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

University of Iowa researchers create tools for cancer tracking in different state

Friday, February 13, 2026
Caglar Koylu, associate professor in the UI School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, brings expertise on cartography and user interactions to the team in order to ensure everyone from researchers to members of the public can understand the tool and learn what they need to from it.

Events

Art & Write Night promotional image

Art & Write Night

Friday, March 6, 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...

Maker Breaks at the Sciences Library: Pi Day Celebration!

Monday, March 9, 2026 11:30am to 1:00pm
Sciences Library

Take a break and get creative with monthly, themed crafts. Each activity takes only 10 to 20 minutes. Stop by at any time during the 1.5-hour session and explore your creativity!

Celebrate circles and the magic of Pi! Make your own Pi-themed buttons.

Data Centers in Iowa: Perspectives from Community, Government, and Research promotional image

Data Centers in Iowa: Perspectives from Community, Government, and Research

Monday, March 9, 2026 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building
This panel will offer a high-level overview of how community, government, and industry considerations shape data center development in Iowa and the broader Midwest.
Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, March 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.
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