Why Iowa?

Writing and communication have been at the center of the University of Iowa’s educational mission for a century.

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Undergraduate programs

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See yourself here

Successful careers have one thing in common: strong communication. At Iowa, you'll learn how communication works, why it matters, what’s at stake, and most importantly, how to do it effectively.

“The kernel of the idea definitely came during our time at the University of Iowa.”

Bryan Woods (’07 BA), co-writer, A Quiet Place

Write your story

Build knowledge. Conduct research. Create new work. Stand out among your peers. You're going places, and it all starts here.

“I think the degree is kind of a 'Swiss army knife' of skills that are useful in the real world.”

Harley Atchison (’22 BA)

News and announcements

Associate Professor Emerson Cram Awarded Summer Funding

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research, awarded funding to allow six faculty to pursue research projects during the summer.

Communication Studies student announced as Fall 2024 commencement speaker

Thursday, December 12, 2024
Lucie Brennan will deliver the commencement address to her graduating class during the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony on Dec. 22.

Iowa grads share new film at their Quad Cities theater

Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Directing and screenwriting partners Scott Beck and Bryan Woods say a class they took at the University of Iowa about nonverbal communication continues to inspire their screenwriting — even in a film with as much talking as “Heretic.”

Upcoming events

Midterm Reset @ the Museum promotional image

Midterm Reset @ the Museum

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Midterms are upon us, and we’re practicing the art of the pause here at the Museum of Natural History. Join us for one or all three upcoming events designed to help you unwind and recharge through origami, movement, and mindfulness at the museum.

Origami in Bird Hall
Step into the calm of Bird Hall for an origami break led by Mary Alice, our Visitor Services Coordinator. Fold peaceful paper birds, quiet your mind, and take a moment to breathe. No experience needed—just show up and recharge.
Wednesd...

Midterm Reset @ the Museum promotional image

Midterm Reset @ the Museum

Thursday, November 6, 2025 7:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Midterms are upon us, and we’re practicing the art of the pause here at the Museum of Natural History. Join us for one or all three upcoming events designed to help you unwind and recharge through origami, movement, and mindfulness at the museum.

Origami in Bird Hall
Step into the calm of Bird Hall for an origami break led by Mary Alice, our Visitor Services Coordinator. Fold peaceful paper birds, quiet your mind, and take a moment to breathe. No experience needed—just show up and recharge.
Wednesd...

Midterm Reset @ the Museum promotional image

Midterm Reset @ the Museum

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Midterms are upon us, and we’re practicing the art of the pause here at the Museum of Natural History. Join us for one or all three upcoming events designed to help you unwind and recharge through origami, movement, and mindfulness at the museum.

Origami in Bird Hall
Step into the calm of Bird Hall for an origami break led by Mary Alice, our Visitor Services Coordinator. Fold peaceful paper birds, quiet your mind, and take a moment to breathe. No experience needed—just show up and recharge.
Wednesd...

Commitment to Internationalization Lecture: Iowa alumna Karri Goeldner Byrne to discuss private sector’s role in global humanitarian response promotional image

Commitment to Internationalization Lecture: Iowa alumna Karri Goeldner Byrne to discuss private sector’s role in global humanitarian response

Thursday, November 13, 2025 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Old Capitol Museum
University of Iowa (UI) alumna Karri Goeldner Byrne (BA communication theory ‘92) will deliver the 2025 Commitment to Internationalization Lecture, Navigating the Unpredictable: The Private Sector as Partners in Humanitarian Response.
Public Lecture: Post-border Poetics: North Korean Refugees and Politics of Narratives promotional image

Public Lecture: Post-border Poetics: North Korean Refugees and Politics of Narratives

Thursday, February 5, 2026 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Virtual
Dr. Eun Ah Cho, assistant professor of Korean language and culture in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Kansas, will examine how North Korean female refugees’ narratives against the established images and stereotypical stories that have shaped their representation.
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Careers in communication

Communication Studies graduates have exciting careers in an extraordinarily wide range of fields and industries.