Editor & Publisher (E&P), the nation's oldest publication covering the newspaper industry, lists Ball State among 45 colleges and universities with "leading journalism schools throughout the United States."

Marilyn Weaver, chair of the journalism department, attributes the ranking to the reputation of the department's graduates as well as the awards won by its student publications.

"This is a clear indication that Ball State's journalism program has an outstanding reputation on a national level," she said. "To be described as a leading program by Editor & Publisher is a statement to the hard work of our alumni, faculty, staff and students."

The article, which appears on E&P's Web site, provides links to journalism programs at each of the 45 colleges and universities.

E&P describes itself on its Web site as the authoritative journal covering all aspects of the North American newspaper industry. It is owned by VNU, which also publishes Billboard, Adweek, Mediaweek, The Hollywood Reporter, Photo District News and other business-to-business magazines.

Ball State's journalism department offers professional programs in advertising, journalism graphics, magazine, news-editorial, photojournalism, public relations and teacher education. The department is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). Nationally, of the 430 colleges and universities with a journalism program, cognate, major or minor, only 107 are accredited.

Journalism students receive individual attention and hands-on instruction using leading-edge communication technologies. Students are encouraged to supplement their classroom educations with immersive learning opportunities by working with award-winning student publications and organizations, including the Daily News, campus newspaper; Expo, student print magazine; Ball Bearings, student Web site; and Cardinal Communications, a student-operated advertising/public relations agency.