Overview

The Journalism and Mass Communication programme at Iowa State University provides students with a robust foundation in reporting, writing, and multimedia content creation across various digital platforms. This bachelor degree is designed to equip future media professionals with the technical expertise and ethical grounding required to navigate the modern communications landscape. Students engage in a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with intensive practical application.

Why Journalism and Mass Communication at Iowa State University?

Choosing this programme means joining a professionally accredited school that prioritises hands-on learning and student success. Iowa State University offers small, interactive classes where students receive personalised attention from faculty who are global experts in media ethics, technology, and science communication. The Greenlee School provides unparalleled access to Adobe Creative Cloud tools and modern production facilities.

Students benefit from a vibrant community and numerous extracurricular opportunities, such as breaking news with the Iowa State Daily or producing content for Studio 308, a student-led newsmagazine. The programme's commitment to career readiness is evidenced by the mandatory 300-hour professional internship and the requirement for every graduate to produce a professional portfolio. These elements ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce with a competitive edge and a proven track record of high-quality work.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 15293 per semester
National fee: USD 14289 per semester
Local fee: USD 4765 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on developing core competencies in media production, visual communication, and professional writing. Modules may include:

Reporting and Writing
Multimedia Production
Visual Communication
Editing
Media Ethics
Science Communication
Digital Storytelling
Media Literacy
Personal Branding

Careers with Journalism and Mass Communication

Graduates from this programme are prepared for diverse roles within the media and communication industries. The combination of rigorous coursework and a mandatory 300-hour internship allows students to transition seamlessly into professional environments. Many alumni find success in traditional newsrooms, digital media outlets, and corporate communication departments.

Potential career paths include roles such as investigative reporters, multimedia producers, digital content strategists, and editors. The skills gained in the programme are highly transferable, enabling graduates to work in fields ranging from environmental journalism to political communication. Employers value the practical experience and professional portfolios that Iowa State University graduates bring to the table, often leading to full-time positions immediately following their internships.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Mass Media and Society

Orientation to Journalism and Communication

Principles of Journalism

Intermediate Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media

Law of Mass Communication

Media Ethics, Freedom, Responsibility

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Iowa State operates on rolling admission. We strongly recommend that you apply at least six to eight weeks in advance.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Ames, United States

Disciplines

Journalism Media Studies & Mass Media View 908 other Bachelors in Media Studies & Mass Media in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

ACT composite (or converted SAT) score x 3

Cumulative GPA x 30

Number of years of high school core courses x 5

RAI (Regent Admission Index)

SAT scores will be converted to their ACT composite equivalents for this calculation.

High school GPA is expressed on a 4-point scale (you can use our GPA calculator to convert your GPA if it's not on a 4.0 scale).

The number of core high school courses is measured in years or fractions of years.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

30586 USD / year

≈ 30586 USD / year
Out-of-State

28578 USD / year

≈ 28578 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

9530 USD / year

≈ 9530 USD / year

Living costs

Ames

United States

1158 - 1797 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Journalism and Mass Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Ames

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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