Strategic Political Communication

Put yourself in the center of the political world as a Strategic Political Communication major.

You will gain the skills to communicate effectively within and through a complex media environment, enabling you to pursue a career in advocacy, political campaigns, government relations, and related fields.

Depending on your interests and aspirations, you might choose a double major in political science, business, marketing, history, psychology, or sociology.

During your senior year, you'll complete a capstone project encompassing work for a political candidate or specific cause, putting your skills to work in a real-world setting and developing a powerful piece for your professional portfolio.

You can be a spokesperson, speechwriter or staff member for a political candidate, government official, or work in communications for state, local, or national government. You can work for nonprofit associations; political parties and action committees; digital and print communication organizations; and political consultants. You can lay the groundwork for continuing your education in public administration, business, or law.

Strategic Political Communication Faculty

Associate Professor Jennifer Glover Konfrst, APR, leads the Strategic Political Communication program. Prior to joining the SJMC faculty, Konfrst worked in public relations for 20 years, most recently at Iowa Public Television, where she led the network’s brand strategy, cross-platform promotion, media relations, and crisis communication. She started her professional career by working on a U.S. Senate re-election campaign and is currently an Iowa legislator.

Assistant Professor Amy McCoy teaches strategic political communication and public relations courses at Drake. Prior to joining the faculty in 2022, McCoy worked in journalism and public relations for more than 20 years.

Interdisciplinary courses are taught by expert faculty in politics and rhetoric.