Communication Studies, Minor
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The undergraduate minor in communication studies requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in communication studies courses, including 12 s.h. in courses taken at the University of Iowa. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. CLAS minors may only be earned concurrent with or subsequent to earning a University of Iowa bachelor's degree. They cannot be granted as standalone credentials or as the sole program of study completed at the University of Iowa.
Students may not use a course to fulfill more than one requirement for the minor.
The undergraduate minor in communication studies requires the following coursework.
Foundations of Communication
Foundation courses cover introductory concepts in the field of communication. Students must complete two foundation courses (6 s.h.) and should take them early in their studies. The following foundation courses do not require a minimum grade-point average for enrollment and do not have prerequisites. Students complete two of the three foundation courses as follows.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Two of these: | ||
| COMM:1112 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| or COMM:1170 | Communication Theory in Everyday Life | |
| COMM:1117 | Advocacy and Argument | 3 |
| or COMM:1130 | The Art of Persuading Others | |
| COMM:1168 | Music and Social Change | 3 |
| or COMM:1174 | Media and Society | |
Intermediate Courses
Intermediate courses cover detailed aspects of the study of communication. Students complete three communication studies courses (prefix COMM) numbered 2000–3999 for 9 s.h. At least one of these three courses must be numbered 3000-3999.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Communication Studies, Minor
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| The undergraduate minor in communication studies requires a minimum of 15 s.h. in communication studies courses, including 12 s.h. in courses taken at the University of Iowa. | ||
| Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.00 in all courses for the minor and in all UI courses for the minor. | ||
| Coursework in the minor may not be taken pass/nonpass. | ||
| Students may not use a course to fulfill more than one requirement for the minor. | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Any Semester | ||
| Minor: foundations of communication course a | 3 | |
| Minor: foundations of communication course a | 3 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Any Semester | ||
| Minor: intermediate communication studies course (numbered 2000-3999) b | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Any Semester | ||
| Minor: intermediate communication studies course (numbered 2000-3999) b | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Any Semester | ||
| Minor: intermediate communication studies course (numbered 3000-3999) b | 3 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- a
- Students must complete two foundation courses (6 s.h.) and should take then early in their studies. Choose two courses from COMM:1112 or COMM:1170, COMM:1117 or COMM:1130, COMM:1168 or COMM:1174.
- b
- Intermediate courses cover detailed aspects of the study of communication. Students complete three communication studies courses (prefix COMM) numbered 2000-3999 for 9 s.h. At least one of these three courses must be numbered 3000-3999.