Time to Invest in You

Master’s Program Sampler

In today’s fast-paced media environment, top public relations professionals must go beyond traditional methods to achieve their goals. With digital and social media driving constant news coverage, PR strategists need to stay informed and ready to respond 24/7. Our program offers a comprehensive learning experience to help students navigate this dynamic landscape for their clients, companies, or causes. With three distinct concentrations, Corporate Communications, Government Communications and Public Affairs, and Nonprofit Communications, you’ll stand out no matter what sector you choose!

Career Growth Potential

Elevate Your Impact in Public Relations and Communications

Are you ready to advance your career in public relations and communications? Our program is designed for both current professionals and those aspiring to join the field, providing a robust curriculum that equips you to become a strategic communicator. You’ll learn to craft compelling narratives, foster meaningful relationships, and establish credibility, all while navigating the complexities of today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Whether you’re responding to emerging challenges or shaping public discourse, this program will empower you to make an impact that matters.

Master’s Program

Our Public Relations and Communications Program equips you to develop, implement, evaluate, and deliver strategic communication and public relations plans that align with organizational or client goals while adhering to ethical standards or practice. You will learn to conduct research, analyze and synthesize data, and apply insights to inform or evaluate communication strategies. The program also teaches you to identify and execute the most effective communication approaches by leveraging digital platforms or cultivating and sustaining relationships with media outlets, journalists, or other stakeholders. You’ll be prepared to adapt communication strategies across various contexts, including engaging diverse or international audiences, managing high-stakes or crisis situations, and effectively handling change or reputation management. Additionally, the program emphasizes the importance of collaborating and communicating effectively with other professionals and potential clients.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this comprehensive program, learners will have developed the ability to:

• Develop, implement, evaluate, and deliver strategic communication and public relations plans that align with organizational/client goals and ethical standards of practice;
• Conduct research, analyze and synthesize data, and apply insights to inform or evaluate communication strategies;
• Identify and execute the most effective communication strategy by leveraging digital platforms and/or cultivating and sustaining relationships with media outlets, journalists, or other stakeholders;
• Adept communication strategies in a variety of contexts, including for diverse or international audiences; in high-stakes crisis situations; and for effective change or reputation management;
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals and potential clients.

Meet the Program Director

Lesley Lopez is a public affairs professional with two decades of experience on Capitol Hill, campaigns, C-Suites and newsrooms. She is a graduate of GW’s Political Management Program and, prior to her appointment as Program Director of the Public Relations and Communications Program, served as an adjunct faculty member in the program (formerly Strategic Public Relations). Professor Lopez is also currently a state delegate in the Maryland General Assembly, representing District 39, and serves as Deputy Majority Whip.

Before founding her own boutique public relations firm, Professor Lopez was the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer for the political start-up Run for Something. She also served as the head of global communications for the U.S.-China Business Council and the Director of Communications for the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the official party organization dedicated to winning state legislative seats.

Other notable experiences include Professor Lopez’s service as Communications Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the group of 27 Hispanic Members of the House and Senate dedicated to voicing issues that affect Hispanics in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, such as education, healthcare and voting rights. Preceding her political career, Professor Lopez was a journalist for nearly a decade, including stints with ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, BBC, CNN, America’s Most Wanted and Eurovision.

Professor Lopez has a long-held commitment to social justice and equity and, in addition to her work as a Maryland state delegate, has served on the boards of YWCA USA and NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland, as well as being a National Volunteer Partner for Girl Scouts USA.

Lesley Lopez
Program Director