Ball State University
Muncie, United States • Founded 1918 • World Rank #2879
Overview
Founded in 1918, the Ball State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Muncie (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Indiana.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ball State University (BSU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Ball State University (BSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 106-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
BSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
For visits or applications to Ball State University, location and primary contact details are below. Open days are typically announced via social channels — follow them to receive event notifications.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape Ball State University's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Academic Structures
The departmental layout below shows how Ball State University groups subjects, faculties, and teaching units. Subject grouping reflects institutional priorities, research strengths, and historical evolution.
Unit 7 items
- College of Applied Sciences and Technology
- College of Architecture and Planning
- College of Communication, Information and Media
- College of Fine Arts
- College of Sciences and Humanities
- Miller College of Business
- Teachers College
Programs Offered
Ball State University's catalogue, searchable by name and grouped by level. Joint programmes with partner institutions appear here but carry dual-credentialing rules worth checking with both bodies.
Bachelor's Degree
90 programmes
Ball State University's 90 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Environmental Design Architecture
Landscape Architecture Urban Planning
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Architecture and Related Services, Other Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Apparel and Textiles Family & Consumer Science
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
Legal Professions and Studies, Other Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Climate Studies & Meteorology
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General Health Sciences
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Real Estate Business Administration
Insurance Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
Construction Management Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
58 programmes
There are 58 programmes to choose from at Ball State University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture Urban Planning
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Architecture and Related Services, Other Architecture
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Information Science/Studies Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Apparel and Textiles Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Computational Science Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Real Estate Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
12 programmes
Ball State University delivers 12 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Human Biology Liberal Arts
Biology/Biotechnology Technologies/Technicians Natural Sciences
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
2 programmes
Ball State University delivers 2 programmes at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
56 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, Ball State University runs 56 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
Interior Architecture Architecture
Architectural History, Criticism, and Conservation Interior Design
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Journalism Journalism
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Education, General Education & Teaching
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
American Sign Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Housing and Human Environments Family & Consumer Science
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Climate Studies & Meteorology
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Natural Sciences
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Public Administration Public Administration
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Geography and Cartography Geography
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Real Estate Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Ball State University
How to apply to Ball State University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Ball State University's catalogue includes 218 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Ball State University's admissions process.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Ball State University's official website at www.bsu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (765) 289 1241. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ball State University
Frequently asked questions about Ball State University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
How old is Ball State University?
The institution opened in 1918 (approximately 108 years ago).
What city is Ball State University in?
Ball State University operates from Muncie, United States.
Is Ball State University a public or private institution?
Ball State University is a public institution.
How big is Ball State University's student body?
Ball State University serves approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
What is Ball State University's ranking?
Ball State University is ranked #2879 globally and #329 in United States.
How is Ball State University organised academically?
The institution comprises 7 academic units.
Who recognises Ball State University?
Yes, Ball State University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.
What is Ball State University's official website?
The institution's website is www.bsu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Ball State University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Universities affiliated with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Ball State University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Students considering Ball State University often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Interested in Education & Teaching but want alternatives to Ball State University? These institutions in the United States also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Often Compared with Ball State University
Cross-peer scholarship reciprocity exists in some systems where peer institutions accept each other's scholarship students. Worth checking for Ball State University if location flexibility matters.
