• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

College Magazine

College Life, Dating, Career & Campus Advice

  • Colleges
    • College Guides
    • College Rankings
    • Campus Life
      • Academics
      • Dating
      • Freshman Year
      • Health
      • Social Change
      • Party
  • Majors
    • All Majors
    • Most Popular Majors
    • Choosing a Major
  • Intern
    • Internship Directory
    • How to Get an Internship
    • How to Write a Resume
    • How to Write a Cover Letter
    • How to Interview
    • How to Network
    • Career 101
    • Find Your Passion Career
  • Money
    • How to Make Money
    • How to Save Money
    • How to Get a Job
    • Credit Cards 101
    • FAFSA
    • Ramen Project
  • Travel
    • Study Abroad
    • College Spring Break
    • How to Travel Cheap
    • Things to Do
  • Shop
    • Writer Course
    • College Magazine Shop
    • Gift Guides
    • College Packing List
  • Find your college or university
  • Colleges
    • College Guides
    • College Rankings
    • Campus Life
      • Academics
      • Dating
      • Freshman Year
      • Health
      • Social Change
      • Party
  • Majors
    • All Majors
    • Most Popular Majors
    • Choosing a Major
  • Intern
    • Internship Directory
    • How to Get an Internship
    • How to Write a Resume
    • How to Write a Cover Letter
    • How to Interview
    • How to Network
    • Career 101
    • Find Your Passion Career
  • Money
    • How to Make Money
    • How to Save Money
    • How to Get a Job
    • Credit Cards 101
    • FAFSA
    • Ramen Project
  • Travel
    • Study Abroad
    • College Spring Break
    • How to Travel Cheap
    • Things to Do
  • Shop
    • Writer Course
    • College Magazine Shop
    • Gift Guides
    • College Packing List
  • Find your college or university
  • About Us
  • Team
  • Write
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Cart

You are here: Home / College Majors / A Master Guide to Debunking the Political Communication Major

A Master Guide to Debunking the Political Communication Major

August 5, 2020 //  by Zoya Ansari

Shares34FacebookTweet

On the topic of niche majors, political communication wins the title. The area of study proves so minuscule that only 16 universities across the United States offer it. But what exactly is it, apart from politics and communication? “Political communication is usually understood as a social science subfield that examines the effects of information and communication technologies on political and policy processes,” said Steven Livingston, a political communication professor at George Washington University (GWU). Sounds interesting?

Read on for everything you should know about getting a degree in political communication.

What You’ll Be Doing

political communication
giphy.com

Students of the practice largely explore information sharing theory and practical communication skills. As the media environment rapidly changes, students must understand how the internet, mass media and technological developments alter the way we consume politics. The practice largely takes interest in the relationship between media and politics, including how the two influence one another. Expect a focus on the creation, curation and administering of information to the public in order to fulfill a (usually political) outcome.

The Classes You’ll Take

giphy.com

You’ll have to sharpen up on your political theory knowledge, so expect a requirement in political science classes. You’ll also need to take basic journalism classes such as news writing and broadcast production, preparing you for a potential career at news outlets. Students must also learn data analysis and research methods. You might find yourself in the future dealing with loads of data (such as polling research) in need of analysis. “There are people in my major who want to be president, campaign directors or speech writers. I tailor my classes to be more political journalism related, but my peers might dive into strategic Poli Comm or Political Speechwriting,” GWU Poly Comm junior Nia Lartey said. “To say I love the versatility of my major is an understatement.” There’s a wide variety of electives, including public diplomacy, campaign advertising and even social media.

Internships for this Major

giphy.com

Washington, D.C. has Congress, multiple public affairs firms and many other federal institutions you could intern for. But you have more options than just D.C. Think local! Your own governor needs interns and often accepts undergraduate students. Here’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about state government processes. You should also look into the countless local and national news outlets, consulting firms and campaigns.

Career Opportunities

political communication
giphy.com

The opportunities are endless when you major in political communication but obviously working in the political sphere comes naturally. “Political communication scholars have long been interested in the media’s impact on voting behavior. Some political communication scholars are interested in the effects of politics and policy on the nature and operation of media, including now social media platforms,” Livingston said. Whatever subfield your interest lies in, rest assured your political communication curriculum serves as a gateway.

1. Associate at a Communications Firm

Here, you’ll help clients communicate their message. You will assist them in strategically reaching the target market for whatever they are advertising. “It combines a wide variety of communication skills, from media relations to multimedia and writing,” said Glen Echo Group Senior Associate John Perrino. “I get to focus on the internet policy and research areas I’m most passionate about.” A communications firm might also produce content for increasing outreach. Once a plan is in place, that’s where these experts (you) come in!

2. Political Campaign Staffer

You know the rush you got while watching Payton Hobart build his presidential campaign in “The Politician”? That can be all you. The world of political races feels intense and fast-paced (but in a good way). Quick turnarounds and strategic planning are what these guys are best at. Be a consultant, a strategist or even a fundraiser. Political campaign staffers use the knowledge they’ve gained from studying state, national and international politics to tackle situations and potential roadblocks to come up in their employer’s path (hopefully nothing too worthy of “Scandal”). Strategists and consultants might plan effective campaign strategies with their expertise in speech writing and media techniques. Fundraisers organize events to raise money for their politician or organization, using similar knowledge.

3. Press Secretary

Don’t be deceived by the term ‘secretary.’ You’re the first point of contact when disaster strikes. Here, you’ll manage public relations for the government organization or politician you work for. It’s a tough, constant on-call job keeping your employer’s public image consistent. You’re going to have to put your communication skills to the test by developing connections with news outlets and individual journalists (meaning play nice)! Copy writing also comes in handy as these individuals write an edit press releases often. You’re the proud mouthpiece of your organization.

4. Political Journalist

Journalism will put your researching, writing and time management abilities in constant action. Journalists can do anything from conducting investigations on political issues to interviewing prominent politicians. Courses in news writing prove a necessity for such a career path. The career of a political journalist may sound rigorous but is rewarding. It might come off as dramatic, but political journalists really do hold the powerful, accountable. The public relies heavily on these influential people, especially the ‘watchdogs’ who keep government in check. You may find courses in broadcast news writing helpful if you’re interested in writing for or appearing on the big screen.

5. Government Communications Director

Similar to press secretaries, communication directors (and coordinators) are essential in promoting their employer through a carefully crafted public image. They, too must develop strong connections with journalists and news outlets, serving as the first people to announce new programs, legislation or policies. Communications work includes public relations, which means social media, too (finally, you can put your killer Photoshopping skills to action!) You’ll need to be an effective speech writer and communicator and knowledgeable in both legislation and public affairs. Such a career path is a haven for policy enthusiasts.

Alumni Reviews

giphy.com

“The Political Communication program offers a well-rounded curriculum for future communicators with a mixture of theory, practical skills courses and research methods. One piece of advice I would give current Political Communication students is to take more journalism and multimedia courses. Journalism experience, even at the collegiate level, will go a long way for communicators who work closely with journalists and will improve anyone’s writing. I still remember the first time I picked up the phone and asked a government official for an interview, running to a shop to be the first to get an interview for a breaking story,” GWU alum John Perrino said.

“I went into the major wanting to be a speechwriter but came out with so many more skills than I was expecting. I didn’t understand at the beginning why I needed to take courses like Video Production and Data Analysis, but those were some of the classes that have been the most helpful. The professors are incredibly talented and truly want to see you succeed, even if their course material is difficult. Even adjunct professors were unbelievably accessible. I graduated with essentially every skill and proficiency I need for a job in this field and many others, and I only wish I had taken more electives in both the PC and Journalism programs – they’re really hidden gems,” GWU 2020 grad Sarah Sem said.

“The education and experience that students receive by enrolling in the Political Communications program at SMPA is unparalleled. The professors and faculty constantly went above and beyond to help me with not only schoolwork, but my professional and personal goals, as well. Whether it was taking an internship on Capitol Hill for class credit or serving as the Communications Director for the school’s newsletter, MediaFile, SMPA afforded me so many wonderful opportunities that I will forever be thankful for! I highly recommend freshmen explore the opportunity to join this life-changing program,” GWU alum Sam Serrano said.

Shares34FacebookTweet

Filed Under: College Majors Politics

About Zoya Ansari

Zoya is a senior at The George Washington University studying Journalism and Mass Communications and Film Studies. In her free time, she enjoys watching all sorts of movies/tv shows, hanging out with her KD sisters, and pretending to be funny.

You May Also Like

film clapper

College Magazine’s Complete Guide to the Film Major

CM’s Guide to the Print and Digital Journalism Major

College Magazine’s Guide to the Special Education Major

books

College Magazine’s Guide to the Comparative Literature Major

Writer

How to Use Your Creative Writing Degree: 10 Tips and Tricks

agricultural communications major

The Agricultural Communications Major: Everything You Need to Know

computer studying

CM’s Guide to the Communication Arts-Media Management Major

japanese major

CM’s Official Guide to the Japanese Major

future teacher

CM’s Ultimate Guide to the English Education Major

Four Students Graduating

10 Social Science Majors that Prove Liberal Arts Degrees Aren’t Worthless

cat memes

10 Purr-sonalities You’re Bound to Meet in College

A Master Guide to Debunking the Political Communication Major

I Survived Public Relations Research and Strategies at FAMU

marine science

Fish Are Friends, Not Food! CM’s Guide to the Marine Science Major

a computer with code on the screen

College Magazine’s Guide to the Information Science Major

professionals working together

CM’s Guide to the Public Relations Major

Guide to the Global Health Major: The Major You Never Knew You Wanted

harry potter

All Sorted: If the Harry Potter Sorting Hat Took on Muggle College Majors

italian major

CM’s Guide to the Italian Major: What Makes It So Cool?

Friends

7 College Majors Reimagined as Friends Episodes

education major

CM’s Guide to the Education Major 2020

communication major

CM’s Guide to the Communication Major

how to be a publisher

10 Ways English Majors Stand Out to Publishing Companies

2 people in masks sip from a smoothie together

A Slightly Stereotypical Take on What Each Major is Doing During Quarantine

Previous Post: « The Yemen Crisis: What’s Going On and How You Can Help
Next Post: 10 Rites of Passage for Your Freshman Year at USD young men at the beach»

Primary Sidebar



Trending Posts

CampusLife_sm
53

CM’s Top 10 Schools Doing Residential Life Right

coffee w heart
14

A Barista’s Guide to Making Delicious Coffee Drinks at Home

7

5 Tips for Getting Your Social Media Ready for the Professional World

tv
6

10 Popular Anime Shows You Need to Binge ASAP

Featured Chapter: UCLA

Footer

logo

College Magazine is the national daily guide to campus life. Our articles for college students feature university rankings of U.S. colleges, college guides, academic advice, college prep, career advice, student health and collegiate dating tips.

Written by students for students, by a team of journalists from universities nationwide, we’re on the pulse of the college experience.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Colleges

  • College Guides
  • College Rankings
  • Campus life
  • Academics
  • Dating
  • Freshmen Year
  • Health
  • Party

Majors

  • All College Majors
  • Most Popular Majors
  • Choosing a Major

Intern

  • Internships Directory
  • How to Write a Resume
  • How to Write a Cover Letter
  • How to Interview
  • How to Get an Internship
  • How to Network

Money

  • How to Make Money
  • How to Save Money
  • How to Get a Job
  • Credit Cards 101
  • College Loans

Travel

  • Study Abroad
  • College Spring Break
  • How to Travel Cheap
  • Things to Do

Shop

  • College Packing List
  • Gift Guides
  • About Us
  • Team
  • Write
  • Apply
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sign Up
  • Advertise
  • My Account
  • Cart

Copyright © 2021 College Magazine · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding Inc.