Why professional practice?
Get your hands dirty.
Professional practice, or practicum, refers to experiences that are structured to give students guided, introductory opportunities to engage in media production and operation in a semi-professional environment. Where in-class preparation complements off-campus work. These educational experiences are led by faculty in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication who mentor, coach and supervise students as they apply academic coursework in pragmatic situations, often with real-world clients. As a result, students gain foundational experience that prepares them for future careers in the industry.
"This past week has been nothing short of transformative. The insights I’ve gained are invaluable, and the opportunity to connect with professionals who were once in our position as college students was especially inspiring."
SCRIPT requirement
Courses designated as practicum by the University of Iowa and administered by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication will fulfill the SCRIPT experiential learning requirement for students in the major. Browse course options.
What does professional practice look like?
Professional practice experiences can range from short immersive workshops or trips to year-long collaborations with industry clients. No matter the experience, students are always guided by faculty who bring valuable professional expertise into the learning environment.
Hinterland University
Students explore the innerworkings of a multi-day music festival.
Prep Sports Report
Students serve as staff members responsible for covering high school athletics.
Media Law Experience
Students dive into media law and First Amendment rights in Washington, D.C.
Chicago Sports Media Experience
Students experience sports journalism in a competitive media market.
Podcast Production Studio
A student-run production studio is in the works, providing end-to-end strategic podcast production solutions. Get ready to listen, learn, and be inspired by the next generation of audio innovators.
Stay tuned for enrollment information!
What are my course options?
| Course | Term | Title | Subtitle | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JMC:2400:0001 | Spring | Journalism and Mass Comm Media Experience | Washington D.C. Media Law | 1 |
| JMC:2400:0001 | Summer | Journalism and Mass Comm Media Experience | ISLE Documentary Workshop | 3 |
| JMC:2400:0002 | Summer | Journalism and Mass Comm Media Experience | Hinterland University | 3 |
| SMC:2400 | Fall/Spring | Sport Media and Culture Experience | N/A | 1-3 |
| JMC/SMC:2405 | Winter | Chicago Sports Media Experience | N/A | 3 |
| JMC:2410 | Fall/Spring | Adler Agency | N/A | 3 |
| JMC/SMC:2415 | Fall/Spring | Prep Sports Report | N/A | 1-2 |
Financial support
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication invests more than $70,000 every year to eliminate or offset the costs associated with participating professional practice courses. Funds are used to cover student travel, lodging, meals, and event fees.