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Ball State University is a state-assisted, coeducational, residential research university located in Muncie, Indiana. Established in 1918, the University is named after the Ball brothers, local industrialists and the founders of Ball Corporation, who purchased what had been the Indiana Normal Institute from foreclosure and then gifted the school and land to the state of Indiana. Originally, the school was named the Indiana State Normal School, but due to the close relationship between the Ball family and the school, it was often casually referred to as “Ball State”. It was not until 1961, however, that this unofficial moniker was formally adopted; after becoming fully independent of Indian State University through the creation of the Ball State College Board of Trustees, the school was renamed Ball State College and in 1965 the college was granted its university status.
Academic Programs
Ball State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been so since 1925. The University is made up of several colleges, including the College of Applied Sciences and Technology, the College of Architecture and Planning, the Miller College of Business, the College of Communication, Information, and Media, the College of Fine Arts, the College of Sciences and Humanities, the Teachers College, the Honors College, and the University College.More than 170 majors, including at least a dozen pre-professional programs are offered at Ball State University as well as over 100 master’s degrees and doctoral programs and four specialist programs. All of Ball State University’s undergraduates are offered hands-on immersive learning opportunities including numerous internship opportunities and more than 300 study-abroad program options. At the graduate level, Ball State University’s secondary education program has been ranked consistently as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and the University’s programs in counseling psychology, educational leadership, and physics have been nationally recognized as well.
Student Life
Ball State University has a total enrollment figure of nearly 22,000, including more than 16,000 undergraduate students. Approximately 40% of the University’s student body chooses to live on-campus in one of the University’s 30-plus residence halls or apartment complexes. All first-year students participate in Ball State University’s Freshman Connections, a national award-winning program which allows students to meet new friends and helps to make the adjustment to college life a smoother transition through the common programming.Ball State University keeps a full event calendar with attractions that include Broadway shows, blue legends, Russian National Ballet performances, professional comedians, athletic events and more. More than 400 student-led clubs and organizations also exist, allowing students to interact with one another outside of the classroom setting and creating an environment where leadership skills and teamwork can be fostered. As an NCAA Division I-A school, Ball State University’s varsity teams compete in the Mid-American Conference.