MA in
MA in Political Communication Emerson College
Introduction
Our students are immersed in politics starting day one. During the course of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to work with Emerson Polling, one of the nation’s most respected polling organizations and recognized by Bloomberg, 538, and others as one of the most accurate and trusted sources in the United States. You will be working with speechwriters, content creators, crisis and event managers who have worked in local races, as well as U.S. presidential and global advocacy campaigns.
Our course structure allows for collaborative work on professional and academic publications including the American Behavioral Scientist, Tripidos, among others. Our immersive experience includes options like the Rediscover Rosarito (Mexico) Public Diplomacy in the summer and intercession, as well as the opportunity for a comparative political experience in Barcelona.
Program highlights include:
- No GRE requirements to apply
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Courses are offered in the evenings to fit your schedule
- Gain hands-on experience working with Emerson Polling
- Opportunity for an immersive experience in electoral and advocacy campaigns as well as local/global public diplomacy projects in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, Barcelona, among others
Alumni
As a graduate of our Political Communication (MA) program, you will become part of a robust alumni network and gain access to the Global Leadership of Emerson Alumni in Political Communication.
Program alumni include:
- Susan DelPercio, Political Correspondent, MSNBC, New York
- Shawn Donnelley, President, Strategic Giving, Chicago
- Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs, Blue Cross Blue Shield
- David Calusdian, President, Sharon Merrill, and Associates, Boston
- Kevin Mercuri, CEO, Prophet Communications, New York
- Patrick Morris, Senior Managing Director, Hagin Investment, New York
- Dr. Scott C. Ratzan, Editor, Journal Of Health Communication, Former Vice President of Global Health, Johnson & Johnson
- Phil Maggi, Lobbyist, and Lawyer, Connecticut, and DC.
- John Diamantakiou, Special Assistant to Sen. Robert Dole
- Jeff Kimball, President, United Way
- Katie Prisco-Buxbaum: Campaign Manager Andrea Campbell (Boston Mayoral Election) Former Finance Chair for Kamala Harris for President; Former Finance Chair for Ca. Gov. Gavin Newsome
Faculty
Emerson College is committed to high-quality, high-touch education, made possible through our passionate and renowned faculty.
Your Graduate Program Director, Linda Gallant, will serve as your primary faculty advisor, guiding you on course selection to ensure that you will both achieve your learning objectives and satisfy the program requirements. You will also receive program and department news from your program director along with any on- and off-campus opportunities that might be of interest to you.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Financial Aid
Emerson College is proud to offer students and families financial aid options and resources. For a full list of our financial aid offerings, visit our Financial Aid page.
Scholarships
Upon applying to an Emerson Graduate Program, the Graduate Admission team automatically reviews every accepted student’s scholarship eligibility. For more information about scholarships, please visit our Scholarships & Grants page.
Curriculum
Curriculum Requirements
Our 36-credit Political Communication (MA) is incredibly versatile—complete it part-time or full-time, from one to three years. Courses are offered primarily in the evening, allowing working professionals to participate in our program and leaving time for students to participate in internship and networking opportunities.
Core Requirements (24 credits)
| Number | Course | Modality | Credits |
| CC 608 | Public Affairs | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 609 | Political Communication | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 645 | Research Methods & Practice | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 651 | Speech Writing, Persuasion, & Propaganda | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 652 | Emerging Communication Technology | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
| CC 692 or CC 699 | Capstone or Thesis* | In-Person | 4 |
*CC 699 Thesis Option requires 8 credits; a total of the core is increased to 20 credits.
Elective Courses (12-credits)
| Number | Course | Modality | Credits |
| CC 623 | Public Diplomacy | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
| CC 624 | Campaign Management | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
| CC 626 | Crisis Communication | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 636 | Negotiation and Group Process | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 643 | Global Communication | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 604 | Strategic Planning and the Managerial Process | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 621 | Content Development & Strategy | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 628 | Entrepreneurship and Creative Problem Solving | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 632 | Sports as Soft Power | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 633 | Sports, Culture and Society | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 640 | User Experience Design | Available Online in Fall Semester Only | 4 |
| CC 655 | Project Management and Communication | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 690 | Internship in PR | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 695 | Seminar in PR | In-Person | 4 |
| CC 697 | Directed Study | In-Person | 4 |
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
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
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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