Ball State University School of Journalism and Strategic Communication

Degrees offered

The school offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Journalism, Media Design and Development, and Strategic Communication, along with graduate degrees including a Master of Arts in Journalism, a Master of Arts in Public Relations, a Master of Arts in Emerging Media Design and Development, and graduate certificates in corporate and education public relations.

Programs and emphasis

Within the Journalism major, students may concentrate in Magazine Media, News Writing and Reporting, Photographic Storytelling, or Journalism Education. The Media Design and Development area focuses on journalism graphics and multimedia design, while Strategic Communications houses the Advertising and Public Relations programs.

History

The school's journalism instruction dates to 1919. It operates today within Ball State's College of Communication, Information, and Media, based in the Art and Journalism Building on the Muncie campus.

Key faculty and leadership

Johnny Sparks: Director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication and professor of journalism; also program coordinator for the Advertising and Public Relations programs.
Jennifer Palilonis: George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Multimedia Journalism, coordinating the Media Design and Development and Journalism Graphics programs.
Natalee Seely: Assistant professor of journalism and coordinator of the Master of Arts in Journalism program.

Student-run media

The Ball State Daily News, founded in 1922, is the university's independent student newspaper and part of Ball State Unified Media, a collective of student-led outlets that also includes Ball Bearings Magazine, Byte, and NewsLink Indiana. In 2026 the Daily News moved to a digital-first publishing strategy while continuing select print special editions.

Location and contact info

Address
Art and Journalism Building, Room 300
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
Phone
765-285-8200
Email
bsujourn@bsu.edu
Website
https://www.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/sjsc