Why Iowa?

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

Programs

Undergraduate programs

Graduate programs

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.

“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

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

Monday, December 1, 2025
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.

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

Thursday, August 28, 2025
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

Launching and Sustaining a Writing-Enriched Curriculum in the Age of AI promotional image

Launching and Sustaining a Writing-Enriched Curriculum in the Age of AI

Friday, April 3, 2026 10:00am to 11:30am
University Capitol Centre
In this interactive session, Lindsey Harding, University of Georgia, describes how she transitioned a 25-year-old writing-in-the-disciplines program to a writing-enriched curriculum program, now in its third year with eight departments.
The Nonlinear Writer: How English Majors Build Careers Across Media, Sports, and Live Culture with Jason Torres promotional image

The Nonlinear Writer: How English Majors Build Careers Across Media, Sports, and Live Culture with Jason Torres

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 7:00pm to 8:00pm
English-Philosophy Building
How to Be an Influencer: Talk with Jason Torres
Recycled Runway promotional image

Recycled Runway

Saturday, April 25, 2026 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Old Capitol Museum
The University of Iowa’s Sustainable Events class presents the 4th Annual Recycled Runway at the historic Old Capitol Museum and you’re invited!
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Careers in communication

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