Becoming A Campaign Manager–College Education
Thursday
Sep 17, 2009
You don’t need to have academic coursework in politics to become a campaign manager. However, a college education in campaign management is one option for those who are serious about a career in politics. Many students who want to manage campaigns major in Political Science. While that is a standard choice, very few political jobs require a Political Science degree and many Political Science professors lack extensive practical experience in politics. Political Science courses often teach you how things are supposed to work, not the way they actually work in the real world.
Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University
However, if you are determined to make politics your career and you have the time and money for a formal education in the subject, there are a few schools that offer specialized degree programs in practical politics. The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) at The George Washington University in Washington, DC has been training political professionals since 1987. They offer a Master’s degree with specializations in Political Management, Legislative Affairs and Public Relations. They also offer shorter certificate programs and programs for international students. They have recently started an online program which might be a good option for older students who aren’t prepared to pick up and move to attend school. It is an expensive program. However, it appears that there is some financial aid available.
Free E-Book
For those who are interested in learning more about possible career paths in various political fields, GSPM has a free e-book (link to pdf file) available on their web site. While it promotes their programs, it also has some interesting information for those who are just starting out in politics.
Fordham University Master’s Program
Fordham University in New York has recently created a Master’s Program in Elections and Campaign Management . Since it is a newer program there isn’t a lot of information available, but they seem to have high aspirations for the program. You can look up information on their faculty and their FAQs on their web site. The good news is that it the program is offered by a university with a very solid reputation. The bad news is that the only option for financial aid appears to be student loans. However, if you are in New York or wish to move to New York it would be worth taking a look at this program.
Sojourner-Douglass College
Sojourner-Douglass College in Baltimore, Maryland offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Campaign Management. I couldn’t find much detailed information regarding their degree programs in Political Campaign Management. There is a PDF file of all courses that gives some information on the program (currently pages 47-52 although that could change as the file is updated). There is also information on the history and educational philosophy of the school on the web site. If you are interested in pursuing a degree there, you may need to contact the college for further information on their campaign management program.
University of Utah, Hinkley Institute of Politics
The University of Utah offers a minor in Campaign Management. Students have opportunities for a wide variety of internships through the Hinkley Institute of Politics. This might be a good option for someone who doesn’t yet have a degree who wants to explore politics as one possible career option.
American University Campaign Management Institute (Short Term Study)
One other well-known school in Washington DC, American University, has a Campaign Management Institute that may be the best option for those who don’t want to commit to a full degree program. They offer two-week workshops which can be taken for academic credit (either graduate or undergraduate) or as non-credit courses. The non-credit prices are pretty reasonable. They also offer some weekend workshops which seem to take place on two Saturdays each. If you want to get an idea of what the Campaign Management Institute classes are like, there is currently a 2 hour and 45 minute video available on the C-Span web site that shows a morning session from the 2008 seminar.
Other Options
Keep in mind, though, that most people who make their living in politics do not have degrees in Campaign Management. There are many other subjects that can also give you entry level skills for a political career. Campaigns need help with keeping the books, running computers, creating graphic designs, doing issue and opposition research, doing statistical analysis of voting patterns and polling information and creating all kinds of advertising. And, a degree in Campaign Management isn’t much of a plus if you end up getting a job outside of politics or government. A degree in another field gives you a lot more options on your career direction. Many campaign managers burn out, lose too many elections or say one too may stupid things and become less marketable. Having another career choice to fall back on might be a good idea.
