Three majors—seven tracks—endless possibilities
The School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability is the place for you to discover your passion for the environment and sustainability, whether you are interested in geology, geography, environmental science, sustainability science, or policy and planning. From working in a lab to drafting policy, you’ll find your place here.
Explore undergraduate programs
All students in the school will take four courses, regardless of your chosen major, that provide a strong foundation in the natural sciences, social sciences, and technical skills. These shared class experiences create a collaborative learning environment where students will use their new-found expertise in multidisciplinary teams to address real world issues. Furthermore, these courses foster interdisciplinary thinking and serve as a valuable guide for understanding the breadth of your chosen field and then selecting your specialization within it.
Earth & environmental science
Do you wonder how Earth and other planets work? Want to help society find solutions to the energy transition or address environmental challenges like a changing climate, loss of species diversity, or preserving safe drinking water?
Geographical & sustainability science
Are you curious about how humans impact the environment, and how the environment affects societies? Interested in human mobility, environmental health, biodiversity, and how climate change connects to these issues? Would you like to create a future where humans and nature thrive?
Environmental policy & planning
Are you committed to environmental protection and stewardship? Or maybe you want to help plan more livable towns and cities? Considering a career in environmental law, natural resource economics, environmental policy, or urban planning?
An education focused on solving the challenges of the 21st century.
Are you interested in how the Earth works, how humans interact with the environment, or how we can create policies to manage our impact?
The majors in the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability are designed to provide the foundation and flexibility to get you onto the academic and professional path needed for your next step.
All of today’s big planetary challenges require many disciplines and types of knowledge to create depth of knowledge and far-reaching solutions. Iowa is unique because our majors in earth, environment, and sustainability are all together in one school, encompassing and integrating the natural and social sciences, to help you to focus your passion and make an impact in your chosen career.
331
Undergraduate students
Fall 2024 semester data
220 +
Sustainability courses