Why Iowa?

Majors in earth, environment, and sustainability come together in one dynamic school that encompasses natural science and human-centered perspectives to help you focus your passion and make an impact in your chosen career.

Build a foundation

Advance your knowledge

Learn from experts

See yourself here

Exciting field trips, research opportunities, and internships will take you out of the classroom and into labs and nature, providing hands-on, real-world experience.

Write your story

From working in a lab to drafting policy, you’ll find your place here. Our majors are designed to provide the foundation and flexibility you need to succeed academically and professionally.

Iowa students bird banding at Lake MacBride Nature Center

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Undergraduate majors
Students on a field trip in front of rock formations

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Undergraduate tracks

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Foundational courses
Iowa students in a prairie doing field work at Lake MacBride Nature Center

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Research areas
EEPL student doing one on one meeting with faculty for research work

News and announcements

Rock and plant sales help students take learning into the field

Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Students in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability raise money through rock and plant sales to fund opportunities for their peers.

The ‘Iowa Idea’ takes flight in Iceland

Monday, September 28, 2026
University of Iowa students took an ambitious art-and-science course into the field in Iceland, where high-altitude balloon launches tested their technical skills, creative instincts, and ability to work across disciplines in unpredictable conditions.

Events

SEES:7000 Colloquium - Matthew Wilson (Dept. of Geography, University of Kentucky) - "Slow Maps: Cartographic Attention and the Question of Geography"

Thursday, October 8, 2026 3:30pm
Macbride Hall

SEES:7000 Colloquium - Thursday, 10/8/26, 3:30pm, 255 MacBride Hall

Matthew Wilson (Dept. of Geography, University of Kentucky)

Talk: Slow Maps: Cartographic Attention and the Question of Geography

Abstract:

The notion of ‘slow maps’ is a meditation on the map in the context of a frenetic digital culture, an attempt to pursue questions of speed in cartography, set against the rapid pace of cartographic experimentation and development in the last century. I argue that the new opportunity of...

Sci-Fi Flix: Fact or Fiction - 'Jurassic Park' promotional image

Sci-Fi Flix: Fact or Fiction - 'Jurassic Park'

Thursday, October 8, 2026 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Seamans Center
Sci-Fi Flix: Fact or Fiction - 'Jurassic Park'
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 10:00am to 12:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History welcomes students each week for a study session in our galleries. We'll provide the snacks, cushions, and ambiance. You bring your planners, textbooks, or assignments. Together, we'll stay ahead of our goals this semester.

AI and Literature Discovery

Thursday, October 15, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Seamans Center
Build your scholarly toolkit with workshop on AI-powered literature discovery.
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