Political Communication
A program that focuses on human and media communication in the political process and that prepares individuals to function as members of political and public affairs organizations, political campaign staffs, and related government and media entities. Includes instruction in media effects, political speaking and debating, political advertising and marketing, image management, political journalism, opinion polling, and aspects of print and broadcast media related to the production and distribution of media messages in political settings.
- Schools offering
- 12
- Annual completions
- 72
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $62k
About this major
A program that focuses on human and media communication in the political process and that prepares individuals to function as members of political and public affairs organizations, political campaign staffs, and related government and media entities. Includes instruction in media effects, political speaking and debating, political advertising and marketing, image management, political journalism, opinion polling, and aspects of print and broadcast media related to the production and distribution of media messages in political settings.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public relations specialists | $70k | +4.8% | Bachelor's degree |
| Fundraisers | $66k | +4.3% | Bachelor's degree |
| Public relations managers | $139k | +5.0% | Bachelor's degree |
| News analysts, reporters, and journalists | $60k | -3.9% | Bachelor's degree |
| Communications teachers, postsecondary | $78k | +2.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$62k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$55k
Bachelor's
$62k
Top colleges for Political Communication
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Washington University | Washington, DC | 0 | 50 | 50 |
| Emerson College | Boston, MA | 0 | 17 | 17 |
| Siena University | Loudonville, NY | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Juniata College | Huntingdon, PA | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Florida Southern College | Lakeland, FL | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Saint Xavier University | Chicago, IL | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti, MI | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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