Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
August 24, 2026
The Ball State University Online Certificate in Professional Communication provides you with essential communication skills and process knowledge required for success in the modern professional landscape. You will learn to create and evaluate messages applicable to a variety of organizational settings. Courses promote the development of strong leadership qualities, strategic decision-making, and the application of interpersonal and organizational communication principles to navigate change, innovation, and work-life balance.
This undergraduate certificate is not open to communication majors or minors.
What Professional Communication Skills Will I Gain?
The skills you gain from your courses can be used immediately in your workplace. With the Professional Communication certificate, you’ll gain skills in:
- Change Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Decision-Making
- Leadership
- Organizational Communication
- Persuasion & Influence
- Problem-Solving
- Relationship Building
- Strategic Communication
- Team Collaboration
What Communication Courses Will I Take?
Every course (all 12 credits) in this certificate counts toward the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS). Earn the certificate now, and the credits follow you.
Ball State focuses on your student experience and getting you closer to reaching your goals. Choose 12 credits from the following:
COMM 315 Communication and Technology (3 credits) - Explore how technology influences communication in interpersonal relationships, organizational life, and other contemporary contexts.
COMM 320 Persuasion (3 credits) - Examine variables affecting implementation of persuasion principles and strategies. Please note that COMM 210 Public Speaking is a prerequisite to take this course.
COMM 340 Leadership and Group Communication (3 credits) - Use collaboration, decision-making, and problem-solving to implement leadership and teambuilding strategies in the workplace.
COMM 345 Work-Life Communication (3 credits) - Apply principles and skills to enhance your ability to communicate effectively during work-life issues within your organization.
COMM 351 Organizational Communication (3 credits) - Learn about the structure and functions of communication in organizations through multiple theoretical perspectives.
View Course Catalog
Benefits of a Professional Communication Certificate
Learn from experienced professionals: Your professors are experienced professionals in the communication field who take the time to get to know you, your career goals, and help you achieve them.
Counts as a BGS emphasis area: If you are currently pursuing your Bachelor of General Studies (BGS), all credits from completing the undergraduate Certificate in Professional Communication will count toward an emphasis area.
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
An application and all required application materials must be received two weeks prior to the start of classes for a given term in order to be considered for admission to Ball State. Our semester start dates can be found in Ball State’s academic calendar.
Whether you are transferring credits in from another university or have never taken college courses before now, we invite you to learn about Ball State's admission requirements and how to apply to this program.
GET STARTED
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We're here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.