You memorized the names of all the U.S. presidents when you were five. Your idea of TV is limited to CNN, and you check the Drudge Report at least twice a day. You are destined to become a political communication major. But what is political communication, exactly? According to George Washington University, political communication is “the study of the flow of information through political processes: the study of who knows what, when, where and how; and how people use their information to further political goals.”
In this program, you’ll receive instruction in the practice and theory of contemporary political communication. On the practical side, you’ll learn skills like social science research techniques, journalistic methods, electronic media production, and political speaking and debating, as well as do political fieldwork to acquire hands-on experience. Abstract thinking, however, is also a component; the political communication major, like political science, involves heady political analysis through historical, psychological, and philosophical perspectives.
An undergraduate degree in political communication is very marketable; students pursue jobs in political consulting, public affairs, political journalism, public diplomacy, speechwriting, and political advertising. Other students choose to continue on to law or graduate school.
Campaign Reporting
Information, Media, and National Security
Introduction to Political Communication
Media and Foreign Policy
Media, Politics and Government
Principles of Public Relations
Public Affairs and Government Information
Public Diplomacy
Public Opinion, Media, and Democracy
Strategic Political Communication
The Psychology of Attitudes and Public Opinion
English and history classes are an essential prep for this major. If your school offers courses in government, journalism, or public speaking, take them. If not, another great way to get a background (and stay on top of current events) is through extracurricular activities like debate club, Model UN, and the school newspaper.
Connect with our featured colleges to find schools that both match your interests and are looking for students like you.
Ready to create the next great app? Launch your gaming career at one of these top 50 programs.
165,000 students rate everything from their professors to their campus social scene.
Join athletes who were discovered, recruited & often received scholarships after connecting with NCSA's 42,000 strong network of coaches.