Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Political Management
Majors Overview November 21, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in political management and their coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Political Management
Students who seek an active role in national, state or local politics would benefit from enrolling in master’s degree programs in political management. Enrollees in master’s degree programs in political management, or closely related programs in political science, are trained in both the theoretical and practical skills necessary for entering the world of politics. Students learn about the effective management of a campaign, including polling, strategizing, advertising and fundraising, regardless of whether they wish to run for elections themselves or work behind the scenes.
Additionally, students explore the ethical issues that commonly arise in political campaigns, these aim at developing principled political leaders. In some programs, a concentration option is included in areas such as political advocacy and electoral politics.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. Although most programs allow the degree to be in any major of the student’s preference.
Coursework
Regardless of whether an individual is running for public office or working as a campaign manager, he or she must demonstrate fluency in a range of topic areas that are in a master’s program in political management. Some topic areas include political lobbying and opinion poll interpretation, among others. Core coursework may commonly cover topic areas such as:
•Political advertising
•Campaign planning and execution
•Political strategy
•Research issues for political management
•Political fundraising
•Ethical issues in political campaigning
•Legal issues in political campaigning
Career Choices
Program graduates can choose from various specialized careers, such as roles that require them to work directly for campaigns, influence campaigns through lobbying, or aid the political process through research. They may choose from possible job positions such as:
•Issue advocate or lobbyist
•Political advertising manager
•Campaign manager
•Local, state, or national candidate for political office
•Public opinion poll researcher
Continuing Education Choices
While specialized training is available through master’s degree programs in political management, those who seek careers in the field don’t need any specific education. However, program graduates may seek continuing education by pursuing advanced degrees in political science, law, or politics, including doctoral level degrees. Career professionals in political management are not required to hold certification.
