Applied Political Communication, Certificate
Applied political communication encompasses the interaction of political figures, political interests, governmental institutions, media, and the public in their efforts to persuade and influence political power and public policy outcomes. This certificate’s interdisciplinary nature applies the fundamentals of public communication and political science to meet the specific needs and goals of political campaigns and advocacy organizations. Topics covered include campaign leadership strategies, audience analysis pertaining to specific publics, crisis communication, effective strategic messaging campaigns targeting publics through traditional communication channels, digital communication assets, and social media platforms. The certificate is designed for students seeking preparation for careers as legislative aides, political consultants, campaign managers, social media or digital strategists, political journalists, government press secretaries, lobbyists, or aides in public affairs organizations.
Program Contact (Political Science)
Dr. David Cohen
Professor, Political Science
330-972-6045
dbcohen@uakron.edu
Program Contact (Communication)
Dr. Julia Spiker
Professor, Communication
330-972-7198
jspiker@uakron.edu
Required Core Courses - 6 credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POLIT:570 | Fundamentals of Political Strategy | 3 |
| COMM:575 | Political Communication | 3 |
Required Internship - 3 credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POLIT:695 | Internship in Government & Politics | 1-6 |
| or COMM:680 | Graduate Communication Internship | |
Elective Courses - 9 credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Political Science Courses (Minimum of 3 credits) | ||
| POLIT:502 | Politics and the Media | 3 |
| POLIT:527 | Campaign Battleground | 3 |
| POLIT:540 | Survey Research Methods | 3 |
| POLIT:571 | Fundamentals of Electoral Messaging | 3 |
| POLIT:572 | Campaign Finance, Fundraising, and Budgeting | 3 |
| POLIT:573 | Voter Contact & Elections | 3 |
| POLIT:574 | Political Opinion, Behavior & Electorial Politics | 3 |
| POLIT:575 | American Interest Groups | 3 |
| POLIT:576 | American Political Parties | 3 |
| POLIT:577 | Government Relations and Lobbying | 3 |
| POLIT:578 | Fundamentals of the Digital Campaign | 3 |
| POLIT:695 | Internship in Government & Politics 1 | 3-6 |
| Communication Courses (Minimum of 3 credits) | ||
| COMM:506 | Contemporary Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM:510 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
| COMM:516 | Social Media Content Creation | 3 |
| COMM:517 | Social Media Platforms | 3 |
| COMM:531 | Risk Communication | 3 |
| COMM:631 | Analyzing Organizational Communication | 3 |
| COMM:540 | Strategic Social Media | 3 |
| COMM:542 | Social Media Metrics and Analytics | 3 |
| COMM:557 | Public Speaking in America | 3 |
| COMM:559 | Leadership and Communication | 3 |
| COMM:571 | Theories of Rhetoric | 3 |
| COMM:680 | Graduate Communication Internship 1 | 1-6 |
- 1
If taken instead of POLIT:695 or for additional credit beyond the three credits needed to fulfill the Required Internship.