Specializing in teaching writing, critical thinking, and professional communication concepts, strategies, and skills

The School of the Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) undergraduate program prepares students for careers in both traditional and new communication and media fields. The prestigious program’s mission is to “enhance creativity, skills, knowledge and critical thinking abilities."  We continually add new, exciting courses to keep current with revolutions happening in the media world.

We are the only unit at the University of Iowa that specializes in teaching the professional skills of journalism, strategic communication, multimedia production and social media storytelling. In the SJMC, students explore media writing, media production, social media storytelling, and new technologies that are changing the media landscape. 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. Our program also builds on the University's commitment to the liberal arts, requiring that majors complete a second area of study.

Our graduates pursue many career paths in media professions, from broadcasting to public relations, event planning to digital storytelling, print journalism to nonprofit work. They work for some of the most visible and successful companies in the world, including the Washington Post, the New York Times, ESPN, Major League Baseball, Disney, Iowa Public Radio, USA Today, and many more. When you graduate from the SJMC, you will become part of an alumni network that numbers in the thousands and spans media industries in the United States and around the globe.

Interested in joining one of our student groups?  Visit the Student Organizations page.