MA Political Communication

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

American University

Program Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) in Political Communication at American University is a 36-credit interdisciplinary graduate program jointly offered by the School of Public Affairs and the School of Communication. The program combines political science, strategic communication, media, research and public affairs, preparing students to shape political messaging, manage election campaigns, influence public policy and develop communication strategies for government agencies, advocacy organizations and political institutions.

Curriculum Structure:

The program typically takes two years to complete and combines 24 credits of core coursework, nine credits of electives and a three-credit capstone. Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through campaign management, public affairs institutes and communication-focused coursework.

First Year: Students develop a foundation in political communication, strategic messaging and political research through COMM-639 – Political Communication, COMM-640 – Principles of Strategic Communication, COMM-735 – Communication Theory, and COMM-738 – Research for Strategic Communication. They also study political writing and applied politics through government-focused coursework.
Second Year: Students deepen their expertise through courses such as GOVT-644 – Political Speechwriting, GOVT-651 – The Legislative Process, GOVT-656 – Voting Behavior, Elections, and Campaigns, and COMM-579 – Political Advertising. They can also explore campaign management, lobbying, media relations, social media strategy and public affairs advocacy.
Final Stage: Students complete GOVT-629 or COMM-629 – Capstone in Political Communication, a three-credit requirement involving a substantial research paper or practicum. This allows students to apply their political, communication and research knowledge to a real-world professional challenge.

Focus Areas:

Political Communication, Strategic Communication, Campaign Management, Political Advertising, Public Affairs Advocacy, Political Speechwriting, Public Policy, Media Relations, Voting Behavior, Election Research, Grassroots Digital Advocacy, Political Journalism, Legislative Affairs, Crisis Communication

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to analyze political communication strategies, understand public opinion, design persuasive messaging and evaluate the influence of media on political processes. They strengthen their skills in campaign planning, political writing, research, public affairs advocacy, speechwriting and strategic communication. The program also builds leadership, critical thinking and stakeholder engagement abilities, preparing students to communicate effectively in political, governmental and public policy environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program is jointly offered by American University's School of Public Affairs and School of Communication. American University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The university does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the MA in Political Communication.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition):

The program benefits from American University's location in Washington, DC, providing access to political institutions, government agencies, advocacy organizations, media companies and policy research centers. Students can gain practical experience through specialized institutes, including the Campaign Management Institute and Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute. The university identifies employers and professional destinations such as POLITICO, Media Matters for America, Lake Research Partners, the Chertoff Group and No Labels. Graduates can pursue careers as political communication strategists, campaign managers, public affairs consultants, political media specialists, legislative communication officers, speechwriters and policy advocacy professionals.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At American University, the MA in Political Communication program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities that equip them with the practical skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of political communication. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students can immerse themselves in real-world scenarios that enhance their learning experience.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MA Political Communication program:

- Internships: Students have the chance to intern with leading organizations in Washington, D.C., including government agencies, non-profits, and media outlets, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings.

- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, where students work together to tackle real-world political communication challenges, fostering teamwork and critical thinking skills.

- Digital Tools: The program incorporates the use of industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite for content creation and analysis, as well as social media analytics tools to understand audience engagement.

- Field Trips: Students participate in field trips to key political institutions, media organizations, and advocacy groups, providing firsthand insights into the workings of political communication in practice.

- Research Laboratories: Access to dedicated research labs allows students to conduct in-depth studies on political messaging, media effects, and public opinion, utilizing advanced analytical tools.

- Libraries and Resources: The university's library system offers extensive resources, including databases and archives relevant to political communication research, ensuring students have access to the latest information and studies.

- Institutes and Centers: Students can engage with various institutes, such as the School of Communication’s Center for Media and Social Impact, which focuses on the intersection of media, communication, and social change.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA in Political Communication at American University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a dynamic political landscape. Alumni often find themselves in influential roles such as Political Consultant, Communications Director, and Public Affairs Specialist. The program not only prepares students for immediate employment but also opens doors to advanced opportunities in various sectors:

- University Services: The Career Center offers personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events tailored to political communication students. Additionally, the Washington Semester Program provides hands-on experience through internships in government agencies and NGOs.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, over 90% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $60,000, depending on the role and location.

- University–Industry Partnerships: American University has established partnerships with organizations such as the National Democratic Institute and the American Political Science Association, providing students with unique internship and job placement opportunities.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that your degree holds value and recognition in the job market.

- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates have gone on to work in prestigious organizations, including the U.S. State Department, major media outlets, and leading advocacy groups, showcasing the program's strong reputation and the effectiveness of its curriculum.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in Political Communication, students have the option to pursue a PhD in Communication or Political Science, allowing them to delve deeper into research and academia. Alternatively, they may consider specialized certifications in areas such as digital communication or public policy, enhancing their expertise and marketability in the field.