Political CommunicationMA
Programs available in the fall and spring. Review deadlines.
Create meaningful change in politics, social advocacy, and public diplomacy campaigns. With Emerson College’s Political Communication graduate program, you’ll learn the role of effective communication in the public sector and advocate for your community.
At a Glance
- Learn from Department of Communication Studies faculty who have worked in local, state, and federal government, on political campaigns, and at global advocacy organizations.
- Work alongside faculty and staff at Emerson Polling, a nationally recognized polling center.
- Full-time and part-time options to fit your schedule.
- No GRE required to apply.
Communication Creates Change
To be effective in the political world, you need to know how to organize, advocate, persuade, and create change. Emerson College’s Political Communication MA combines strategy, research, and storytelling to help you understand how ideas move through campaigns, institutions, nonprofits, and public life. Through a flexible 32-credit curriculum, you’ll learn how to develop and execute political campaigns, advocacy efforts, and public diplomacy while studying public opinion, messaging, media, and the ethics of communication.
You’ll learn from faculty who have worked as speechwriters, content creators, campaign strategists, and crisis communicators at every level, from local races to presidential campaigns and global advocacy efforts. You’ll have opportunities to work with Emerson Polling, participate in campaign and diplomacy projects at home and abroad, and apply your skills in real-world settings. Upon graduation, you’ll leave with hands-on experience; a deeper understanding of how communication shapes public opinion; and a network of faculty, professionals, and peers connected to the worlds of politics, advocacy, and public affairs.
Learn at Your Own Pace
- Courses offered in full- and part-time programs, primarily offered in the evening.
- Working professionals with 2+ years of experience can waive 4 credits, allowing you to graduate earlier.
- Flexible program start times, starting in the fall or spring semester.
- No GRE required.
Once you’re enrolled in a graduate program at Emerson College, you’re automatically part of Emerson Edge, a network of peers, alumni, faculty, and staff to ensure you’re getting what you need out of your graduate program. Some of the benefits you’ll get from Emerson Edge:
- Career Development Center: Work with a team who can take your skills and interests and find the best path toward a career.
- Emerge Alumni Network: Join a community of over 50,000 Emerson alumni who can mentor you, share career advice, and make connections in your industry.
- Graduate Career Action Plan: Develop your resume, cover letter, and portfolio with a team dedicated to credential-building, and gain access to exclusive job listings.
Gain real-world experience in the political world. Work with Emerson Polling, one of the nation’s most respected polling organizations, recognized by Bloomberg and FiveThirtyEight. Join electoral campaigns, advocacy initiatives, and public diplomacy projects that span local communities and global partnerships. You’ll graduate with real research experience, campaign work, and proof that you know how to create change.
Learn from Political Changemakers
Faculty in the Political Communication MA program are seasoned political experts, working on local, state, and presidential elections, as well as for global nonprofits and advocacy groups.
Enroll Today
Applicants must register for an account with the School of Communication. From there, you can log in and upload the required application materials. No GRE is required to apply.
Learn more about applying to Emerson on our Application Process page.