Journalism and Mass Communication BA

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Iowa

Program Overview

The Journalism and Mass Communication (BA) at the University of Iowa combines media writing, visual storytelling and communication strategy with a broad liberal arts education. It is ideal for students who want to work across journalism, digital media, public relations, advertising, marketing, broadcasting or social media while developing strong professional communication and storytelling skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with the foundations of media and communication through courses such as JMC:1100 – Introduction to Media Effects, JMC:1200 – Introduction to Media and Culture, and JMC:1300 – Introduction to Journalism and Strategic Communication. These courses introduce how media influences audiences and society while building an understanding of journalism and strategic communication.

Year 2: Students develop practical storytelling and reporting abilities through courses such as JMC:2010 – Journalistic Reporting and Writing, JMC:2020 – Introduction to Multimedia Storytelling, and JMC:1600 – Writing Fundamentals. Students strengthen reporting, writing, research and multimedia storytelling skills.

Year 3: Students can begin specializing through one of three pathways: Multimedia Production and Design, Reporting and Writing, or Strategic Communication. Depending on their interests, they can develop skills in photography, video, audio production, public relations, strategic communication, publication design, digital storytelling and advanced reporting.

Year 4: Students apply their skills through advanced coursework and a hands-on capstone course, producing professional-quality work for a client or publication. Capstone options include Photo Storytelling, Advanced Strategic Storytelling, Visual Branding and Design, and Multimedia Production for Publication.

Focus Areas

Multimedia production and design, reporting and writing, strategic communication, journalism, visual storytelling, photography, videography, audio production, social media, public relations, advertising, publication design, broadcast news, media research

Learning Outcomes

Professional writing, reporting, research, multimedia storytelling, visual communication, media technology, information evaluation, ethical communication, audience awareness, data and statistical literacy, professional content production

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). The curriculum develops professional competencies in writing, research, media technology, ethical communication, visual presentation and audience-focused communication.

Reputation & Employability

The University of Iowa highlights The Daily Iowan as one of the top five college newspapers in the country. Students can also gain professional experience through Daily Iowan TV and KRUI-FM, while the university reports that 95% of Iowa graduates are employed, continuing their education, or not seeking work within six months of graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is a major part of the Iowa JMC experience, with students required to complete at least one SCRIPT experiential learning course before graduation. Students can gain practical experience through internships, student media, professional projects, study abroad, community engagement and capstone projects that produce work for real clients or publications:

• SCRIPT Experiential Learning Requirement — JMC students entering from Fall 2025 onward must complete at least one approved experiential learning course before graduation.

• JMC:2100 – Internship in Journalism and Mass Communication — Students can complete a supervised professional internship involving at least 75 work hours and career-related professional tasks.

• The Daily Iowan — Students can gain hands-on newspaper journalism experience through the university's student-operated publication.

• Daily Iowan TV (DITV) — Students develop television news and production experience through a student-produced news program.

• KRUI-FM — Students can develop radio and audio-media skills through the university's student radio station.

• Multimedia Production & Design Track — Students can develop practical skills in photography, videography, audio production, data and information visualization, graphic design, interactive design, emerging media and broadcast news production.

• Adler Agency — Students can create content for real clients, gaining experience in professional communication and media production.

• Capstone Projects — Students conduct research, plan and produce professional-quality content for a client or publication, helping them develop a portfolio.

• Washington D.C. Media Law Experience — Reporting and Writing students can explore media law and its applications in a professional setting.

• Chicago Media Experience — Multimedia Production and Design students can gain exposure to the professional media industry through this experiential opportunity.

• Student Video Productions — Students can collaborate on video projects and strengthen their production abilities.

• Iowa Stories and Lived Experience (ISLE) — Students can participate in storytelling workshops as part of their experiential learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Journalism and Mass Communication BA prepares graduates for careers across journalism, broadcasting, digital media, advertising, public relations, marketing and strategic communication. Students graduate with professional media skills, practical experience and a second area of study that can help them develop subject expertise.

Possible career paths: Journalist, Multimedia Producer, Public Relations Specialist, Digital Media Specialist

• Pomerantz Career Center — Students receive career resources supporting internship and job searches and helping them connect academic preparation with professional opportunities.

• Internship Network — The School works with community newspapers and local nonprofits to provide internship opportunities, while students can also find positions through Handshake, LinkedIn and department communications.

• Professional Media Experience — The Daily Iowan, Daily Iowan TV and KRUI-FM allow students to build practical experience and professional portfolios while studying.

• Industry-Relevant Skills — Students can graduate with experience in reporting, photography, video, audio, graphic design, interactive media, public relations and strategic communication.

• Employment Outcomes — The University of Iowa reports that 95% of graduates are employed, continuing their education, or not seeking work within six months of graduation.

• Experiential Learning Advantage — Iowa reports that students who participate in experiential learning earn approximately $7,000 more in post-graduation salary than students who do not participate.

• Internship Participation — 81% of JMC students complete at least one internship, providing valuable professional experience before graduation.

• Second Area of Study — Every JMC student completes a second major, approved certificate or concentration outside the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, allowing students to combine media expertise with another academic specialization.

• Professional Accreditation Value — ACEJMC accreditation provides an additional professional benchmark for the quality and standards of the journalism and mass communication curriculum.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's-level study in journalism, mass communication, strategic communication, public relations, advertising, media studies, communication, marketing or related fields. The degree can also provide a strong foundation for professional graduate programs such as law or public policy.