About the Undergraduate Global International and Political Communication Major
Grounded in an appreciation for both the liberal arts and a global experience, Emerson College’s Global BA in International and Political Communication program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to study at both Franklin University Switzerland and Emerson College. This dual-degree program provides students with an understanding of US politics from an international perspective.
The undergraduate program at Franklin University, known for its immersive experiential learning program, gives students a high-quality liberal arts education with an international focus and unique academic travel courses. Your studies at Franklin will set you up for academic success at Emerson. Housed in the College’s School of Communication, the International and Political Communication program offers five tracks: issue advocacy, electoral politics, politics and diplomacy, politics and nonprofit, and politics and law.
Earn an Associate’s Degree and a Bachelor of Arts
During your time in the program, you will spend:
- Two years in Lugano, Switzerland. At Franklin, you’ll take liberal arts and foundational courses, travel to other cities as part of your curriculum, and earn an associate’s degree. Surrounded by the Swiss Alps and situated on its namesake lake, Lugano is not only breathtaking but is also the ideal home base for the Franklin experience: a high-quality liberal arts education and an exploration of the world and its people.
- Two years in Boston. With the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House as your backdrop, here you’ll benefit from Emerson’s outstanding reputation and faculty expertise in the field of political communication, and you’ll earn a BA in International and Political Communication. By completing internships and getting real-world experience—such as working on political campaigns or leading award-winning diplomacy and civic engagement projects—our students go into the world prepared for success in any political career.
- One optional summer in Rosarito, Mexico. The program’s emphasis on exploring the political landscape on an international level includes an optional summer interim in Mexico. You will deepen your knowledge of intercultural negotiation and gain a global perspective on public relations. Those who don’t participate in the Rosarito program will be required to take an online Emerson course the summer before their junior year begins.
Experiential Learning Experience in International and Political Communication
Academic travel in your first two years at Franklin is one of the most distinctive elements of this program. It is integrated into a series of course offerings that take place during the regular semesters and include travel periods ranging from 10 days to two weeks. Students can study in locations such as Munich, Prague, Paris, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Iceland. In addition, you will have access to an array of experiential learning resources and cultural opportunities in both Lugano and Boston, including:
- The First-Year Seminar, in which you’ll be paired with a professor in your desired discipline, focuses on Franklin's unique culture and the larger Swiss community and provides a basis for cross-cultural interactions and life in a multicultural environment.
- Access to the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura, Lugano’s Arts Center, as well as numerous parks, shops, and restaurants, and outdoor activities.
- Proximity to Milan, the commercial center of northern Italy, as well as easy access to other major European cities.
- The chance to engage with voters and candidates in and around Boston during significant political events such as state primaries, midterm elections, and presidential elections.
- Free panels and events on Emerson’s Boston campus, featuring notable speakers and covering a variety of topics in politics, communication, and more.
Careers for Global International and Political Communication Majors
Our Global International and Political Communication graduates have advanced worldwide polling; drafted legislation; and established bridges between cultures through diplomacy, NGOs, and government agencies. Examples of careers include:
- Campaign Consultant
- Communications Director
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Legislative Aide
- Political Journalist
- Press Secretary