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.

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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

Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award: Protiti Roy (SEES PhD Candidate)

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Students Identify Faculty and Staff Who Made a Difference

Thursday, April 30, 2026

Meet the SEES faculty member whose research is out of this world

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Valerie Payré, assistant professor in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, was never interested in confining her research to Earth; instead, she expanded her horizons to studying the formation of volcanoes on Mars.
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Events

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, May 1, 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...

Stitch Your Style: Upcycled Embroidery Workshop promotional image

Stitch Your Style: Upcycled Embroidery Workshop

Saturday, May 2, 2026 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Old Capitol Museum
Give your wardrobe a fresh new look at this free, hands-on embroidery workshop held inside the Old Capitol Museum.
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, May 6, 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.
Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, June 5, 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...

View more events