Political Communication

Congratulations to public communication professor Robert A. Lehrman for receiving American University's 2010 award for Outstanding Teaching in an Adjunct Appointment. Photo by Michael Thaul Lehrman. <br />

Expert Faculty

Congratulations to public communication professor Robert A. Lehrman for receiving American University's 2010 award for Outstanding Teaching in an Adjunct Appointment. Photo by Michael Thaul Lehrman.

Politics is communication. 

Political communication impels political change.  Effect change. Accomplish. Hone speechwriting skills. Conduct political polling. Advance campaign events. Sharpen advocacy communication. Understand journalists. Reach voters and influence decision-makers. Use social media to your advantage. Gain strategic communication skills and applied political knowledge.

Master's Degree in Political Communication

This joint program offered by American University’s School of Communication (SOC) and School of Public Affairs (SPA) provides an understanding of the theory and practice of political institutions as well as the interaction between those institutions, the media and the public. Create, shape, and manage information strategically to guide political communication and integrate new media technologies into the political process. Experience the power of political communication in guiding political change.

Political communication graduates will be prepared to pursue careers as politicians, policy-makers, political communication strategists, and campaign executives.

Lenny Steinhorn, professor of communication

"So much of American politics today is built on two essential pillars: knowing how the political system works, and appreciating the subtleties and strategies of political communication. For anyone entering politics, this is a degree that will bestow knowledge, influence, and strategic inspiration." - Lenny Steinhorn, Director of the Public Communication Program


COURSES INCLUDE:*

12 Credits in Government

Govt 620 Applied Politics and Public Policy
Govt 522 Applied Political Writing
Govt 520 Advanced Studies in Campaign Management or Govt 523 The Art and Craft of Lobbying

12 Credits in Communication

Comm 640 Principles of Strategic Communication
Comm 531 Political Communication
Comm 735 Communication Theory
Comm 738 Research Methods in Communication

Capstone Course

Comm 744 Public Communication Seminar or Political Communication Seminar

3 Graduate Level Elective Courses in Government or Communication

* subject to change

Prospective students may apply through either the School of Communication or the School of Public Affairs at American University.