Master of Arts in Political Communication

Shaping Political Thought

Whether you want to be a communications director on a political campaign, a media consultant devising national grassroots outreach, or a leading public affairs strategist guiding your client through a crisis, our master's in Political Communication is for you.

Navigate a Fast-Changing Landscape

The Master of Arts in Political Communication is a joint degree program between the School of Public Affairs and the School of Communication. It combines expertise and scholarship to develop a thorough grounding in political science, strategic communication, research, and media. The interdisciplinary degree prepares you to navigate the fast-changing landscape of politics and communication-our students gain the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to be successful as political advocates, policy-makers, communication professionals, and campaign executives.

Hone Your Skills

Taught by today's leading political communication scholars and practitioners, you'll take hands-on courses in applied politics and communication skills over a broad range of media and production topics that will introduce you to news writing, persuasive writing, public opinion research, online advocacy, and campaign management. For this 36-credit degree, students can choose courses from a variety of areas including speechwriting, social media strategy and tactics, research for communication, and political advertising, as well as classes in AU's Women and Politics Institute, Campaign Management Institute, and Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute.

"In this political climate, which is so polarized, people need to figure out a way to talk to each other, not past each other. And political communication gives you those skills."



Candice Nelson



Professor, Chair, and Co-Director, M.A. in Political Communication Program



Department of Government

Build Knowledge and Expertise

If you're seeking to build a strong background in research skills, a broad knowledge of political issues, a deep understanding of how the political process and media work, and the expertise necessary to create, shape, and manage political communication, you'll find what you're looking for in SPA and SOC's joint degree in Political Communication.