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

CLAS researcher finds gemstones on Mars using NASA rover

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Planetary geologist Valerie Payré from the University of Iowa is part of a team using one of NASA’s rovers on Mars that’s found the makings for precious gems like rubies and sapphires in the Martian soil.

From cicadas to cathedrals, Adam Skibbe maps it all

Monday, August 17, 2026
Adam Skibbe is a senior GIS administrator and adjunct instructor whose work centers on geospatial technology and the questions it can help researchers answer. He provides GIS support across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the university, works with faculty and students on research, and teaches students how to use geospatial tools they may encounter in their careers.

Events

Graduate & Professional Students: Let's Do Lunch!

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Sciences Library
Bring your academic interests to the table and engage with fellow graduate and professional students in a casual, supportive environment.
Field Trip to the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center promotional image

Field Trip to the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 3:30pm to 6:00pm
Rodale Institute
Step outside the classroom and discover how research is shaping the future of food and agriculture. Join fellow UI students for a tour of the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center at Eztel Sugar Grove Farm in Marion, Iowa.
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, September 16, 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.

PhD Thesis Defense - Samuel Hudziak -

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 8:00am
Trowbridge Hall

September 22, 2026 - 8AM, 231 Trowbridge Hall (TH)

The general audience will be invited to leave after the presentation and Q & A session.

Title: Eruptive Chronology and Plagioclase Geochemistry of the Saunders Ash, Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand

Abstract: The Saunders Ash is an anomalously thick volcanic deposit preserved more than 12 km from its inferred source at Mt. Taranaki, New Zealand. Its age, eruptive origin and relationship to Taranaki’s evolving magmatic plumbing system have remained...

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