As a graduate student at Emerson College, you will have access to a variety of exclusive benefits and opportunities that will help prepare you to take your career to the next level.
Earn a Master’s Degree
After completing your 16-credit certificate program, you have the opportunity to roll your credits directly into our 36-credit Political Communication MA program. For more information, please get in touch with your graduate program director.
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.
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 US 2016 election, working with international journalists and the US 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 for Political Communication Certificate Graduates
Our approach to practical learning experiences ensures that students complete the School of Communication’s Political Communication graduate certificate program with the skills needed to advance their careers.
Career paths you can pursue post-graduation include:
- Campaign Managers
- Chiefs of Staff
- Digital Strategy Managers
- Event Managers
- Fundraisers
- NGO advocates
- Pollsters
- Public Affairs Managers
- Public Relations Strategists
- Social Media Content Managers
- Speechwriters
A Student’s Perspective
Get the Emerson Edge with Our Graduate Student Benefits
Once you commit to graduate school at Emerson, you’re automatically enrolled in our Emerson Edge program. Emerson Edge is designed to help you network with peers, alumni, faculty, and staff to ensure you’re getting what you need out of your graduate program including career exploration, resume building, financial planning, and access to exclusive events for students and alumni.
Emerson Edge Benefits
- Career exploration and preparedness: Work with the Career Development Center to discuss your interests and skills to investigate different career paths. Our Career Development team reviews industry trends and updates you on emerging career paths and industries. Start with the Graduate Career Action Plan to learn about your skills, the Emerson community, industry, and network. Work with our team to craft your resume, cover letter, and portfolio and receive access to exclusive job listings.
- Attend graduate student events: Meet new friends and network with your colleagues in the graduate community at in-person and online events hosted by the Graduate Student Association.
- Work with your graduate program director: Your graduate program director serves as a mentor to you and your classmates. They’ll help you connect with alumni, identify internship and career opportunities, and build a class schedule that excites you.
- Network with Emerson alumni: Our alumni network consists of 51,000+ proud Lions. Meet alumni from around the globe through Emerson’s exclusive Emerge platform, and in-person and virtual events hosted by our Alumni Relations team. Our alumni are known for helping each other out, from mentoring opportunities to career guidance, and you’ll join one of the best alumni networks in the country.
- Consult with our Lacerte Family Writing and Academic Resource Center to create a work-life balance plan and receive feedback on writing projects and coursework for native and non-native English speakers.
- Find graduate housing: Work with our Off-Campus Student Services to find off-campus graduate housing, roommates, neighborhood and budgeting advice, and even learn how to sign a lease.
- Explore our accessible resources: Coordinate with our Student Accessibility Services to receive access and support to our graduate programs and courses, activities, and services to ensure your needs are met while studying at Emerson.