About the Graduate Political Communication Program
Now more than ever, strategic communication professionals are essential for addressing the challenges of governmental, nonprofit, political, and advocacy organizations locally and globally. Emerson College’s on-campus Political Communication MA program immerses you in politics starting on day one and teaches you how to create and execute impactful political, social advocacy, and public diplomacy campaigns.
Housed in the School of Communication in the Department of Communication Studies, our program’s faculty are speechwriters, content creators, crisis and event managers who have worked in local races, as well as US presidential and global advocacy campaigns. Given our rich tradition as the first Department of Communication in the US, our students are passionate about politics and social justice and embrace the power, art, and ethics of communication as being the essential catalysts of effecting change in politics and public opinion.
Program Highlights
- Gain hands-on experience working with Emerson Polling, one of the nation’s most respected polling organizations and recognized by Bloomberg and 538 as one of the most accurate and trusted sources in the United States
- Opportunity for an immersive experience in electoral and advocacy campaigns as well as local/global public diplomacy projects in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico, and Barcelona, among others
- Earn up to 4 Advanced Standing credits for your professional work experience, allowing you to expedite your degree completion by applying your working knowledge toward your degree
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Courses are offered in the evenings to fit your schedule
- No GRE requirements to apply
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Upcoming Events
4+1 Information Session: Communication Studies
October 7, 2025, 2:30 p.m. EDT
Interested in getting a leg up in your career by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years? Join Emerson Grad Admissions for a virtual, Communication Studies (MA) 4+1 Information Session! During this live and in-person session, you'll get the opportunity to meet and connect with your admissions liaison, the Graduate Program Director, and representatives from academic advising and financial aid. Drop in and learn about our Political Communication, Sports Communication, and Public Relations 4+1 programs, their application process, and more!
We can’t wait to see you there!
International Graduate Student Information Session
October 9, 2025, 11:00 a.m. EDT
Join us for an international student information session! Staff from Graduate Admissions and the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) will be available to explain application requirements for international students, funding opportunities, the F-1 Visa process, life at Emerson, and so much more.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Virtual Graduate Application Overview
October 15, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us to learn more about the process of applying to Emerson's graduate programs! Members of the admission team will be available to explain application requirements, answer your questions, and offer insider tips into the graduate school application process.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Graduate Program Director Meet and Greet: Political Communication
October 27, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Join us for a pop-up information session! During this informal, 30-minute event, you'll get the chance to meet Dr. Mary Anne Taylor, Political Communication's Graduate Program Director, and Sarah Duffett, Political Communication’s admissions counselor. Pop in, ask questions, and learn more about Communication Studies at Emerson.
4+1 Bachelor’s to Master’s Program
Our Political Communication (MA) is available to current Emerson undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in just one additional year. For more information, visit our 4+1 MA in Political Communication page.