MUNCIE, Ind.-- Ball State University will hold an advising session at the Fort Wayne Newspapers office, 600 W. Main, on May 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for students interested in pursuing a master of arts in journalism or public relations.

The Ball State Department of Journalism began offering courses leading to these degree programs last summer in Fort Wayne. The journalism degree emphasizes the theory, management and research elements of the discipline as well as journalistic skills.

The master of arts degree in public relations stresses the planning and organization required to improve levels of public understanding. The degree emphasizes public relations as a professional activity.

Students with a particular interest in these courses include marketing, public relations and public information professionals as well as journalism teachers who need to renew their licenses. Graduate courses in public relations techniques, computer- assisted journalism and public relations theories and applications will be offered this summer.

Evening courses are held at the Fort Wayne Newspapers or at Homestead High School. For additional information, call the Department of Journalism at 1-800-382-8540.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information about this story contact Diane Buck at (765) 285-1581 or dbuck@bsu.edu.)