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.

Study Here

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.

Visit

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

Events

Environment & Sustainability Career Trek promotional image

Environment & Sustainability Career Trek

Friday, November 14, 2025 7:00am to 7:00pm
Pomerantz Center

Ready to take your career exploration on the road? Join us for a Career Trek to Dubuque, Iowa! We’ll visit employers making an impact in environmental and sustainability fields:

National Mississippi River Museum

Greater Dubuque Development

Eagle Point Solar

City of Dubuque/Sustainable Dubuque

Lunch and transportation are provided, just bring your curiosity and career questions!

Students should be available beginning at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14 and plan for a return to Iowa City around 7 p.m.

Register by...

Aurora Borealis: The Physics of Nature’s Light Show promotional image

Aurora Borealis: The Physics of Nature’s Light Show

Monday, November 17, 2025 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Sciences Library
Explore the science behind the aurora borealis with Prof. Allison Jaynes and a panel of University of Iowa graduate students and postdoc researchers who study these dazzling displays.
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 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.
Student Stories: Reflections on Summer Environmental Law Internships promotional image

Student Stories: Reflections on Summer Environmental Law Internships

Thursday, November 20, 2025 12:45pm to 1:15pm
Boyd Law Building

Join the Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative and the Iowa State Bar Association for a dynamic session spotlighting Iowa Law students who spent their summer immersed in environmental law and policy work across the state, region, country, and world! Through 3–5 minute lightning talks, these future environmental leaders will share insights from their internships—from litigation and advocacy to research and regulatory practice. This session highlights the real-world impact of HELI’s experiential...

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