Online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication with a Concentration in Political Communication
Examine how media and communication strategies shape political behavior, public opinion, and civic participation.
Analyze the role of messaging, branding, and media channels in political campaigns and public affairs.
Develop research and communication skills to evaluate political messaging and its impact on diverse audiences.
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Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
I have no college credits
First Time Freshman
- 3.0 Core GPA on the 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses as outlined in the LSU Core
- LSU is a test-optional institution which means applicants will have the choice to select if they wish to have their ACT or SAT scores considered for admission. Click here to learn more!
I have some college credits
Transfer Student General Admission Requirements
- 30* or more transferable (academic, non-remedial) credit hours from a regionally-accredited college or university
- 2.5 academic GPA on all transferable college work attempted
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level English course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
- A grade of “C” or better in a college-level Math course that fulfilled a general education requirement at the institution where it was taken
*Students who will not have 30 transferable credit hours by the time they plan to enroll at LSU can still be considered for admission if they meet all remaining transfer requirements.
To see about transfer credits please check out the TIGER TRANSFER TABLES.
Re-Entry Student Admission Requirements
- Students interested in applying for re-entry to LSU must have a 2.0 GPA on all LSU coursework and must meet the requirements for their prospective senior college.
- Students who have attempted 30 or more hours at another institution must also have a 2.5 cumulative GPA on all college work attempted. For your senior college specific requirements please check out the Re-Entry Student Requirements per College.
If you feel like you do not meet any of the above qualifications please reach out to your Enrollment Coach team member as there are different evaluation pathways for non-traditional students to take.
Undergraduate students who are reviewed and admitted by meeting LSU A&M general admissions requirements but do not meet the admittance requirements to a senior college have two admissions options:
- Option 1
Students can start with The University College Center for Freshman Year (UCFY). This academic unit is designed for new freshmen and some transfer and re-entry students. Their mission is to prepare incoming students for success at LSU and to help define their academic and career goals. Students typically exit the UCFY at the conclusion of the freshman year and enter one of the degree-granting senior colleges at LSU. - Option 2
Students can start with The Center for Advising and Counseling (UCAC). This administrative unit serves as the academic home for students who have attempted 30-plus hours of college credit and who do not yet meet the admission requirements for one of the University’s degree-granting senior colleges.
For a list of specific senior college requirements please visit the LSU A&M Undergraduate Admission page.
Tuition
LSU's online programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $445
- Cost per credit hour
- $13,350
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $53,400
- Total cost with fees
The final cost of this program is determined after all transfer credits are evaluated. Transfer credits may apply for up to 75% of degree requirements. For the BA in Mass Communication with a concentration in Political Communication program, you are able to transfer up to 75% of previous credits.
*For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSU offers several ways to help you pay for your degree including credit for prior learning (PLA), financial aid, and veteran education benefits. Learn More.
Academics
Students in this program will develop skills that allow them to effectively interpret and communicate information to both mass media professionals and other individuals involved in political and governmental processes.
What Will I Learn?
Students who graduate with an online political communication degree will learn how to become community leaders who can effectively communicate and help shape society.
Topics covered in this degree include the following:
- Legal rights of and restraints on the mass media; emphasis on First Amendment considerations
- Role of the media as socially responsible institutions; ethical issues, policies and practices in gathering, processing and disseminating content
- Introduction to theory and practice of political communication; role of media in political campaigns, press-government relations and policymaking
- Impact of the media on American politics through their interactions with political actors and involvement in the policymaking process
- Skills associated with writing, grammar, style and information gathering for mass media
- Strategies for the design, development and production of media programs using advanced computer and video systems
- Introduction to digital, mobile and social media; personal branding within the digital landscape
Courses
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
MC 2010: Media Writing |
3 |
MC 2015: Visual Communication |
3 |
MC 2035: Digital Brands |
3 |
MC 3080 or 3081: Mass Media Law |
3 |
MC 4090 or 4091: Media Ethics and Social Responsibility |
3 |
MC 3504: Introduction to Political Communication |
3 |
MC 3505: Media and Policy Processes |
3 |
MC 3510: Political Communication Research |
3 |
MC 3520: Political Communication Writing |
3 |
MC 4520: Advanced Seminar in Political Communication |
3 |
MC Electives |
6 |
EXST 2201: Introduction to Statistical Analysis |
3 |
One of the following: |
|
POLI 2051: American Government |
3 |
POLI 2057: Introduction to International Politics |
3 |
Careers
Political communication graduates are highly desirable, whether you want to be a political journalist, campaign manager, political consultant, speechwriter, make political ads or work on public diplomacy. Graduates of our program are now working on Capitol Hill as press secretaries to members of Congress, at major news networks, and throughout Louisiana politics and government.
Career Opportunities
- Social Media Manager
- Creative Specialist
- Account Manager
- Copywriter
- Speechwriter
- Television Reporter
- Producer
- Journalist
- Foreign Correspondents
- Political Consultants
