MA in Political Communication
Boston, USA
MA
DURATION
13 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
* Priority decision: March 1. Late application deadline: July 1.
Key Summary
About: The MA in Political Communication at Emerson College gives practical training and global exposure. You'll work with Emerson Polling, take advocacy and public diplomacy projects in Rosarito and Barcelona, and may earn up to 8 credits for relevant work experience. The schedule is flexible with evening classes, full-time and part-time options, and no GRE requirement.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter roles in campaigning, media, advocacy, polling, and public affairs. Potential positions include campaign managers; speechwriters; pollsters; fundraisers; digital strategy managers; chiefs of staff. You’ll access internships, conferences, and international placement opportunities to build careers in politics, communications, and government relations.
Program Highlights:
- Gain hands-on experience with Emerson Polling, ranked among the nation’s most trusted polling sources.
- Participate in advocacy and public diplomacy projects in locations like Rosarito, Mexico, and Barcelona.
- Receive up to 8 credits for relevant work experience, accelerating your degree.
- Flexible scheduling with evening classes, full-time and part-time options, and no GRE requirement.
Emerson College’s 36-credit Political Communication graduate program is versatile—complete it part-time or full-time, in one to three years. Housed in the School of Communication, the program offers courses primarily in the evening, allowing working professionals to attend and leaving time for students to participate in internship and networking opportunities.
Take 24 credits of core requirements and just 12 elective credits.
Career Outlook for Political Communication Graduates
Political communication is a rapidly growing field, with 7% job growth projected over the next decade. Emerson’s hands-on program equips graduates with the skills to excel in roles such as:
- Campaign Managers
- Chiefs of Staff
- Digital Strategy Managers
- Fundraisers
- NGO Advocates
- Pollsters
- Public Affairs Managers
- Speechwriters
Notable Alumni Include:
- Jeff Bellows, VP of Corporate Citizenship, Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Susan DelPercio, Political Correspondent, MSNBC
- Kevin Mercuri, CEO, Prophet Communications
- Katie Prisco-Buxbaum, Campaign Manager, Andrea Campbell's Mayoral Campaign
- Dr. Scott C. Ratzan, Editor, Journal of Health Communication
Join a powerful alumni network that drives change across the political and public sectors.
Financial Aid
Emerson College is proud to offer students and families financial aid options and resources.
Scholarships
Upon applying to an Emerson Graduate Program, the Graduate Admission team automatically reviews every accepted student’s scholarship eligibility.
Global Networking Opportunities
Emerson’s faculty and alumni span the globe, allowing you exclusive access to our professional networks. Our extensive network connects you to internship and employment opportunities. Our extensive network connects you to internship and employment opportunities.
Students interested in international relations and European politics can study for a term in cities like Sydney, Barcelona, and Lisbon. Additionally, you will have opportunities to present research at national and global conferences as well as publication opportunities.
Our network has provided students with unique career-building opportunities such as:
- Strategic communication, political, and advocacy support during the U.S. 2016 election, working with international journalists and the U.S. Embassy in Nepal
- Nation-branding seminars in Iceland
- Health communication workshops in Australia and New Zealand
- Campaign work at the Iowa Caucus, California and New Hampshire primaries, and the Republican and Democratic Conventions
- Canadian and Mexican election support
Career Outlook
Our approach to practical learning experiences ensures graduates complete the Political Communication (MA) program with the skills needed to advance their careers.
Careers paths you can pursue post-graduation include:
- Campaign managers
- Speechwriters
- Pollsters
- Fundraisers
- Event Managers
- NGO advocates
- Chiefs of Staff
- Social Media Content Managers
- Public Relations Strategists
- Digital Strategy Managers
- Public Affairs Managers
Who Should Apply?
Emerson’s Political Communication graduate program enrolls a cohort of students from diverse backgrounds who share interests in politics, social advocacy, and citizen engagement. Housed in the School of Communication, the program enrolls students who majored in, work in or have a passion for the political landscape. Our students go on to pursue careers in communications, polling and analytics, political campaigning, event planning, social media, content writing, or talent and brand management. We encourage students from all academic and professional backgrounds with an interest in politics and writing to apply regardless of experience level.
