Journalism and Mass Communication

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for dynamic careers in the rapidly evolving media landscape. This program provides a solid foundation in the principles and practices of journalism, including reporting, writing, editing, and multimedia storytelling. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom instruction, labs, and internships, enabling them to develop critical skills in ethical journalism, media law, and digital communication strategies.

The curriculum emphasizes both traditional and emerging media platforms, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to navigate print, broadcast, online, and social media environments. Courses explore topics such as investigative reporting, feature writing, data journalism, public relations, advertising, and media management. The program also encourages students to understand the societal impact of mass communication, promoting ethical standards and responsible reporting.

Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to fostering a collaborative learning environment. They guide students in developing their unique voice, critical thinking abilities, and technical competencies. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including media labs and publishing facilities, provide students with realistic production experience.

In addition to academic coursework, students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities such as student-led media outlets, professional internships, and journalism workshops. These opportunities help students build a professional network and gain practical experience that enhances employability upon graduation.

Graduates of the program are prepared for careers across a broad spectrum of fields, including news reporting, editing, public relations, advertising, media analysis, and corporate communication. Many alumni have gone on to work for major news organizations, digital media companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. The University of Iowa’s Journalism and Mass Communication program is committed to fostering innovative and socially responsible leaders in the field of media.

Students in the MA program must complete the following curriculum and are required to take at least 2 courses in SJMC in addition to Approaches to Media Communication– these courses can be from the Methods, Theory or Electives areas:

• Approaches to Media Communication – 3 hours
• Methods area – 3 hours
• Theory area – 3 hours
• Outside concentration – 9 hours
• Relevant electives – 6 hours
• Master’s Seminar – registered during entire program of study (typically 4+ hours)
• Thesis – 3 hours

Requirements

• You must first submit the online application to the Graduate College and pay the $60 application fee by credit card ($100 for international applicants).
• Application for Graduate Awards
• A statement of purpose
• A sample of your academic writing
• An up-to-date CV or résumé
• A score of 550 or higher on the TOEFL paper-based (PBT) version of the test, or a score of 81 or higher on the Internet-based version of the test (iBT).
• A total IELTS score of 7.0, with no subscore less than 6.0.

Financing an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa typically involves multiple sources of funding, including university-based aid, scholarships, federal and state aid programs, and personal resources. The university offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships for incoming students, which can significantly offset the cost of tuition and related expenses. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to qualify for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, as well as federal student loans and work-study opportunities. The university also provides limited institutional aid and departmental scholarships specifically for students enrolled in Journalism and Mass Communication programs.

In addition to scholarships and grants, students may consider taking advantage of work-study programs available through the university, which provide part-time employment opportunities on or near campus. Private loans and family contributions can also supplement funding, depending on individual financial circumstances. The cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, textbooks, and living expenses, and the university offers various financial planning resources and counseling services to assist students and families in budgeting and planning for their education costs. International students, if applicable, should explore specific international student aid programs and may seek external scholarships from private organizations or governmental agencies.

Students are advised to regularly review the university’s financial aid website for updated information on application deadlines, available funding opportunities, and eligibility requirements. It is encouraged to start financial planning early to ensure sufficient resources are secured before the start of the academic year. Overall, financing a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Iowa involves diverse funding options designed to support students financially and help them complete their program successfully.

The Journalism and Mass Communication program at the University of Iowa is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the rapidly evolving fields of media, journalism, and communication. The university offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to navigate the media landscape in various formats including print, broadcast, digital, and multimedia platforms. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences through internships, newsroom simulations, and collaborative projects that foster real-world skills and professional readiness. The program emphasizes ethical journalism practices, critical thinking, and effective communication strategies, which are essential in today's information-driven society. Faculty members are accomplished scholars and industry professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry contacts, enriching the learning environment. The curriculum includes courses in media writing, reporting, editing, media law, ethics, multimedia storytelling, and data journalism, among others. Specializations and electives allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests such as sports journalism, political communication, or media management. The university's location and resources provide students with access to a vibrant media community in Iowa City and partnerships with local and national media outlets, enhancing opportunities for networking and employment post-graduation. The program also encourages students to participate in student-run media outlets, journalism clubs, and conferences to develop leadership skills and industry connections. Graduates from the University of Iowa’s Journalism and Mass Communication program are highly sought after by media organizations, public relations firms, and communication agencies, reflecting the program’s reputation for producing skilled, versatile media professionals. Overall, the program aims to foster innovative, ethical, and socially responsible journalists and communicators capable of impacting diverse audiences and advancing the field of mass communication worldwide.