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.

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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.

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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.

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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

New Article: Chen Research Group - "A knowledge-guided machine learning framework for reconstructing climate-driven subsurface water dynamics from time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography"

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Professor Bradley Cramer earns national recognition for geoscience leadership

Thursday, October 15, 2026
Cramer has been named president-elect of the American Geosciences Institute and received the Geological Society of America’s 50 Under 50 Award, recognizing his contributions to the field.

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.
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Events

Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, October 21, 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.

SEES:7000 Colloquium - SEES Distinguished Alumni Presentation - Dr. Brian Witzke, "An Iowa Geology Retrospective: the Crucial Role of Stratigraphy"

Thursday, October 22, 2026 3:30pm
Macbride Hall

SEES:7000 Colloquium - Thursday, 10/22/26, 3:30pm, 255 MacBride Hall

SEES Distinguished Alumni Presentation - Dr. Brian Witzke, "An Iowa Geology Retrospective: the Crucial Role of Stratigraphy"

The University of Iowa has been a center of excellence in sedimentary geology, biostratigraphy and paleontology for many decades, and stratigraphic investigations have been at the core of so many studies here at Iowa. A large group of distinguished alumni confirm that they came to study at Iowa because of...

Biology Seminar: "Evolution of Staphylococcus aureus in chronic lung infections" promotional image

Biology Seminar: "Evolution of Staphylococcus aureus in chronic lung infections"

Friday, October 23, 2026 3:30pm
Biology Building East
The Department of Biology’s seminar speaker on Friday, October 23, is Anthony Fischer, MD, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics - Pulmonary Medicine, in the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics at the University of Iowa. His seminar will be held at 3:30pm in Kollros Auditorium (Room 101), Biology Building East (BBE).
Birding Event: Beyond the Binoculars promotional image

Birding Event: Beyond the Binoculars

Saturday, October 24, 2026 9:30am to 12:00pm
Ashton Cross Country Course
Join UI's School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability along with the Museum of Natural History for a very special birding event!
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