Japan. This allowed me to learn from people with a wide range of experiences and help me to better understand the public relations field. This program also helped me to reach a professional goal, when my company's chief government relations officer heard about my course of study and that I was attending The George Washington University she was very impress to say the least. She also offered me a new position in the government relations department. I am proud to say I am an alumnus of The George Washington University!"
~ Jared Meade, Current Student, GW Strategic Public Relations Online Program
"I enrolled in the GW Strategic Public Relations program to build my personal and professional reputation. I wanted a school with a strong reputation that would give me an educational advantage with my public relations firm.
While still in the program, I landed the largest contract my firm had acquired because the client saw the dedication I had in doing an online program, and the knowledge base they would be able to take advantage of from me being a student at GW. Weeks after graduation, I ran for the Minnesota House of Representatives and used my time with GW's online program to my advantage. That advantage was noted in the local daily paper when they endorsed me for the office. After winning in November, I have taken a step back from my firm duties, but plan to revamp and grow my company during the interim.
One nice thing about the GW online program is that the weeks do become "typical" so you can make expectations and plan appropriately without having intense weeks followed by slow weeks. Each week was well based, and usually started with beginning the assigned reading and reviewing the week outline on Monday, follow the lecture on Tuesday, begin the chat sessions on Wednesday, work on assignments and reading Thursday and Friday, and following up on chats and discussions over the weekend.
I chose to do the online program because I wanted to continue working on my business and being close to my family. I had just launched my PR firm and was attaining clients before starting classes, and I couldn't leave that to do on campus learning half a continent away. I did a few online classes in undergrad so I knew what I was getting into and what the demands were. I also knew that my schedule was changing too often to be locked into a class schedule in a traditional classroom setting.
The thing that surprised me the most about online learning is how much better the discussions are. My discussions went a lot further than I ever expected.
I have on numerous occasions recommended the GW online masters program to friends and colleagues because of the experiences I had. I learned practical skills that I could immediately apply to my profession, I received a degree from a world class institution while staying in my home town, the classes were structured in a six week intensive format that allowed for focus and better understanding of the material, I networked with people all around the world, and I gained a new perspective that no other school could offer me. My personal and professional life enhanced tremendously even before I completed the program; for anyone who might be considering the program, I offer my full endorsement."
~ Joe Schomacker, Online Strategic Public Relations Graduate'10
"I have a firm grasp of concepts and practices that before I may not have realized were important. In addition, assignments were often made that directly related to projects I was working on at my job. The program has given me a solid academic background and a strong network of professionals, both of which will help me to advance in my career."
~ Vivian D. Laxton, Online Strategic Public Relations Graduate
"The opportunity provided by attending the GSPM program broadens your expertise in the field of political management. This combined with networking and the ability to integrate strategic planning empowers the graduate. The online program requires a great amount of self discipline to complete the courses. The interaction with the professor and support staff is by far the best of any online courses I have experienced. The name George Washington University opens doors and is considered a professional and prestigious accomplishment in today's workforce.
The faculty and instructors are of the highest caliber found in any institution today. I felt that the level of support provided is the highest quality and most professional available on a 24/7 basis. It has provided me with opportunities well beyond my expectations, both in self achievement and monetary gains. The GSPM program, combined with the support staff, surpasses any institution's online program in the political management field. GW has embraced the use of new technology and removed the borders of learning."
~ Miguel Rodriguez, Online Political Management Graduate
“The George Washington University is a top national university with experienced professors and robust online degree programs. The online program for Strategic Public Relations is an excellent program for public relations professionals who are several years into their careers. The program is taught by industry professionals who have passion for their specialties and the desire to positively promote and enhance the profession.
The master's degree program in Strategic Public Relations broadened my experiences and knowledge, helping me to better understand the public relations profession. The program also taught me new ways to approach my work and add value to my company. The program has given me the confidence to counsel the leaders of my company in communications decisions.”
~ Teresa Wolke, Online Strategic Public Relations Graduate
"An outstanding institution with great classes in political management."
~ Daniel Cronrath, Online Political Management Graduate
"Thorough, accessible, and convenient. A good opportunity to meet and network with other professionals in the political management field. The program has broadened my knowledge of campaign and political management practices and has provided many opportunities to use my new skills professionally. The program also provided excellent opportunities to network with other professionals.
The program has bolstered my knowledge of political management techniques and practices and has given me the formal education necessary to pursue other interests. I have enjoyed my experience with GW and the GSPM. Recently, I have had the opportunity to speak to others about the university and the program and have encouraged them to join the GW and GSPM team. I intend to be a strong advocate for GW and the GSPM in the future."
~ Russell Martinez, Online Political Management Graduate
"GW is a progressive university that equips today's and tomorrow's leaders with the ability to solve problems and think outside the box. The program features a good mix of on-campus professors and working professionals who together offer comprehensive learning and share real world experiences."
~ Chris Gent, Online Strategic Public Relations Graduate
"A great university with a unique political program aimed at providing students with a nuts-and-bolts understanding of political operations and best practices that will leave graduates well-positioned for a career as a political professional.
The distance learning program is perfect for established professionals. Through online learning, I was able to go through the program right now; gaining vital skills and knowledge that helped me maximize my job performance immediately. The format provides a level of flexibility that is necessary for full-time professionals. That said, it is an extremely demanding program - the quick pace and high standards deliver their own set of lessons on the level of output and excellence expected of top political professionals.
This program has thoroughly prepared me for a career in politics. I have gained concrete skills, a practical understanding of the demands of the profession and a moral grounding in political ethics that will help me navigate the exciting and unpredictable world of professional politics. Personally, I gained a great deal of confidence in my abilities
."
~ Sarah Anna Elizabeth Chusid, Online Political Management Graduate
"George Washington University gave me the chance to enhance my life for the better and fulfill my goals in life. GW will always hold a special place in my heart. The online program helped me to continue working while still being able earn my degree with students like me that wanted to enhance their careers and with a faculty that has amazing knowledge. The program has taught me the knowledge that I need to have for a strong career in politics."
~ Sharmay Wood, Online Political Management Graduate
"It has helped me advance my professional career already and it has given me a great context for working collaboratively with people both professionally and personally."
~ John Schmidt, Online Political Management Graduate
