What is Different about Political Messaging in the Digital Age? Everything.

Become an exceptional digital political professional with an understanding of cutting-edge digital advertising, engagement, and analysis techniques in one of four areas of communication that are in particularly high demand.

Digital in politics has gone from a $2 million to $1 billion industry in only eight years. Professionals are still trying to keep up with this growth and many aren’t trained in the field. A master’s degree in political communication will give you the unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field and become a true professional. Whether you want to be a communications director on a presidential campaign, a media consultant creating grassroots outreach, or a public affairs strategist, this program is for you. Taught by leaders in their fields, this program prepares you to navigate the thrilling and changing landscape of politics and communication, giving you the tools to make a difference today. Our students harness the tools of modern campaigning to help increase political engagement and drive change.

University of Florida Online Master’s in Political Communication

The online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Political Communication includes 36 credit hours— 33 hours of coursework plus three final credits in the capstone course. The program curriculum is guided by an Advisory Board of top industry experts, with courses taught by industry professionals and University of Florida faculty. Full-time students can complete a master’s program in as few as 16 months.

Unique Learning Experience
UF CJC Online programs are designed for students who crave:

• Courses that challenge them to grow as communicators through hands-on assignments where they receive detailed constructive feedback from peers and instructors
• The flexibility of online courses where pre-recorded lectures and live online meetings allow students to engage with their courses from anywhere in the world
• Networking opportunities with peers, alumni, instructors, and guest lecturers
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities
• Creative storytelling skills
• A transformative student-centered learning experience
• Personalized attention from highly engaged faculty
• An affordable and respected graduate degree from a top-10 public university

Core Competencies of Political Communication
Courses are designed to teach students how to:

• Drive offline political activity using digital tools
• Maximize political engagement
• Use paid communication to mobilize voters
• Optimize response channels using social media
• Use cutting-edge political technologies to influence change
• Engage voters, volunteers, and donors

Core Courses in Political Communication

• Introduction to Digital Political Campaigning
• Introduction to Digital Political Organizing
• Fundamentals of Political Engagement
• Fundamentals of Digital Political Advertising
• Digital Imagery in Web Design
• Web Design Principles
• Mass Communication Theory
• Video Storytelling

Application Deadlines:

Fall Semester: April 1

Spring Semester: October 1

Summer Semester: February 1

Careers in Political Communication

Organizations hiring candidates with this skillset include:

• Digital agencies/firms with political clients
• Government offices
• Political agencies/firms
• Political campaigns
• Public advocacy/lobbying organizations

Specific careers you may qualify for upon graduation include:

• Account executive for a political digital agency
• Account Manager
• Communications Manager
• Digital Director for political campaigns
• Digital Media Analyst
• Digital Strategist
• Interactive Media Developer
• Social Media Strategist

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