M.A. in Actuarial Science
Ball State University takes pride in offering a cutting-edge Master of Arts in Actuaria...
B.A. or B.S. in Strategic Communication - Public Relations
Muncie, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Ball State University offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Strategic Communication with a specialization in Public Relations. This program is designed to prepare students for successful careers in public relations by providing them with essential skills in communication, strategic thinking, and media relations. Students learn to craft effective messages that resonate with diverse audiences while managing relationships with stakeholders.
PRSSA-Accredited: The program is accredited by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), ensuring that it meets high academic standards and provides students with a curriculum that is aligned with industry expectations. This accreditation signifies that students are receiving a quality education that prepares them for the challenges they will face in the public relations field.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Strategic Communication - Public Relations program at Ball State University is comprehensive and multifaceted. It covers key areas such as public relations writing, media relations, crisis communication, social media strategy, and campaign management. This well-rounded approach equips students with the practical skills needed to develop and implement effective public relations strategies.
Research Focus: Ball State encourages students to engage in research related to public relations, allowing them to explore contemporary issues, trends, and best practices in the field. Faculty-led research initiatives provide students with opportunities to contribute to significant studies, enhancing their understanding of public relations' impact on society and organizational communication.
Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes industry engagement through internships, real-world projects, and networking opportunities. Students work with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and public relations agencies, gaining hands-on experience that not only bolsters their resumes but also helps them build valuable professional connections within the public relations community.
Global Perspective: Understanding the global context of public relations is a critical component of the program. Students examine international communication practices, cultural influences on public relations strategies, and the role of public relations in global organizations. This global perspective prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of public relations in an increasingly interconnected world.
Location
Muncie, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28044
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Ball State University is promoting diversity and providing financial support to international students.
Ball State's International Student Scholarships: Ball State University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships exclusively for international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities.
University-Wide Scholarships: International students are eligible to apply for university-wide scholarships that are open to all students, regardless of their nationality. These scholarships often have specific criteria and requirements.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Ball State University offer scholarships to international students pursuing degrees within those departments. These scholarships may be based on academic performance, major, or specific achievements.
Study Abroad Scholarships: Ball State encourages international students to participate in study abroad programs. The university offers scholarships to help cover the costs associated with studying abroad, promoting global experiences and cultural exchange.
Privately Funded Scholarships: There are external scholarship opportunities for international students provided by private organizations, foundations, and government agencies. Ball State's scholarship office assists students in identifying and applying for these external scholarships.
Cultural Scholarships: Ball State University may offer scholarships to students who are actively involved in promoting their own cultures and engaging in cultural exchange on campus.
Full-Ride Scholarships: In some cases, highly qualified international students may be eligible for full-ride scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Community Scholarships: Local community organizations and partners sometimes provide scholarships to international students who are engaged in community service and demonstrate a commitment to the local area.
Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Strategic Communication - Public Relations from Ball State University are well-equipped to pursue a variety of rewarding career paths in the public relations field. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experiences provide them with the skills necessary to thrive in diverse roles.
Public Relations Specialist: Many graduates begin their careers as public relations specialists, responsible for creating and maintaining a positive public image for organizations by developing communication strategies and managing media relations.
Communications Manager: Graduates often advance to roles as communications managers, overseeing internal and external communications, crafting key messages, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Media Relations Coordinator: In this role, graduates manage relationships with media outlets, facilitating press releases, organizing press conferences, and securing coverage for events and announcements.
Social Media Strategist: With the increasing importance of digital platforms, many graduates work as social media strategists, developing and executing social media campaigns to engage audiences and enhance brand visibility.
Crisis Communication Manager: Graduates may specialize in crisis communication, helping organizations navigate challenging situations by developing effective messaging and strategies to mitigate reputational damage.
Event Coordinator: Some graduates pursue careers as event coordinators, planning and executing promotional events, product launches, and community engagement activities that enhance public relations efforts.
Corporate Communications Specialist: Graduates can work in corporate communications, focusing on employee communication, stakeholder engagement, and brand management to ensure a cohesive organizational message.
Content Creator: Many graduates find positions as content creators, producing engaging written and multimedia content for websites, blogs, and social media platforms that align with public relations strategies.
Public Affairs Officer: Graduates may work as public affairs officers for government agencies or non-profit organizations, managing communication strategies that inform and engage the public on important issues.
Nonprofit Communications Director: Some graduates choose to work in the nonprofit sector as communications directors, developing strategies to promote organizational missions, raise awareness, and engage supporters.
