In a world with more media than ever before, you’ll learn how to cut through the noise. Tell profound and creative stories. Communicate complex ideas. Produce content that is both ethical and effective. Engage audiences wherever they are, from social media to podcasts to gameday.

Our professionally accredited program offers four distinct majors in advertising, public relations, journalism and mass communication, and sports media and communication. As a Greenlee student, you will be equipped with a foundation in strong writing and the practice of professional ethics.

Where coursework and hands-on learning come together

Here, you’ll gain practical and transferable skills through a focus on hands-on learning inside and outside the classroom. Greenlee School classes teach you how to execute creative ideas, whether through Adobe software tools, innovative storytelling approaches or long- and short-form video. As you move into our upper-level classes and popular skills courses, you will get to flex your creativity and build knowledge and confidence on an advanced level.

With our 300-hour required internship and required professional portfolio, Greenlee students graduate career-ready and with the real-life experience that employers want and need.

To help you find your creative niche in the professional field, you will also choose either a minor or double major in another discipline. For example, you could pair journalism and environmental studies to pursue environmental journalism, or advertising and political science to explore the world of campaign messaging. Or, how about sports media and Spanish? We’ll help you merge your passions and plans.

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Greenlee has provided me with a wide variety of learning opportunities to further make sure I get the best education I can get and has also granted me resources to further the learning process outside of the classroom.

Kayde Sheaffer, ’27 journalism and mass communication

  • Majors, Minors and Certificates

    Whether you are interested in advertising, journalism, public relations or sports media and communication, the Greenlee School will prepare you for a career where you will not only create, report and respond to the world, but help change it. Our minors and certificate are perfect companions to your current degree, helping you to communicate your thoughts and ideas.

    Short course intensives

    Led by industry professionals, our short course intensives help you learn the latest trends in journalism and communication. You’ll perfect your skills in areas such as social media content creation, marketing technology, or live sports production – all taught in fast-paced formats

  • Graduate studies

    Take the next step in your academic and professional journey by pursuing a graduate degree in journalism and mass communication. Learn to answer novel questions and create inspiring communication products. By earning a graduate degree, you’ll expand your career opportunities and significantly increase your lifetime earning potential.

Experiences

At Iowa State, we offer a wide variety of opportunities to explore your passions, connect with others, and create lifelong memories. From joining one of our many student organizations, to attending exciting sporting events, to conducting research alongside top-notch faculty, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

  • Student support

    At Iowa State, we offer all the benefits of a top accredited university and Big 12 Athletics, with a supportive, friendly community where you’ll build meaningful connections with faculty, advisors and other creative-minded Cyclones.

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    Research

    Engage with faculty who are global experts in everything from political communication to ethics – in and out of the classroom.

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    Careers

    Whether you want to manage the social media of a sports team or develop creative advertising campaigns, we’ll partner with you to explore the versatility of your degree. The possibilities are endless.