Why Professional Practice?
Professional practice 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. Professional practice courses that are not formally designated as Practicums but have received departmental approval may also be used to fulfill the experiential learning requirement. These courses typically have a prefix of JMC or SMC and can vary from year to year.
What does professional practice look like?
Professional practice courses offered in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication are shaped by dynamic, faculty-led experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world application. Experiences range from short-term immersive workshops to semester-long collaborations with industry clients. No matter the experience, students are always guided by faculty who bring valuable professional expertise into the learning environment.
ISLE Documentary Workshop | JMC:2400
Iowa Stories & Lived Experiences (ISLE) is an intensive two-week summer multimedia workshop that gives students real-world experience in collaborative journalism. Students are embedded in a select Iowa community to document its stories and explore its connection to a central theme.
Prep Sports Report | JMC:2415; SMC:2415
This semester-long course immerses students in the world of sports journalism by simulating the operations of a professional sports department. Students serve as staff members responsible for covering high school athletics in several Eastern Iowa communities.
Chicago Sports Media Experience | JMC:2400; SMC:2400
This three-week, hands-on course offers students a rare opportunity to experience what it's like to be a sports journalist in one of the largest and most competitive media markets in the United States.
Media Law Trip | JMC:2400
In this immersive two-week experience, students travel to Washington, D.C. over spring break to meet with attorneys and journalists working to protect and advance the First Amendment rights of the press.
Adler Agency | JMC:2410
Adler Agency is a full-service, student-run strategic communication and engagement agency that focuses on strategic storytelling for real-world clients. Students serve as staff members in the agency and work in teams to create research-based communication strategies and commercially viable content for local businesses, university departments, and nonprofit organizations. Website coming soon!
What are my course options?
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. Professional practice courses that are not formally designated as Practicums but have received departmental approval may also be used to fulfill the experiential learning requirement. Review the registration information for each course to determine enrollment eligibility.
Financial Support
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication invests more than $50,000 annually to help offset or eliminate the costs associated with participation in faculty-led media experiences outside the classroom. These funds are used to cover expenses for student travel, lodging, food, and equipment needs.