Applied Political Communication, Certificate

Certificate in Applied Political Communication (370019C) (Undergraduate)

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.

Requirements for Admission

This certificate program is open to all students who have been admitted to undergraduate study at the University of Akron.

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

The following information has official approval of The Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, but is intended only as a guide. Completion of this certificate is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others.

The following courses constitute a “Certificate in Applied Political Communication” and must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 overall for the certificate to be noted on the student’s record. 

Summary

Required Core

Required Internship

Electives

¹

If taken instead of COMM 475 or for additional credit beyond the 3 credits needed to fulfill the Required Internship