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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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

Beyond a Chilling Effect: Direct Action for Academic Freedom promotional image

Beyond a Chilling Effect: Direct Action for Academic Freedom

Thursday, April 3, 2025 4:00pm
Jefferson Building
a Faculty First Responders Workshop sponsored by POROI, Iowa’s Project on Rhetoric of Inquiry At a time when academics are finding their work hyper-surveilled, banned from funding, or even scrubbed by AI, how can we vibrantly sustain our research, writing, and creative practice? In this Faculty First Responders workshop, participants will learn concrete steps to support freedom of inquiry for themselves and others. Topics include digital security measures, reducing risk of extremist attacks...
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Careers in communication

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