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Who Should Apply?

Our Political Communication MA program enrolls a cohort of students from diverse backgrounds who share interests in politics, social advocacy, and citizen engagement. Most students majored in, work in, or have a passion for the political landscape. Our students go on to pursue careers in communications, polling and analytics, political campaigning, event planning, social media, content writing, or talent and brand management. We encourage students from all academic and professional backgrounds with an interest in politics and writing to apply regardless of experience level.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2024

  • Priority: March 1
  • Regular: May 1
  • Late: July 1

Spring 2024

  • Priority: November 1
  • Regular: November 15
  • Late: December 1

*Priority Decision Advantages: Priority review for admission, first consideration for scholarships, earlier receipt of an admissions decision, and additional time to find housing and for international students to secure their visa.

For official term start dates please review our Academic Calendar.

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Admission Requirements

  • Online Application 
    • After submitting your application, you will receive an email with your Admission ID. Please use your username and password to log in and check the status of your application.
  • Official Transcripts
    • Official transcript requirements 
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
    • From persons best able to assess academic and professional qualifications, including motivations and goals.
  • Admission Essay
    • Emerson College's graduate programs form a vibrant and engaged community of creative artists, professionals, scholars, and clinicians who all believe in the power of language and communication to transform society. Your careful responses to the following prompts will help us determine if the program you are applying to is the right fit for you. Please answer each prompt as thoughtfully as possible.
      • How does the focus and curriculum of the program to which you are applying align with your experience and goals? What particular aspects of your current and/or future work do you hope to develop while in graduate school? 500 words. 
      • ​​Drawing on your personal, professional, creative and/or academic experience please share an example of a time that you overcame an individual or collective challenge and the approach you took to address that challenge. 250-500 words. 
      • The mission of Emerson College is the betterment of society through communication and the arts. With this in mind, what impact do you want your work to have? 500 words. 
  • Resume
    • Include your professional and educational history.
  • English Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency by submitting official TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Pearson test results.

View our graduate admission policies

International Applicants

  • This program supports the issuance of an I-20 for the full duration of the on-campus portion of the program to learn more about applying for an I-20 you can preview the information here. No documentation is required until after you have been admitted.
  • International Student Checklist

Advanced Standing for Working Professionals Admissions Requirements

In addition to completing our standard Admission Requirements, working professionals who wish to apply to Advanced Standing will need to complete a portfolio to reflect their professional experience in three skill areas: communication, management, and knowledge. To apply for Advanced Standing:

  • Submit your portfolio at the time of your application. We will review your application for both admission and advanced standing placement at the time of application completion and you will receive both decisions at the same time.

Students who are granted advanced standing will be required to complete all remaining credits at Emerson College in order to satisfy degree requirements.

Please note that advanced standing credit advances a student’s position within the program but credits are not transferable to another institution.

Relationships with your professors are welcomed and encouraged. Take the time to get to know them, share about yourself and your goals, and find a mentor.

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