Communication Studies | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | The University of Iowa

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Communication matters

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

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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

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

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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

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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.

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“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.

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

Harley Atchison (’22 BA)

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16

Full-time communication studies faculty

2025-2026 academic year data

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400 +

Communication studies majors

Fall 2025 data

19

Full-time rhetoric faculty

2025-2026 academic year data

140 +

Courses offered

2026-2027 General Catalog data

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News and announcements

Comm alum wins 2026 Pulitzer Prizes for fiction

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Iowa Now

Daniel Kraus, who graduated in 1997 with a BA in communication studies, was recognized with the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for Angel Down.

Communication Studies faculty member wins highly-competitive Collegiate Teaching Award

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Associate Professor Rachel McLaren has recently been announced as one of six faculty members awarded a Collegiate Teaching Award by the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

Mother’s Day can have different meanings, depending on your stage in life

Friday, April 24, 2026

Iowa Now

In a recent Iowa Now article, Communication Studies faculty member Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart shares insight on the complex emotions and relationship dynamics surrounding Mother’s Day.

Professor Kate Magsamen-Conrad featured in WalletHub's recent article Loud Budgeting

Monday, April 20, 2026

Professor Kate Magsamen-Conrad shared her personal experiences and thoughts about "loud budgeting" and how it can be beneficial to individuals looking to shift the norm.

Career connector spotlight: David Supp-Montgomerie

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Pomerantz Career Center

David Supp-Montgomerie, associate professor of instruction in the Department of Communication Studies, has been recognized with a 2026 Career Impact Award for his leadership in civic dialogue and commitment to student success.

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Careers in communication

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

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