Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media Announces Innovative Changes

Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) announced today a series of exciting changes inspired by the college’s quest for innovation.

Among several changes unveiled today were new names for CCIM’s Journalism and Telecommunication departments, a reinvigorated Computer & Information Technology (CIT) program, and the expanded relationship between CCIM, student media, and Ball State Public Media. These changes resulted from months of surveying prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, and employers in the media industry.

“At CCIM, innovation never rests,” said Dr. Paaige Turner, CCIM dean. “The changes announced today at CCIM are in keeping with a tradition of innovation—in our college and at our University. Our leadership ensures CCIM stays ahead of the industry curve—leading the way, not reacting—with passion, purpose, and progress.”

“These changes in our College of Communication, Information, and Media are driven by our commitment to prepare students of diverse backgrounds for a fulfilling career and a meaningful life,” said Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills, Ball State’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “The changes we’re making—including more immersive opportunities early in the academic experience—are visionary and will set our students up for success in the rapidly changing world of communications and media.”

Key changes announced today include:

• The Department of Journalism has been renamed the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. Consistent with an ever-changing, dynamic media landscape, the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication gives students an opportunity to learn every side of the media business while also providing them high-demand skillsets for employers across the marketplace.
• The Department of Telecommunications has been renamed the Department of Media. Students in the Department of Media are empowered to craft compelling stories by taking advantage of best-in-class facilities, which are available early in their education career. In those facilities, students learn to investigate, research, and study issues related to new forms of digital media.
• Extending the reach of the Center for Information and Communication Sciences (CICS), the undergraduate Computer Technology program has been fully redesigned to align with student interests and market demands. The renamed Computer & Information Technology (CIT) program now includes an emphasis on the leadership, organizational behavior, and communication skills necessary for professional success and on high-demand technology areas, including virtualization, cloud services, cybersecurity, and emerging technology. Additional concentrations in other areas, such as tech-informed leadership, esports, and full-stack development are under development.
• A reformulated Ball State Public Media program will strengthen CCIM’s efforts to provide a meaningful educational experience through unparalleled immersive learning opportunities for students. This expanded vision of media aligns with the University’s mission to provide the community purposeful, deliberate content on topics and issues that matter most including local news, entertainment, and inspirational storytelling.
• The introduction of two new Accelerated Masters Programs (AMP): Emerging Media Design and Development and Public Relations, whereby undergraduate students can take up to 12 credits of graduate courses, allowing them the opportunity to complete their BA/BS and MA degrees in five years.

These changes come less than a year after CCIM launched its Esports program, which includes the Esports Production concentration and the official Ball State varsity esports team, all housed within the state-of-the-art Esports Center.

For more information about Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media, visit the CCIM website, call 765-285-6000, or view email.