Graduate Degree Programs in Political Communication

<h2 id="section---ComparingGraduateDegreeProgramsInPoliticalCommunication">Comparing Graduate Degree Programs in Political Communication</h2> <h3 id="section---OnlineMasterSDegreeInPoliticalCommunication">Online Master's Degree in Political Communication</h3> <p>An online master of arts degree (MA) in political communication can give students the flexibility they need to complete this degree while providing a robust communication learning environment. These programs typically offer coursework in an asynchronous fashion while providing instruction that gives students a thorough background in political communication in the digital era. Admissions requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, statement of purpose, several recommendations, standardized test scores (although some programs do not require this or offer waivers) and a stated grade point average (GPA) minimum. Relevant work experience may be required. The programs take about 1 to 2 years to complete, and common courses include introduction to digital political campaigning, mass communication theory, video storytelling and fundamentals in digital political advertising. Career options could include digital media analyst, social media strategist, communications manager or account manager. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfArtsInCommunicationPoliticalCommunicationEmphasis">Master of Arts in Communication - Political Communication Emphasis</h3> <p>The MA in communication with an emphasis in political communication can give students a strong background in communication principles and practices while focusing on the political components of the communication process. Students attending classes full-time classes may be able to complete this degree pathway in about 2 years. Admission requirements are comprised of a completed bachelor's degree, an online application, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and resume. Curriculum can include courses such as communication and technology, media and political behavior, persuasion and theory research and political campaigns. Job opportunities might include editor, public relations specialist, political campaign manager and political writer. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfArtsInStrategicCommunication">Master of Arts in Strategic Communication</h3> <p>The MA in Strategic Communication could prepare students for careers that require the development, implementation and evaluation of communication programs and offers a concentration in political communication. The degree program is typically full-time and takes about 2 years to complete. Admission requirements for this type of program include an online application, official undergraduate transcripts showing a completed bachelor's degree, professional resume, personal statement that addresses applicant interest and about 3 professional or academic references. Common curriculum that are offered in these programs include research methods, public opinion and polling, public relations campaigns and persuasion and media effects. Programs may include internship or practicum requirements. Career prospects might include corporate communications manager, multi-media/public relations, event coordinator and media relations director. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfArtsInCommunicationConcentrationInPoliticalCommunication">Master of Arts in Communication - Concentration in Political Communication</h3> <p>The MA in communication with a concentration in political communication affords students the opportunity to earn a communications degree that focuses on honing communication skills to help influence public policy. The degree program is usually full-time and takes about 2 years to complete. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, GPA minimum, resume, statement of purpose, recommendations, writing sample and GRE scores. Coursework can include research and writing methods, persuasion, communication theory and practice/theories/research specifically in political communication. Programs may include required or optional practicum and internship experiences. Career opportunities may include community relations coordinator, communications director, political scientist, account manager and public relations consultant. </p> <h3 id="section---QuickComparisonOfGraduateProgramsInPoliticalCommunication">Quick Comparison of Graduate Programs in Political Communication</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Degree Program Name</th><th>Typical Program Length</th><th>Common Program Requirements</th><th>Related Career Options</th></tr> <tr><td>Online Master's in Political Communication</td><td>1 to 2 years</td><td>bachelor's degree, GRE scores</td><td>digital media analyst, social media strategist</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Arts in Communication - Political Communication Emphasis</td><td>2 years</td><td>bachelor's degree, GRE scores</td><td>public relations specialists, political campaign manager</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Arts in Strategic Communication</td><td>2 years</td><td>bachelor's degree, GRE scores</td><td>event coordinator, media relations director</td></tr> <tr><td>Master of Arts in Communication Concentration in Political Communication</td><td>2 years</td><td>bachelor's degree, GRE scores</td><td>communications director, account manager</td></tr> </table><p>There are several graduate programs in communication that provide a political communication focus with courses in areas such as public relations, mass communication theory, political campaigns, and research methods. Students can complete one of these master's degree programs in about 1 to 2 years to pursue related careers in areas such as social media strategy, political campaign management, media relations directorships, and account management.</p>