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

Events

Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, February 11, 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 - Mengli Zhang (Colorado School of the Mines) - "Geologic Hydrogen Exploration and Its Resource Potential in Iowa"

Thursday, February 12, 2026 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Visual Arts Building
SEES:7000 - Mengli Zhang (Colorado School of the Mines)
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, February 18, 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.
From Statutes to Soil: How Environmental Law and Geoscience Interact in Practice promotional image

From Statutes to Soil: How Environmental Law and Geoscience Interact in Practice

Wednesday, February 18, 2026 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Boyd Law Building

What happens when environmental lawyers and geoscientists team up to tackle contaminated sites? Join Iowa Law alum Michael Dunning (Partner at Perkins Coie) and David Cook (Principal Geologist at the State of Washington Water Research Center) for a candid conversation on real-world collaboration at the intersection of law, science, and redevelopment - from hazardous waste cleanup to major urban projects. This joint HELI-SEES session will explore why interdisciplinary fluency isn’t just useful in...

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