Political Communication is the study of how people communicate within the context of politics. It provides an understanding and grasp the function and relevance of media, journalism, and information in forming public opinion and disseminating information. The primary aim of political communication is often to inform audiences about issues in the public sphere and to influence their opinions so that they may inform the public and encourage civic participation. Communication that is clear and persuasive is critical in all aspects of government operations, policy formulation, political lobbying, and social change initiatives. Political communication, which includes everything from political campaigning to policy development and educating the public about public affairs, is one of the foundations of our society and the numerous ways by which many of its essential systems, such as justice, education, and health care systems, operate and function.
An online master’s in political communication degree program is a graduate-level study of understanding how communication affects people’s behavior on a local, national, and global scale, effectiveness of political campaigns, the impact of social media on voting patterns, and advocacy for environmental and public health issues.
Although not explicitly classified as ‘political communication specialists’, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that media and communication occupations (in which political communication falls under) are projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
This guide sheds light on the political communication master’s degree and highlights critical information on curriculum, accreditation, timelines, scholarships, careers, and more.
It is a daunting task to look for the perfect college. There are so many factors to consider against a ranking, such as the infrastructure of the college, quality and experience of teaching staff, research facilities, availability of student support services and career guidance, accreditation, affordability, and more. Based on these and a host of other critical factors, here is a list of the best master’s in political communication programs online, drawn up by OMC teams:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-political-communication/">Political Communication</a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 89% |
#2 University of Washington 1400 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, Washington 98195 | $16,605 | 82% |
#3 George Washington University 1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052 | $32,850 | 85% |
#4 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218 | $58,720 | 94% |
#5 Harvard University Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 | $50,928 | 98% |
#6 Drake University 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50311 | $11,738 | 78% |
#7 Salve Regina University 100 Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island 02840 | $11,610 | 76% |
#8 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $37,447 | 79% |
#9 Regent University 1000 Regent University Dr, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464 | $15,590 | 61% |
#10 University of Nebraska Omaha 6001 Dodge St, Omaha, Nebraska 68182 | $6,138 | 49% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
A master’s in political communication falls under the larger umbrella of communication studies in almost all cases. Political communication is usually one of the specialization areas or concentrations of a master’s in communication degree. Therefore, much of the coursework is common to that program, with specific courses related to political communication added in.
An online master’s degree in political communication investigates the continuously evolving relationship between the media, politics, and the general public, as well as how these overlapping relationships influence democracy and power distribution in contemporary society. Aspects of contemporary political communication addressed by the program include the function of spin, public relations, political reporting in the media, agenda-setting, the use of digital media, and political advertising. The impact of various political communication tactics on the political process, government policymaking, and the non-governmental sector are examined in the various courses of this program.
A typical online master’s degree in political communication consists of core courses, elective courses, and one or two capstone projects. Some programs may include a thesis or a brief internship. Here is a list of some of the courses students can expect in the curriculum of a political communication masters:
Some of the electives typically found in an online masters in political communication include but are not limited to:
There are predominantly two types of political communication degrees – the Master of Arts in Political Communication, or MA Political Communication, and the Master of Science in Political Communication, or MS Political Communication.
An unconfirmed report cites that only 16 universities offer a master’s in political communication degree program, independent from a master’s in communication (general). Most programs available in this space are masters in communication with a major or concentration in political communication. Therefore, there are no specialization areas within political communication, although some colleges will require students to choose over 3 concentration courses to complete the program. Examples of such concentration courses include:
Many colleges offer other branches in communication that relate to political communication. While these are not specializations, they can make compelling alternatives. Some examples are:
A master’s in political communication degree program will examine how interactions between (non-)governmental officials, politicians, journalists, and citizens take shape, as well as the characteristics and impacts that these interactions have. Students will discover how social media promotes political engagement and how citizens’ use of media impacts political processes and outcomes, through study and research. They will learn who tries to sway the news, how strong the media actually is, and how this varies by country.
Usually, the political communication master’s program covers a wide range of topics, always considering current events and trends, and from an open, international, and comparative perspective. The advent of weblogs and citizen journalism, rising globalization, agenda-setting, and the framing of socially relevant issues by the media, politicians, spin doctors, and other stakeholders are examples of topics covered in this program.
While Payscale reports that individuals with a master of arts in political communication can earn around $82,000 a year, there is no credible statistical information on growth prospects.
Individuals who want to learn how conventional and social media influence political engagement and who have an interest in the interplay between the public, the media, and politics are best suited to take up a political communication master’s degree program. Among the skills, graduates of the program will acquire include the ability to:
The great majority of master’s in political communication online degree programs offered in the United States will have similar entry criteria. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than communications may be required to take preparatory courses in mathematics, statistics, and languages in addition to the more standard prerequisites. Some of the most important masters in political communication requirements are:
Note: The requirements and prerequisites for admission differ by college and program. To learn more about the specific requirements, students should go through the college prospectus, contact the admissions office, or consult with the communications department at the school of their choice.
The length of a master’s degree in political communications varies based on the curriculum, program, and school chosen. Most online master’s in communication programs can be finished in less than two years as a general rule. Students with a solid background in languages and social sciences may be able to complete the degree more quickly. Some schools allow students to work part-time while earning their political communications master’s degree. This option may be ideal for working people, but it may take longer to complete the program. Aside from the program delivery mode, the selected courses and coursework load have a considerable impact on how long it takes to earn a master’s degree in political communications. Other factors to consider are whether asynchronous learning is available, which could lead to early graduation, or whether cohort learning is applied, in which students progress through their curriculum at the same time as their classmates and thus accumulate academic credits more slowly than asynchronous learning.
Listed below is a rough idea of how long an online master’s in political communication program might take:
Typical Length of a Full-Time Political Communication Master’s | 1 to 2 years |
Typical Length of a Part-Time Political Communication Master’s | 2 Years or more |
Number of Required Credits | 30 to 40 (approximate) |
Accreditation is a process that evaluates colleges and programs to ensure that they meet certain standards of quality. It is a way to ensure that students are getting the best education possible. Students who attend an accredited school or program can be sure that the institution has been thoroughly evaluated and meets certain standards of quality. Accreditation can make it easier to transfer credits between schools. It can also help students qualify for financial aid and scholarships and is usually required for some types of professional certification.
Regional accrediting bodies can accredit colleges, as long as they are approved by either or both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Here is a list of the six authorized regional accrediting bodies in the U.S.:
The accreditation status of a school or program can be checked online on the official U.S Department of Education website or using a credible source like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Apart from regional accreditation, political communication programs may also be programmatically accredited. A political communication degree that is accredited demonstrates that the institution has satisfied the precise standards for certification in political communications. An example of specialized accreditation is the Accreditation Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), which accredits professional journalism and mass communications programs. Although it is preferable to have a specialist-accredited master’s degree, a degree from a regionally recognized college will also work just as well.
Read more about accreditation in the detailed Accreditation Guide.
While many colleges have made Graduate Records Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores a criterion for admission to master’s degree programs, most colleges offering online master’s in political communications programs have relaxed or eliminated this requirement as a condition for enrollment. Here are a few examples of online master’s in political communication programs that do not require the GRE or the GMAT:
Some students like to complete their master’s degree in political communication as quickly as possible – faster than the usual 1 or 2 years it takes to graduate from the program. While some online master’s in political communication programs can be completed within one year, others take 15 to 18 months, which is shorter than the standard 24-month master’s degree. Another option available at some universities is a 4+1 program, which allows students to finish both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 years rather than the traditional 6 years. Here is an example of an online accelerated master’s degree in political communication:
Emerson College offers a combined Bachelor and Master of Arts in political communication that can be completed in a total of 5 years, instead of the standard 6 years. Additionally, this accelerated program does not require GRE scores for admission.
The greatest advantage of online education is that students can work while completing their degrees, which lowers certain educational costs. Although online students do not have to pay for transportation, books, or childcare while classes are in session, they are still required to pay tuition, which can be tens of thousands of dollars. However, online programs often have an advantage in that they give a uniform cost for all states in the country, while most colleges charge additional fees for students from out of state for traditional programs. Despite this, an online master’s degree in political communication may be out of reach for some students, with a typical program costing well over $18,000. Fortunately, the cost of a master’s degree in political communication can be paid for or greatly reduced by a variety of financial aid sources, including grants and scholarships. Examples of funding sources include:
In most cases, scholarships are stipends granted to deserving students in recognition of their academic achievement. There are several types of scholarships, but most are based on academic achievements and unique talents or skills, such as music, art, or sport. Most scholarship administrators employ several criteria to decide the size of the scholarship and the recipient. Students’ grades and test scores, as well as extracurricular and leadership activities, might be used to determine how much a student receives in scholarship amounts. (Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed online.)
Grants are usually awarded based on a student’s financial background and need rather than merit or academic achievements. A wide variety of grants are offered, each with a specific purpose. For example, non-profits, foundations, and the federal government have traditionally offered grants to people with disabilities, members of certain communities, economically weak students, etc. Student housing, transportation, books, library fees, and research materials can all be paid for using grants.
Federally financed work-study programs provide students with part-time jobs, allowing them to earn money while enrolled in school. Using this service, students can save money while pursuing their higher education. Many schools and universities offer work-study positions, which students can apply for through their FAFSA.
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), students are often expected to assist in the classroom while receiving financial aid. To be a teaching assistant, one must put in the required number of hours each week and receive a monthly stipend or an hourly rate. Graduate teaching assistantships are often full-time work during the academic quarters, trimesters, or semesters of an academic program.
Another option for students to pay for their education is through student loans. Loans are provided by federal and private agencies, banks, and trusts. Unlike scholarships or grants considered ‘free money’ that does not need to be paid back, loans must be repaid, along with interest. The benefits of student loans may outweigh the drawbacks, but they might take years to pay off. Defaulting on repayments can lead to a huge debt burden.
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a standardized form that applicants can fill in and submit to assess whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. More FAFSA-related information is available here.
More information on various funding options is available in the best Financial Guide.
Each year, individuals, community and ethnic groups, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, universities, and government agencies award scholarships to qualified and deserving students who have demonstrated academic excellence. Scholarships are the first choice of financial aid students consider when applying for a master’s program. Here are a few that may suit online master’s in political communication students:
The Dotty Lynch Endowed Scholarship is awarded to outstanding graduate students who exemplify a passion for politics, journalism, and ethics while embracing a commitment to excellence in the field.
Amount/Award :
Varies
Deadline:
Awarded on admission each academic year
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) scholarships are granted to graduate students enrolled in 6 units or more at two- or four-year colleges or universities for the coming Fall or Spring school year. Students should intend to pursue a career in television and related fields and meet other criteria for eligibility.
Amount/Award:
$500 to $5,000
Deadline:
Closed for 2021 | TBA for 2023
The Public Diplomacy Council (PDC) offers the Hans “Tom” Tuch PDC Fellowship annually to an outstanding graduate student at the American University (AU) in Washington, DC, in either the School of Communication or the School of International Service. The fellowship provides recipients with direct experience in public diplomacy while working closely with accomplished members of the PDC.
Amount/Award :
Varies
Deadline :
TBA
JCFS Chicago administers educational scholarship funds from the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago. Scholarships are available to Jewish students who must demonstrate financial need and career promise in communications.
Amount/Award :
Up to $4,000
Deadline :
Closed for 2021 | TBA for 2023
Free courses available online are one of the best ways to increase knowledge on political communication, help when studying for an exam, or provide information for a capstone project. Although free courses do not lead to a master’s degree, they can help students enhance their communication abilities, develop interpersonal skills, gain confidence, and bring value to their efforts. Here are some free resources for students pursuing an online master’s degree in political communication:
Course | Topics on Political (and General) Communication |
Offered by | Udemy |
Description | Udemy offers some 130+ free courses across beginner, intermediate, and expert levels in various areas of general and political communication. Topics include How to Facilitate Effective Communication and Engagement, Communication Styles for Stronger Social Skills, Communication Styles for Stronger Social Skills, etc. |
Course | Topics on Political (and General) Communication |
Offered by | Coursera |
Description | Coursera has several courses that are directly and indirectly related to political communication. Topics include Leadership Communication for Maximum Impact: Storytelling, Global Diplomacy: the United Nations in the World, Introduction to Contemporary Geopolitics, Digitalization in International Relations, and more. |
Course | Topics on Political (and General) Communication |
Offered by | Alison |
Description | Alison is home to several free courses related to political communication. Topics include Communication Skills for Foreign Audiences, Supervision – Effective Communication Skills, The Science of Language and Communication, Communication Skills – Perception and Non-verbal Communication, Early Political Philosophies and Ideologies, etc. |
Potential candidates who wish to pursue a master’s degree in political communication must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject of study. In addition, depending on the school, the applicant may be required to have some professional experience in the field of communication before being considered for admission. Students are awarded a master’s degree if they have completed all the required coursework and the capstone project.
For masters in political communication, accredited universities are the best places to study. They provide high-quality and flexible programs, as well as a faculty that is both experienced and well qualified. A good example is the University of Florida which offers a 36-credit, 100% online degree program. On this page, you will find a list of the best universities where you could earn an online master’s degree in political communication.
Upon graduating with a master’s in political communication online, individuals will be ready to take on a variety of roles in a wide range of settings, such as in government officers, digital agencies, firms with political clients, lobbying and public advocacy organizations etc. Another option for graduates is to work as communication consultants for numerous organizations ranging from local municipalities to the federal government and non-governmental organizations to ministries.
From a long list of career paths that graduates of a master’s in political communication can choose from, some options include:
As for salaries, a political communications degree has the potential to command relatively high pay. For example, according to Glassdoor, the national average salary for a Political Communications Analyst is $80,540 in the United States. Many occupations based on political communication also show good job growth, but unfortunately, there are no credible sources with accurate data.
Professional certification, which can be obtained concurrently with or after completing an online master’s degree in communication, allows students to demonstrate their knowledge and competence while also showcasing their unique features and abilities. Individuals are interested and engaged in a lifelong learning process through certifications, which increases their professional development while also providing a foundation for keeping their skills current and relevant. Certifications combined with a master’s degree in political communication can lead to specific professions and enhanced employability, as well as promotions, advancements, and higher income. Although there are no specific certifications for political communication, students pursuing a master’s degree in political communication online can earn other communication-related certifications to prepare for specialized employment and advancement in their careers. Some of them include:
To be effective in the world of political communication, individuals must stay abreast with current affairs, political strategies, people’s sentiments, and more. Learning from past events and political moves also helps broaden one’s vision and drive the ability to plan well and wisely. Therefore, students and graduates of online masters in political communication must network with others in the field, dig into archives, stay up-to-date with the latest news, and tap into various other resources that may help them advance their careers. Here are a few resources as examples:
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