Media

S. Smith, Chairperson

bsu.edu/media

Welcome to the Department of Media—where your passion becomes your profession.

Media plays a vital role in shaping how we understand and interact with the world. As a student in the Department of Media, you won't just study this dynamic field—you'll help shape its future. Whether you're drawn to storytelling, video, audio, broadcast journalism, visual effects, media management or film, you'll gain the skills needed to create and work with content that informs, entertains, and inspires.

Our award-winning faculty are committed to mentoring tomorrow's media leaders. You'll learn by doing, collaborating on real-world projects, producing meaningful content and experiences, and exploring the latest technologies across a variety of platforms.

Students may pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The B.A. includes additional coursework in modern languages.

Our program is nationally recognized. The Department of Media faculty and students have received numerous awards, including Student Academy Awards®, 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.

Concentration Options:

Students pursuing a major in Media must choose at least one of the following concentrations. You may select more than one but please consult your academic advisor. At least one must be completed to graduate.

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: Branded as Sports Link, the Sports Production concentration allows students to develop their skills in broadcasting Ball State athletics. Through the creation of compelling feature stories, students highlight the achievements of student-athletes while fostering a strong sense of community and school pride. This hands-on program emphasizes real-world experience and industry-relevant skills, preparing students for dynamic careers in sports media.

**An additional application is required for admission to this program. For more information, please contact ctaylor@bsu.edu.

Esports Production: In the Esports Production concentration, students learn to create high-quality content for Ball State’s esports events, engaging audiences and elevating the spectator experience. Through storytelling and media production, students use esports as a creative platform to refine their craft. This immersive, hands-on program equips students with the practical experience and professional skills needed to thrive in the fast-growing esports and sports media industries.

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.

We also offer several minors, both for Media majors and for anyone interested in Media.

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.

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. This minor explores the business side of the media industry.

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: This 18-credit minor provides students with a broad overview of American media. Not open to students majoring in Media.

The Department of Media is transfer friendly and welcomes you.

Credit Transfer:

•  No more than 12 transfer credits are accepted in any Media major. No more than 9 transfer credits are accepted in any Media minor.
• No transfer credit is accepted for courses at the 400-level.

Returning to Ball State after more than seven years, please consult the Department Chair for information regarding your path forward.