Online Masters in Political Communication

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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:

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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: 

• Social Theories of Power, Culture and Communications
• Global Media, International Governance and Transnational Communication
• Political Parties, Party Ideologies, and Party-Member Dynamics
• Citizenship and Public Engagement
• Emerging Communication Technology
• Fundamentals of Political Engagement
• Research Methods & Practice in Communication
• Introduction to Digital Political Campaigning
• Government Communication Systems and Media Management
• Economic, Financial and Industrial Policy
• The Policy Process and Government Decision-Making
• Public Relations, Political Marketing and Spin
• Politics and Culture
• Social Media Metrics
• Media Sociology and News Production
• Public Affairs
• Comparative Media Systems
• Public Opinion and Public Sphere Debates
• Political Communication
• Mass Communication Research Methods
• Applications of Political Communications
• Interest Groups, Social Movements, and Alternative Media
• Media Audiences, Effects, and Agenda-Setting
• New Technologies and The Information Society
• Digital Media and Online Politics
• Advocacy, Civil Society and Public Affairs
• Speech Writing, Persuasion, & Propaganda
• Theories Of Communication and Democratization

Some of the electives typically found in an online masters in political communication include but are not limited to: 

• Content Development & Strategy
• Crisis Communication
• Public Diplomacy
• Strategic Planning and the Managerial Process
• Internship in Public Relations
• Entrepreneurship and Creative Problem Solving
• Campaign Management
• Sports as Soft Power
• Sports, Culture and Society
• Global Communication
• Negotiation and Group Process
• Project Management and Communication
• Seminar in Public Relations
• Directed Study

Types of Master’s Degree in Political Communication

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.

1. Master of Arts in Political Communication
   The Master of Arts or MA in political communication is an interdisciplinary degree that includes liberal arts and humanities studies. This type of degree typically includes basic courses that focus on political communication theory and methodologies, as well as a modern language. The online MA in political communication degree is designed for people who want to continue their education with a Ph.D. degree in political communication and/or pursue a career in academia.
2. Master of Science in Political Communication
   The Master of Science or MS in political communication is a scientific and technical-oriented degree that includes mathematics and science subjects. Core classes in political communication theory and research, as well as math, science, statistics, and calculus, make up this degree type. The online MS in political communication degree is designed for students who want to pursue a doctoral degree in political communication and/or enter take-up jobs in the field right after graduation.

Areas of Specializations for Online Masters in 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:

• Communication Evaluation
• Public Affairs Communication
• Utilizing Images: Media Literacy in Practice
• Using Social and Digital Media
• Digital Political Strategy
• Communication Ethics in Action
• Opinion Writing
• Risk and Crisis Communication
• International Public Relations and Public Diplomacy
• Becoming a Press Officer
• Public Relations Writing
• Understanding Markets and Audiences
• Public Policy Management & Advocacy
• Communication in Practice
• Spokesperson Development & Training
• Health Literacy, Language and Culture
• Speech Writing

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:

1. Global/International Communication
2. Health Communication
3. Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC)
4. Mass Communication
5. Organizational Communication
6. Scientific Communication
7. Strategic Communication
8. Technical Communication
9. Public Interest Communication

Why should I do a Master’s Degree in Political Communication?

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: 

• construct well-thought-out arguments, synthesize pertinent data, and exercise critical judgment;
• demonstrate extensive knowledge of the various types of communications and the context-dependent nature of strategic communication choices for political and social issues;
• write political speeches based on multiple factors and contexts;
• apply policy-relevant concepts, theories, and approaches to current challenges and situations;
• gain knowledge and understanding of the most important legal, economic, and political communication and advocacy aspects in the United States and worldwide politics;
• able to recognize, explore, analyze, formulate, and advocate for problem-solving solutions;
• use broad theoretical and conceptual frameworks to analyze specific concerns and problems in domestic, regional, and international contexts; and
• assess the interrelationships between the literature and methodology of public policy, politics, and international relations, as well as allied disciplines including law, political theory, economics, history, and sociology, as they pertain to political communication and lobbying.

How to get Online Masters in Political Communication?

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:

• Application for Admission
• Application Fee
• Official Academic Transcripts
• Undergraduate Degree (preferably in communications or a related discipline)
• Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 on a scale of 4.0 (varies by school)
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Scores (required by some schools)
• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
• Graduate Resume (that includes professional and educational history)
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of English Proficiency (if the native tongue is or education was not in English)

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.

How long does it take to complete an Online Master’s Degree in Political Communication?

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:

Accreditation for Online Master’s Degree in Political Communication

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.: 

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) 
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS) 
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) 

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: 

1. The American University
   The American University (AU) offers a Master of Arts in political communication that does not require the GRE for application to the program. 
2. Emerson College
   Emerson College offers a Master of Arts in political communication and other communication degrees for which the GRE is not an admission requirement. 
3. The George Washington University
   The George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs offers a Political Communication major that does not require the GRE for enrollment. However, if an applicant feels that submitting scores for the GRE will strengthen their application, they are welcome to submit them. 

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 

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: 

Scholarships 

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 

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. 

Work-Study 

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. 

Graduate Assistantships 

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. 

Student Loans 

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. 

FAFSA 

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: 

Dotty Lynch Endowed Scholarship 

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 

National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Scholarship 

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 

Hans “Tom” Tuch PDC Fellowship 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 Scholarship 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: 

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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: 

• Communication/Research Advisors
• Chiefs of Staff
• Policy Analysts and Researchers
• Event Managers
• Interactive Media Developer
• Public Affairs Managers
• Spokespersons
• Campaign Coordinators
• Media Advisors
• Communications Directors for Political Campaigns
• Digital Media Analyst
• Public Relations Strategists
• Digital Strategy Managers
• Private Secretaries
• Media Consultants for National Grassroots Organizations
• Electoral Advisors
• Speechwriters
• Communications Advisors
• Social Media Content Managers
• Public Affairs Strategist
• Fundraisers
• Political Campaign Managers
• Social Media Strategist
• Information Officers
• Pollsters
• NGO advocates
• Political Reporter or Correspondent

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: 

1. Communication Management Professional (CMP)
   The Communication Management Professional (CMP) certification was created by the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), a group of communication professionals convened by the international executive board of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). This certification is for communication professionals who are in the generalist or specialized stage of their careers. Those with 6 to 8 years of experience in the communications area are eligible to apply. 
2. Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP)
   Also created by the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), a group of communication professionals convened by the international executive board of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) credential is for communication professionals who are at the senior level in their careers. Those with 8 to 11 years of experience in the communications area are eligible for the certification. 
3. Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) Credential
   The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential shows high standards of current public relations techniques, demonstrates professional competence, and conveys professional skill with personal and professional dedication and ideals in the field of public relations. The APR credential is offered in two variants by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – APR: Accredited in Public Relations, and the APR+M: Accredited in Public Relations and Military Communication. 
4. Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X) Credential
   The Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X) designation is offered by the Career Directors International (CDI) Certified Industry Resume Specialist in 20 areas of competence that are arguably the most sought after in the resume industry. Certifications include Public Relations and Marketing Communications – (CRS+PR), Sales and Business Development – (CRS+BD), Administration and Clerical – (CRS+AC), and more. 

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:  

1. Europe Media Monitor (EMM) The Europe Media Monitor (EMM) is a fully automatic system funded by the European Union (EU) that collects approximately 300,000 news articles per day in up to 70 languages from countries all over the world, groups them into related categories, categorizes them into thousands of categories, extracts information, produces statistics and timelines, detects breaking news, and notifies users. 
2. The American Presidency Project The American Presidency Project is a fantastic site with a wealth of presidential material, including a completely searchable database of the Presidents’ Papers back to Washington, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, and the Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents (2009-current). Party platforms dating back to 1840, convention speeches, candidate remarks, election debates dating back to 1960, executive orders and proclamations, presidential approvals dating back to 1941, vetoes, state of the union addresses, press briefings, and more are all available on this site. 
3. EBSCO – Communication Source EBSCO provides libraries, healthcare and medical institutions, corporations, and government agencies with access to content and resources to meet their users’ and organizations’ information and workflow needs, from research to acquisition management to subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care to learning and research and development. 
4. Political TV Ad Archive The Political TV Ad Archive is a project by the Internet Archive in conjunction with their TV News Archive. The archive comprises collected political TV ads in key markets during the 2016 election cycle, an impressive list of all ads collected with details of the airings, and detailed information of advertisements including the candidate, sponsor and type, number of airings, station, location, program type, negativity, etc. 
5. National Communication Association (NCA) The National Communication Association (NCA) promotes and encourages communication as a field that explores all modes, forms, media, and ramifications of communication through social scientific, humanistic, and creative study. Those who belong to the NCA can pursue their professional interests in teaching, learning, and research with the help of the NCA. There are 11 academic publications, a career center, teaching and learning tools, and a campaign for public policy that the association publishes.