Journalism and Mass Communication

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for a dynamic and rapidly evolving media landscape. This program provides a strong foundation in the core principles of journalism, including reporting, editing, ethics, and media law, while also offering specialization options in areas such as digital media, multimedia storytelling, broadcasting, and public relations. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, ethical judgment, and technical competencies necessary to produce accurate, engaging, and responsible content across various platforms. The curriculum combines theoretical understanding with practical application, featuring hands-on projects, internships, and opportunities to work with real-world media organizations. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering innovative approaches to journalism and mass communication. The program emphasizes the importance of diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility, preparing graduates to serve diverse communities and contribute positively to society. Throughout their studies, students gain proficiency in multimedia tools, data journalism, and computer-assisted reporting, ensuring they are well-equipped for careers in traditional and digital media outlets, public relations agencies, corporate communication departments, and nonprofit organizations. In addition to technical skills, students develop vital communication skills, storytelling abilities, and an understanding of media's impact on society. The University of Iowa’s Journalism and Mass Communication program also offers numerous extracurricular activities, student-led publications, and media production opportunities that enable students to build portfolios, network with industry professionals, and gain valuable experience. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to enter a competitive job market, exemplifying integrity, creativity, and adaptability in their chosen careers in journalism, media, communication, and related fields. The program is continually updated to reflect industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring students are ready to meet the challenges of the modern media environment with confidence and competence.

Students in journalism and mass communication earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. No matter which degree you choose, you’ll be required to complete a second major or a substantial concentration area outside of journalism and mass communication. This degree is available in the university's four-year graduation plan as long as the second area of concentration is not a second major.

BA and BS students take these courses:

• Two pre-major foundation courses (Media Uses and Effects, Media History and Culture)
• Reporting and Multimedia Storytelling
• Journalistic Reporting and Writing
• Two or three courses in reporting and writing
• One or two workshop courses (e.g., media, photojournalism, publication design, public relations, television news)
• Two conceptual courses: Media Law and Communication and an additional advanced course

Second Major or Concentration Area

If you’re a BA student in journalism and mass communication, you’ll also complete a second major outside journalism in a program that offers a BA degree. Or you will complete a concentration (24 semester hours) of related course work in one or more departments that offer BA degrees.
BS students complete a second major in one of the mathematical, natural, or social sciences in a program that offers a BS degree. Or they complete a concentration (24 semester hours) of related courses in one of the natural, mathematical, or social sciences offered by another department or program that offers a BS degree. The concentration must include all of the special math, statistics, research methods, computer science, and cognate courses required for the BS in the second area.
Some majors are offered only with BA degrees or with BS degrees. Others are offered with both degrees, such as anthropology, economics, environmental sciences, political science, psychology, sociology, and more.

Requirements

• Pay the $80 application fee
• Completion of academic upper secondary school (generally a total of 12-13 years of primary and secondary education)
•  A corresponding secondary school diploma or leaving certificate
•  Above-average grades in a secondary school program that is university-preparatory in nature
• Upload your academic records
• Complete a Financial Statement (PDF) showing evidence of adequate financial support to cover the costs of one full year of study at the University of Iowa. 
• TOEFL Internet-based test (iBT): 80 with no subscore lower than 17, Paper-based test (PBT): 530
• An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) total score of 6.5, with no subscore lower than 6.0

Scholarships

• Old Gold Scholarship
• University of Iowa International Scholars Award
• Presidential Scholarship
• Global Education
• Summer Hawk Tuition Grant

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles and practices of journalism, media, and communication. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in various media industries, including television, radio, print, digital media, and public relations. Students gain a solid foundation in journalistic ethics, media law, and the role of mass communication in society. The curriculum incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling graduates to produce high-quality news and media content across diverse platforms.

Students have opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, newsroom experiences, and projects that simulate real-world media environments. The program emphasizes critical thinking, writing proficiency, multimedia storytelling, and the use of emerging technologies in communication. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an engaging academic environment. The University of Iowa also provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, such as broadcast studios, editing labs, and digital production suites, enhancing the learning experience.

Graduates of the program find employment in news organizations, advertising agencies, public relations firms, digital media companies, and corporate communication departments. They are equipped with skills to adapt to the rapidly evolving media landscape and pursue lifelong learning in their careers. The program also encourages students to participate in student media, internships, and networking events to build professional connections. Overall, the Journalism and Mass Communication major at the University of Iowa prepares students to become ethical, innovative, and effective communicators ready to meet the demands of the dynamic media industry.