Media

S. Smith, Chairperson

bsu.edu/media

Media is an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we engage with the world around us. The Department of Media's diverse range of concentrations gives students the opportunity to explore and specialize in areas that align with their interests and career aspirations. Students may choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The B.A. requires additional modern language requirements.

The department has received numerous awards, including Student Academy Awards®, regional Emmy® awards, NATAS Student Production Awards, honors from the Society of Professional Journalists, Indiana Association of School Broadcasters, the Sports Video Group, and the Broadcast Education Association.

Major Concentrations Offered:

Production: Through skills-based courses students learn to create content for diverse platforms, gaining the flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry. Whether it's crafting compelling narratives for film and television, producing engaging content for social media marketing campaigns, or experimenting with interactive media experiences, graduates of this program will be well-prepared to make their mark in the dynamic world of media production.

Sports Production: Students choose one of two areas: Sports Link (additional application required) or Esports Production. Sports Link hone their skills broadcasting Ball State sports, creating feature stories that showcase the talent and achievements of student-athletes while building a sense of community and pride among fans. Esports students learn to produce high-quality content for Ball State esports events that captivates audiences and enhances the spectator experience. Both pathways offer hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills that prepare students for creative and innovative careers in sports media.

Virtual Effects and Motion Graphics: Designed for students with a passion for both computer-generated effects and filmmaking, students take a deep dive into motion graphics, animation, extended reality (XR) and virtual production. It's an opportunity to blend traditional filmmaking techniques with cutting-edge digital tools, creating immersive experiences that captivate audiences. With the skills learned in this concentration, students can step into the industry prepared to bring their visions to life in ways previously unimaginable.

Broadcast and Multimedia News: By honing their skills in research, writing, shooting, editing, and presenting audio and video news stories, students in this concentration are equipped with the tools needed to thrive in the dynamic field of broadcast journalism. In an era where misinformation and bias can spread rapidly, a solid foundation in ethical principles is crucial for maintaining trust and credibility with audiences. Whether students aspire to be reporters, editors, producers, or multimedia journalists, the skills they develop in this program provide a strong foundation for success in the ever-evolving world of media.

Sports Reporting: This concentration offers a unique blend of sports storytelling and journalistic skills, preparing students to excel in the field of sports broadcast journalism. By applying a journalistic lens, students learn to delve beyond the scores and statistics, capturing the human stories behind the games, athletes, and organizations. Students hone their skills in research, reporting, interviewing, writing, and multimedia and acquire the versatility to thrive in various aspects of sports media.

Media Promotion and Management: Students in this concentration learn how to strategize, plan, execute, and evaluate media campaigns across various platforms. Through hands-on projects with media companies, businesses, and community organizations, students in our Media Promotion and Management concentration study how media is managed, sold, and promoted by implementing evidence-based strategies, techniques, and tools that engage audiences.

Film and Media Studies: This concentration is ideal for students who enjoy screening and analyzing media but don’t want to be part of the production process. Students take courses in film genres, television studies, world film history, controversy in media studies, emerging media and culture, history of documentary film, and special topics in film and media studies, as well as choosing from a series of directed electives. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are prepared to enter careers where strong skills in writing, research, critical thinking, and analysis are valued.

Minors Offered:

Film/Screenwriting Minor: Offered jointly by the Department of Media and the Department of English, this 18-credit minor focuses on film and screenwriting. Not open to students in the Film and Media Studies concentration

Sports Studies Minor: Offered jointly by the Department of Media and the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, this 18-credit minor explores various aspects of sports.

Media Promotion and Management Minor: This 20-credit minor is open to all Ball State students except Media majors with a concentration in Media Promotion and Management.

Broadcast and Media Engineering: Offered jointly by the Department of Media and Computer Technology, this 18-credit minor focuses on researching, designing and solving issues in broadcast and media infrastructures.

Media Minor: Provides students with a broad overview of American media. Not open to students majoring in Media.

Transfer Policies:

• Credit Transfer: No more than 6 transfer credits are accepted in any Media major or minor, limited to 100- and 200-level courses. Media courses at the 300- and 400-levels must be completed at Ball State University.

• Credit Age: Policies pertaining to departmental credit older than seven years are available from the department chair.