Why Iowa?

With the geographical breadth of our courses, our students develop a global consciousness along with key transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and empathy.

Build a foundation

Expand your horizons

Learn from experts

See Yourself Here

Share our enthusiasm for the study of past societies and cultures to unlock important insights into the world we inhabit.

Everything has history behind it

History is the centerpiece of a humanities education. It's about problem solving, gathering evidence, and fitting that evidence together to understand what happened in past societies – and why those things happened.

Write Your Story

Become an expert in analyzing and contextualizing the past to guide decisions for today and future. With our programs in history, you’ll find intellectual satisfaction and wisdom in understanding the past on its own terms.

Stephen Warren working with a student

Iowa Native Spaces

Until recently, Iowa Native history was not a big part of social studies curricula in Iowa’s public schools. That is changing, and the University of Iowa is helping drive the change.

Writing Center staff member and student

History Writing Center

The History Writing Center is available to any student in a history course needing assistance with a writing assignment. 

Old Capitol

History Corps

History Corps is a graduate student-led, online digital and oral history project based out of the Department of History at the University of Iowa.

News and announcements

Mariola Espinosa

Associate Professor Mariola Espinosa receives prestigious NEH grant

Thursday, January 30, 2025
Mariola Espinosa, associate professor of history, was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grant, the nation’s most prestigious humanities scholarship.
Shane Bobrycki

Assistant Professor Shane Bobrycki discusses new book

Tuesday, January 21, 2025
"The Crowd in the Early Middle Ages" examines the importance of collective behavior in early Middle Age Europe.

Upcoming events

Midterm Reset @ the Museum promotional image

Midterm Reset @ the Museum

Tuesday, November 11, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Midterms are upon us, and we’re practicing the art of the pause here at the Museum of Natural History. Join us for one or all three upcoming events designed to help you unwind and recharge through origami, movement, and mindfulness at the museum.

Origami in Bird Hall
Step into the calm of Bird Hall for an origami break led by Mary Alice, our Visitor Services Coordinator. Fold peaceful paper birds, quiet your mind, and take a moment to breathe. No experience needed — just show up and recharge.
Wedne...

Study Abroad in Germany & Austria: Information Session promotional image

Study Abroad in Germany & Austria: Information Session

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Phillips Hall
Interested in studying abroad in Germany or Austria? Join us to explore Study Abroad programs that can help you complete your German major or minor while gaining global experience.
Food Around the World promotional image

Food Around the World

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm
Phillips Hall
The Food Studies Group, a promising new initiative supported by International Programs, will host its first event, Food Around the World, on Wednesday, November 19, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Culture Bites Cafe, room 120 of Phillips Hall. Free and open to all students, this event invites attendees to explore global cultures through one of our greatest connectors—food.
Faculty Colloquium promotional image

Faculty Colloquium

Friday, November 21, 2025 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Schaeffer Hall

Sam Boucher: “Chains of Capital: The Transnational Network of the Chaco Mennonites”

GHS Book Sale promotional image

GHS Book Sale

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 9:00am to 4:00pm
Schaeffer Hall
GHS Book Sale
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