Private donation initiates new masters program in political science

Private donation initiates new masters program in political science

In the wake of the upcoming elections, many politicians are beginning to search for highly educated individuals who have been trained at campus-based or online colleges to work on their campaigns.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for public relations managers who are qualified to work on political campaigns is slated to increase by 24 percent in the next eight years. As a result, many schools are beginning to launch campus-based and online degree programs that can prepare individuals to take on these positions.

For instance, Carleton University recently announced that it will begin offering a masters program in political management, the Ottawa Citizen reports.

The program was created due to a donation from Calgary-based businessman Clayton Riddell, the CEO of Paramount Resources. This course of study is slated to begin in September of 2011 if it gains approval from the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies.

Similar campus-based and online degree programs could prepare students for exciting jobs in the political sector, including as political aide, legislative assistant, campaign manager, government advisor or policy liaison officer.

By Stefanie Hughes