Attend a Live Webinar to Learn More
Interested in our online programs? Our program directors and student success specialist team host online informational sessions about our programs, the admission requirements and deadlines, and more, with time for you to ask questions. Just by registering, you can apply for free.
Register for a Webinar
.jpg?h=800&w=1500&sc_lang=en&hash=BA46CF64C9DD7FF153F3B192224D4CF97474F8D3)
Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
January 11, 2027
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Credits: 30-33
- Finish in 18-24 months
- No GRE Required
Ball State University’s online Master of Arts in Public Relations (PRMA) helps you advance your career, build specialized expertise, or prepare for doctoral study. Our 30–33-credit program welcomes emerging and experienced professionals from a wide range of fields. Asynchronous online courses help you balance graduate study with work and personal commitments while meeting course deadlines. No GRE is required for admission.
Our curriculum combines a longstanding foundation in public relations education with required coursework in public relations leadership and artificial intelligence (AI), audience and content strategy, crisis communication, campaigns, research, and evaluation. Apply your learning through campaign work, crisis case studies, and research that connect classroom concepts to professional challenges. Six credits of approved electives and a choice of capstone experiences allow you to shape the degree around your goals. Build capabilities relevant to public relations leadership, corporate communication, content and social media strategy, crisis and reputation management, and research.
You’ll learn with faculty who care about your progress and professional growth. Through individual attention and one-on-one advising each semester, we’ll help you plan your studies and connect your learning to what comes next. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, empathy, self-awareness, and ethical judgment, helping you evaluate emerging technologies, recognize bias, and use AI responsibly. Develop the confidence to make informed decisions, collaborate effectively, and lead with care.
The PRMA program at Ball State was critical in teaching me the research and critical thinking skills I used in my daily life as an integrated communications professional in the largest PR agencies and corporations in the world. Ball State’s PR program is highly regarded in the industry, and has opened countless doors for me throughout my career.
—Matt Kelly, Senior Vice President, Chicago Market Digital Lead at BCW Global
Master’s in Public Relations, 2010
An Inside Look at the Master of Arts in Public Relations
Hear from students and faculty about the sought-after skills student gain throughout our program.
Though Many Miles from Campus, Student Senses Professors’ Attention
"I wanted to find a program that was challenging and that would prepare me for an entirely new career."
— Malena Price
Read her story!
Previous
Next
Keep Exploring
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Master's in Public Relations, complete our online form or contact us for more information. And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.
Graduate Assistantships
Need help paying for your graduate work in public relations? Our school is committed to providing practical, hands-on opportunities through graduate assistantships. To apply, please fill out the online application. The early decision deadline is April 1 for School of Journalism and Strategic Communication Graduate Assistantships. Applications received after this date will be considered as positions become available for the upcoming academic year.
Apply Now
Earn a Dual Degree
Did you know that our online degree shares credits with Ball State’s online MBA program? Earning both will make you more marketable to future employers. Read about the admissions requirements and credits for dual master’s degrees in our Graduate Catalog, then ask your Student Success Specialist about the dual degree option when you’re ready to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easy answer is yes! You can choose a pace that fits your life. Some PRMA students take more courses to finish sooner, while others move more gradually, taking two courses a semester, as they balance work and personal commitments. Your program advisor will help you plan a manageable schedule around your goals and course availability.
Taking two courses (6 credits) per semester, is classified as half time for financial aid and veterans’ benefits at Ball State. Taking 9 credits or more per semester is considered full-time for those purposes.
You have up to six years from your first course to complete all degree requirements, allowing room for different learning timelines. Whether you move faster or take a slower pace, we’ll help you plan your path forward.
Our program includes working professionals and full-time graduate students, with a mix that varies by cohort. Whether you’re building professional experience or continuing your education after your bachelor’s degree, you’re welcome here. The curriculum is designed for new and experienced professionals from a range of fields.
Yes. Ball State's Master of Arts in Public Relations is 100% online. Our asynchronous format allows you to engage with coursework around work and personal commitments while meeting course deadlines. You’ll also receive individual faculty attention and one-on-one advising each semester to help you stay connected and make progress toward your goals.
Yes. Our 30–33-credit curriculum combines a public relations core—including leadership and AI, audience and content strategy, and crisis communication—with 6 credits of directed electives. With your advisor’s guidance, you’ll select approved electives in public relations, emerging media, communication, business, and related fields. A capstone in applied research, a creative project, a research paper, or a thesis helps you connect your learning to your professional or academic goals.