Communication Studies | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Students walking on the Pentacrest at the University of Iowa

Communication matters

Knowledge, skills, and experiences that prepare you for any path.

Apply now Visit campus Request info

Why Iowa?

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

Study here

Students sitting outside on bench discussing class project

Undergraduate programs

Learn at a university known for writing and communication excellence that’s backed up by the expertise and training of passionate, award-winning professors.

Undergraduate programs

Aerial photo of Becker Communications Studies Building and Adler Journalism Building

Graduate programs

Do more than theorize–put knowledge into practice by exploring linguistic, social, and artistic aspects of communication in the world around us.

Graduate programs

Rachel McLaren talking during outside class

Faculty

Our top-level faculty help students gain the leadership skills they’ll need for any path they choose.

Faculty

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.

Visit

“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.

Apply

“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

UI relationship expert shares insight on power of a holiday greeting card

Monday, December 1, 2025

Iowa Now

Rachel McLaren, associate professor of communication studies at the University of Iowa, explains that despite today’s era of online digital communication, the tradition of sending paper holiday greetings is a gesture toward building, maintaining, or reshaping personal relationships with friends and family.

Tim Havens discusses global media production, Budapest, Black TV and streaming on cultural studies podcast

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Pod Bean

Tim Havens quoted by German public broadcaster ZDF on Jimmy Kimmel’s brief cancellation by ABC

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

ZDF Heute

How Communication Studies alum became known as 'the notorious Ph.D.'

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Center for Advancement

Since earning his doctorate in communication studies at the University of Iowa, USC professor Todd Boyd has become a leading voice in sports and hip-hop culture.

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.

Upcoming events

Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Hill Harper speaking on his experience in TV, Film, and Theatre

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 10:00am to 11:30am

Theatre Building

Hill Harper visits the UI Department of Theatre Arts, speaking on His Experience in TV, Film and Theatre, moderated by Theatre Assistant Professor Caroline Clay

The University of Iowa Lecture Committee presents: Hill Harper

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

Harper was born in Iowa City, IA, the son of two doctors – his father, a psychiatrist and his mother, an anesthesiologist. He graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was named Valedictorian of his department. Harper then graduated with a J.D. (cum laude) from Harvard Law School, as well as with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, with honors, from the Kennedy School of Government. He holds honorary doctoral degrees from Howard University, Winston-Salem State University, Cheyney University, Le-Moyne Owen College, Westfield State College, Dillard University and Tougaloo College.

One Day for Iowa | The University of Iowa's Annual Giving Day

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (all day)

Virtual

One Day for Iowa returns on Wednesday, March 25, marking 10 years of Hawkeyes coming together to support what matters most at the University of Iowa.

Our 24-hour online giving day is a chance for alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends to make an impact—supporting scholarships, research, health care, the arts, student experiences, and more. With special matching and unlocking opportunities throughout the day, every gift has the power to go further.

Celebrate a decade of generosity. Be part...

Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research — 2025–26 Obermann Symposium

Thursday, March 26 to Friday, March 27, 2026 (all day)

Iowa City Public Library

Directed by Brian R. Farrell, Daria Fisher Page, and Ryan T. Sakoda (UI College of Law), Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research will bring together scholars, community leaders from across the U.S., and professionals who work with rural populations and in rural spaces. During the symposium, attendees will be invited to collaborate in theorizing rurality, share how it impacts their work, examine how rurality is represented and celebrated, and begin to discuss challenges...

Cultivating Rurality: Building Community around Rural Research — 2025–26 Obermann Symposium

Friday, March 27, 2026 (all day)

Iowa City Public Library

View more events

Careers in communication

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

Learn more