School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Make media that matters

We tell stories that change the world.

Why Iowa?

As a SJMC graduate, you'll become part of an alumni network that numbers in the thousands and spans media industries in the United States and around the globe.

Study Here

students in front of green screen on camera for DITV

Build a foundation

We prepare students for careers in both traditional and new communication and media fields. Our courses integrate professional skills, especially the skills of writing and storytelling, with a theoretical foundation in the role of media in a global society.

Build a foundation

Expand your horizons

SJMC graduate degrees emphasize individualized inquiry in a lively intellectual environment where students and faculty work together as a community of learners.

Expand your horizons

Learn from experts

Our faculty bring their world-class research and professional experience into their classrooms, studios, and labs, giving students the unparalleled opportunity to learn right from the source of the latest innovations in knowledge and practice.

Learn from experts

See yourself here

Discover your voice as a storyteller in Iowa City, a UNESCO City of Literature and one of America's most vibrant college towns.

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Script Your Experience

We support experiential education unique to the journalism, strategic communication, and media industries.

Experiential Learning

Write your story

Build knowledge. Produce content. Create work that matters. You're going places, and it all starts here.

Apply

156

YEARS OF THE DAILY IOWAN

The award-winning student newspaper serving the UI community since 1868

100

Years of success

Celebrating the school's centennial in 2024

# 1

Public university for writing

2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings

70+

Scholarships

SJMC awards over $225,000 annually

News

From left to right: Haelim Jeong, Bingbing Zhang, and Chelsea Howland stand beside a Center for Social Science Innovation sign.

Assistant professor Bingbing Zhang pursues new research through CSSI Summer Researcher-in-Residence program

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Center for Social Science Innovation

Zhang was selected to pursue her research about "AI slop" and how it impacts viewers at the Center for Social Science Innovation's Summer Researcher-in-Residence program, which provides dedicated time, space and resources to advance high-impact social science research.

This is a photo of AWSM students Megan Heine, Morgan Burhans, and Elise Gan outside of the national AWSM conference.

SJMC Students Attend 2026 AWSM Convention in LA

Monday, August 24, 2026

Abby Jones

In the weeks before classes resumed for the fall semester, SJMC students Elisa Gan, Morgan Burhans, and Megan Heine attended the 2026 Association for Women’s Sports Media (AWSM) Convention in LA.

This is a photo of SJMC student Jered Kerr with his dog.

University of Iowa Student uses Grant to Support Hometown Animal Shelter

Monday, August 17, 2026

Abby Jones

SJMC sophomore Jered Kerr used a grant from the Office of Community Engagement to support PAW Fort Madison Animal Shelter.

University of Iowa student Sean stands in front of a historical building in Rome.

How studying abroad transformed the college experience for these CLAS students

Thursday, August 13, 2026

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Through internships, coursework, and cultural immersion, these CLAS students discovered new perspectives and meaningful learning experiences that extended far beyond campus.

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Events

SJMC New Majors Fair and Fall Picnic

Thursday, September 10, 2026 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Adler Journalism and Mass Communication Building

New SJMC Majors get a rundown of what it's like to be a journalism major, followed by a tour of Adler. An all you care to eat taco bar from Estela's will be served at 4 pm!

Study Hall

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 10:00am to 12:00pm

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

The Museum of Natural History welcomes students each week for a study session in our galleries. We'll provide the snacks, cushions, and ambiance. You bring your planners, textbooks, or assignments. Together, we'll stay ahead of our goals this semester.

The Ethics of Storytelling: Paige Towers’ What They Stole

Thursday, September 17, 2026 4:00pm

Shambaugh House

As writers, how do we tell stories that aren't our own? What roadblocks must we navigate, and how do editors/publishers help us along the way? Join UI Press, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the International Writing Program, and the Office of Writing and Communication for a reading and discussion about these topics and more with author Paige Towers. Allison Means (associate director of UI Press), and Meenakshi Durham (writer, scholar, and faculty member at UI).

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Writing at Iowa Fall Kick-Off Open House and Reading

Friday, September 18, 2026 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Shambaugh House

Join us for our free Fall Kick Off Event, on Sept. 18 from 2-6pm. The event will feature special readings from Melissa Febos, Lan Samantha Chang and Kaveh Akbar, along with undergraduate literary mag readings, a book fair, free swag, food + more!

2 PM: Book Fair

4 PM: Undergraduate Lit Reading

5 PM: Faculty reading with Melissa Febos, Lan Samantha Chang and Kaveh Akbar

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