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

CLAS researcher finds gemstones on Mars using NASA rover

Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Planetary geologist Valerie Payré from the University of Iowa is part of a team using one of NASA’s rovers on Mars that’s found the makings for precious gems like rubies and sapphires in the Martian soil.

From cicadas to cathedrals, Adam Skibbe maps it all

Monday, August 17, 2026
Adam Skibbe is a senior GIS administrator and adjunct instructor whose work centers on geospatial technology and the questions it can help researchers answer. He provides GIS support across the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the university, works with faculty and students on research, and teaches students how to use geospatial tools they may encounter in their careers.

Events

Biology Seminar: "Influenza: A virus at the human-animal interface and zoonoses" promotional image

Biology Seminar: "Influenza: A virus at the human-animal interface and zoonoses"

Friday, August 28, 2026 3:30pm
Biology Building East
The Department of Biology’s first seminar of the semester will be held on Friday, August 28, featuring Tavis Anderson, PhD, a Research Biologist with the National Animal Disease Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Agricultural Research Service (ARS). His seminar will be held at 3:30pm in Kollros Auditorium (Room 101), Biology Building East (BBE).

Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, September 2, 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, September 4, 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...

Study Hall promotional image

Study Hall

Wednesday, September 9, 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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