Political Communication and Advocacy Career Outlook

The Political Communication and Advocacy Program focuses on human and media communication in the political process and prepares individuals to function as members of political and public affairs organizations, political campaign staff and related government and media entities. Courses include 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.

To find out more about your major including potential areas and employers, required skills, job outlook, and median pay, please access the Occupational Outlook Handbook or O*Net websites.

Career Outlook

Explore the subsections below to learn more about the potential skills a student with a political communication and advocacy major can develop as well as the potential positions, areas and employers that hire students with this degree. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.

Skills

As a Political Communication and Advocacy major, students may develop or advance skills including those in oral and written communication, research, analytical, interpersonal, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, professionalism, the ability to create compelling messages, an understanding of the U.S. political system, logic, cultural awareness and an international perspective.

Positions

Graduates with a degree in Political Communication and Advocacy can work as social media managers, creative specialists, account managers, copywriters, online content creators, television reporters or producers, investigative or political journalists, foreign correspondents, policy advisors, political consultants, political journalists, speechwriters, government affairs representatives, legislative assistants, lobbyists, paralegals, political campaign managers, urban and regional planners, volunteer coordinators, public information officers, communications directors, fundraisers, event planners and community outreach coordinators.

Areas

Graduates with a degree in Political Communication and Advocacy can work within the following areas: public policy, urban planning, legislative/executive/judicial, law enforcement, intelligence/foreign service, nonprofits, legal aid, political campaigns/parties, public relations, resource development, communications/media, market research, fundraising/development, advertising, event planning, higher education, journalism, public deplomacy and public relations.

Employers

Graduates with a degree in Political Communication and Advocacy can work for federal, state, and local governments, townships, court systems, corporations, law firms, religious organizations, defense contractors, labor unions, libraries/museums, foundations, radio and television companies, public relations firms, non-profits, professional associations, community centers, political parties, consulting firms, colleges and schools.

Helpful Resources

Use the employment opportunity resources below to kickstart your pre-professional and or professional experience search. You may also identify a professional or student organization to join and network with individuals in your major and field. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.