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

Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, September 30, 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 - Michael Sori (Purdue) - "Igneous crusts on the Moon and Mars from gravity and topography"

Thursday, October 1, 2026 3:30pm
Macbride Hall

SEES:7000 Colloquium - Thursday, 10/1/26, 3:30pm, 255 MacBride Hall

SEES:7000 Colloquium - Michael Sori, Purdue

Talk: "Igneous crusts on the Moon and Mars from gravity and topography"

Volcanic and other igneous rocks provide a window into a planet’s thermal history. Here, I will discuss how orbital geophysical measurements taken from NASA spacecraft give us insight into igneous crusts and the early geophysical history of the Moon and Mars. At the Moon, the extreme precision of gravity and...

CS Colloquium - "Quantifying and managing climate risks and inequitable outcomes" - NEW LOCATION promotional image

CS Colloquium - "Quantifying and managing climate risks and inequitable outcomes" - NEW LOCATION

Friday, October 2, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Pappajohn Business Building
Quantitative methods and policy approaches for allocating limited resources for flood-risk reduction more efficiently and equitably.
Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, October 2, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces.

Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists.

Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session and...

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