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

CSSI researcher affiliate Caglar Koylu traces movement across time and space

Monday, July 28, 2025

New Paper Announcement: Dr. Matt Dannenberg in 'Nature Communications'

Monday, July 28, 2025

Wortel selected for the Mary Louise Kelley Staff Excellence Award

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Matt Wortel, lab technician in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability receives award given to those who have provided exceptional service, ideas that improve the work of the department or college, and contributions beyond their job description.
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Events

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, August 1, 2025 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...
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 10:00am to 12:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Students! Each week this semester we're setting out cushions, free study supplies, and snacks in the Museum of Natural History for you to take a break and fit in some study time. Take the stairs or the elevator in Macbride Hall to the third floor and join us on the north side in Bird Hall.The best way to stay ahead and meet your goals this semester is to be intentional about study time. Slowing down, spending time in creative, calm spaces, finding others who dedicate time to their work (remember...
Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, September 5, 2025 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...
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 10:00am to 12:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History
Students! Each week this semester we're setting out cushions, free study supplies, and snacks in the Museum of Natural History for you to take a break and fit in some study time. Take the stairs or the elevator in Macbride Hall to the third floor and join us on the north side in Bird Hall.The best way to stay ahead and meet your goals this semester is to be intentional about study time. Slowing down, spending time in creative, calm spaces, finding others who dedicate time to their work (remember...
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