Skip to content
CIP 09.0904 Communication and Journalism

Political Communication

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

158

2025 · 7 schools

International share

13.3%

21 international students

Bachelor's degrees

78

1.3% international

Master's degrees

80

25.0% international

Overview

Political Communication is an interdisciplinary field that explores how information, messages, and media influence political processes, public opinion, and civic engagement. This area of study merges concepts from political science, communication studies, sociology, and media studies to understand the dynamics of communication in political contexts.

Students in Political Communication programs learn about the role of media in shaping political discourse, the impact of social media on politics, and the strategies politicians and organizations use to communicate effectively with the public. They analyze various forms of communication, including speeches, advertisements, news coverage, and online content, to assess how these elements affect voter behavior and public policy.

Courses often cover topics such as political rhetoric, campaign communication, media effects, and the ethics of political communication. Students also examine the role of journalism in democracy and the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.

Graduates of Political Communication programs are well-equipped for careers in various fields, including political consulting, public relations, journalism, and advocacy. They possess critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that are essential for navigating the complex world of politics and media.

Overall, Political Communication is a vital area of study that contributes to our understanding of how communication shapes political landscapes and influences democratic processes, making it a relevant and impactful choice for students interested in the intersection of politics and media.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 7,800% and the international share went from 0.0% to 13.3%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
58.9%
Asian
4.4%
Hispanic
11.4%
Black
5.1%
Other
7.0%
Intl.
13.3%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 7 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#59 George Washington University D.C. 94 21
#95 American University D.C. 29 0
#342 Missouri State University Missouri 1 0
LAC #91 Juniata College Pennsylvania 1 0
— Emerson College Massachusetts 24 0
— Siena University New York 2 0
— Florida Southern College Florida 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Public Relations Specialists 283,380 $40.44 $84,120
Fundraisers 111,040 $37.12 $77,200
Public Relations Managers 74,850 $79.21 $164,760
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 39,250 $49.26 $102,460
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 29,420 — $90,010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.