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

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.”

Dr. Rachel McLaren-How to Human: Combatting Loneliness and Cultivating Friendship

Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Join Rachel McLaren, an associate professor in the University of Iowa Department of Communication Studies, for an engaging workshop designed to help people combat loneliness and foster meaningful friendships

Communication Studies NCA Reception

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Add it to your calendar!

Upcoming events

Parenting Teens: Cultivating Connections with Teens in a Digital Age

Sunday, May 18, 2025 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Iowa City Public Library
Join other caregivers of teens for an afternoon of learning and discussion about evidence-based strategies for communicating and connecting with teens in a digital age. Led by Dr. Rachel McLaren and Dr. Rachel Young, experts in parent-adolescent communication and digital media. Leave feeling more confident and equipped.
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Careers in communication

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