Political Management Program Curriculum
Earn your Master of Professional Studies in Political Management in just 36 credits, including a capstone project that showcases your expertise. The core curriculum delivers a strong foundation in political principles, aligning with your career aspirations and preparing you for leadership in the field.
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 36 credits, including 12 credits in required courses, 21 credits in elective courses, and 3 credits in courses for the capstone.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| PMGT 6401 | Fundamentals of Political Management | |
| PMGT 6402 | Applied Political Communications | |
| PMGT 6403 | Political Data and Analytics | |
| PMGT 6404 | Principled Political Leadership | |
| Electives | ||
| Seven courses (21 credits) selected from the following: | ||
| PMGT 6410 | Grassroots Engagement | |
| PMGT 6414 | Lobbying | |
| PMGT 6416 | International Lobbying | |
| PMGT 6420 | Corporate Public Affairs | |
| PMGT 6424 | Comparative Politics | |
| PMGT 6428 | Cultural Aspects of Global Engagement | |
| PMGT 6430 | Campaign Strategy | |
| PMGT 6438 | State and Local Campaigns | |
| PMGT 6440 | Targeting and Voter Contact | |
| PMGT 6442 | Campaigns Around the World | |
| PMGT 6450 | Rules, Laws, and Strategy | |
| PMGT 6452 | Digital Strategy | |
| PMGT 6454 | Fundraising and Budgeting | |
| PMGT 6456 | Speechcraft | |
| PMGT 6458 | Crisis Management | |
| PMGT 6460 | Audience Research | |
| PMGT 6462 | Opposition Research | |
| PMGT 6466 | Political Advertising | |
| PMGT 6468 | Digital Advertising and Action | |
| PMGT 6470 | Digital Content Creation | |
| PMGT 6472 | Maximizing Social Media | |
| PMGT 6477 | Political Risk Assessment | |
| PMGT 6479 | Using Humor Strategically | |
| PMGT 6490 | Special Topics | |
| PMGT 6496 | Independent Study | |
| PMGT 6497 | Graduate Internship | |
| Capstone | ||
| Students take either PMGT 6480 (The Washington Residency) or PMGT 6495 (Political Power and Practice) and an additional 3-credit elective for a total of 6 credits in their penultimate or final semester. | ||
| PMGT 6495 | Political Power and Practice | |
| or PMGT 6480 | Washington Residency | |
Global Politics Concentration
If you plan to impact politics at a global level, the Global Politics concentration will give you the tools to decipher the political environment in various regions around the globe, as well as the tools needed to build coalitions to impact society and government. This option is an official concentration, which will be noted on your transcript.
Flexible Electives
With your advisor's approval you may also take electives outside the program. Many classes in the Legislative Affairs or the Public Relations and Communications programs would make excellent electives for Political Management students. Some students also take courses at the Elliott School of International Affairs, Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, or the School of Business to broaden their perspective on the intersections between politics, policy, international relations, and business.