Political Comm MA Curriculum Requirements

Our 32-credit Political Communication (MA) is incredibly versatile—complete it part-time or full-time, in one to three years. Housed in the School of Communication, the program offers courses primarily in the evening, allowing working professionals to attend and leaving time for students to participate in internships and networking opportunities.

Advanced Standing for Working Professionals

Professionals with 2+ years of related experience waive 4 credits from the core course CC 645 Research Methods. Advanced standing allows you to graduate sooner and decreases the cost of tuition.

If you are granted advanced standing, you must complete the remaining 28 credits at Emerson College to satisfy degree requirements. Advanced standing credit advances your position within the program, but credits are not granted or transferable to another institution.

Sample Curriculum Map

Our Political Communication MA program can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in two-and-a-half to three years. This sample curriculum map is designed to give you an idea of your course load as a full-time student over two years. For full course information, review our course catalog.

Full-time Sample Curriculum Map (September–May)

Fall Semester 1 (8 credits)

Elective Course: CC 608 Public Affairs
Core Course: CC 609 Political Communication

Spring Semester 1 (12 credits)

Core Course: CC 645 Research Methods & Practice
Core Course: CC 651 Speech Writing, Persuasion, & Propaganda
Elective Course: CC 623 Public Diplomacy

Fall Semester 2 (8 credits)

Core Course: CC 652 Emerging Communication Technology
Elective Course: CC 624 Campaign Management

Spring Semester 2 (8 credits)

Core Course: CC 692 Capstone
Elective Course: CC 626 Crisis Communication