Communication and Media

Foster your passion, find your calling

Communication professionals play a vital role in our society. They’re the ones behind the scenes, crafting strategic communication plans that steer companies. The ones on-camera, delivering our nightly news. The teachers in our classrooms. And the filmmakers calling the shots. They’re the ones with a story to tell – and the skills to do it creatively.

Here in the UNI Department of Communication and Media, it’s our job to prepare students to be expert communicators, and creators, in a rapidly changing field.

Our department is one of the largest and most diverse on campus, with areas of study in communication, interactive digital studies, digital media, public relations, and more. No matter what you choose to study, your education will be marked by dynamic learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom, outstanding internship opportunities, and personalized support from our award-winning professors.

Digital Media class with Alex Boylan, host of The College Tour
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Award-Winning    Faculty

Our faculty members have won 10 Regents Awards for Faculty Excellence since 1997, more than any other department at UNI. 

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High-Impact Internships

Our students are placed in a wide range of valuable internship experiences, including:  The American Red Cross, Cedar Falls Tourism Bureau, The Daily Show, John Deere, the Iowa Governor’s Office, the Kansas City Chiefs, the National Mississippi River Museum, Seventeen magazine, and WGN.

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High Placement Rates

Our BA graduates had a 94% placement rate, and our MA graduates had 100% – they either continued their education, or were employed.

Community Engagement

Our commitment to your growth goes beyond helping you develop professionally. We aim to foster personal and public growth. Our students regularly partner with community organizations, local businesses, and other departments on campus for unique community engagement projects. These partnerships foster valuable skills for our students, who learn to communicate professionally, present in public, and build relationships.

Student and instructor at a round table conference.

Creative Projects

We believe the best way to learn is by doing. That’s why we work hard to connect our students with unique opportunities that help them explore their passions, whether it’s creating a documentary series, building interactive web experiences, launching a PR campaign, or more.

Student at a control board.

Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student club or organization is a great way to get involved. You’ll meet people who share the same interests – building lifelong friendships – while gaining professional experience, and honing your leadership skills. Our department is home to a number of clubs and organizations that offer great opportunities to gain professional experience, and to build your resume.

Student reading.

Community Engagement

Our commitment to your growth goes beyond helping you develop professionally. We aim to foster personal and public growth. Our students regularly partner with community organizations, local businesses, and other departments on campus for unique community engagement projects. These partnerships foster valuable skills for our students, who learn to communicate professionally, present in public, and build relationships.

Student and instructor at a round table conference.

Creative Projects

We believe the best way to learn is by doing. That’s why we work hard to connect our students with unique opportunities that help them explore their passions, whether it’s creating a documentary series, building interactive web experiences, launching a PR campaign, or more.

Student at a control board.

Clubs and Organizations

Joining a student club or organization is a great way to get involved. You’ll meet people who share the same interests – building lifelong friendships – while gaining professional experience, and honing your leadership skills. Our department is home to a number of clubs and organizations that offer great opportunities to gain professional experience, and to build your resume.

Student reading.