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

Lisa Heineman

Professor Lisa Heineman Receives Hubbard-Walder Teaching Award

Thursday, March 26, 2026
The Hubbard-Walder Teaching Award honors UI faculty who participate in teaching and contributed to curriculum and/or program development.
Professor Colin Gordon

History Professor named 2026 UI Distinguished Chair

Friday, March 6, 2026
Colin Gordon, professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has been named the 2026 University of Iowa Distinguished Chair.
Jamison Stone

History Undergraduate Chosen for Research in the Capitol Program

Friday, February 27, 2026
Jamison Stone, an undergraduate honors student, was selected as one of just 20 Iowa students to participate in the prestigious Research in the Capitol program.

Upcoming events

Association of Ancient Historians Meeting 2026 promotional image

Association of Ancient Historians Meeting 2026

Saturday, April 18, 2026 (all day)
University of Iowa
Association of Ancient Historians Meeting 2026 supported by the Department of History, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Obermann Center, and the Perry A. and Helen J. Bond Fund for Interdisciplinary Interaction at the University of Iowa
Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together promotional image

Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together

Tuesday, April 21 to Thursday, April 23, 2026 (all day)
Old Capitol Museum
The 2026 Provost’s Global Forum, Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together, will bring together experts from across the University of Iowa campus, the greater Iowa City area, and around the world for film screenings, keynote talks, and lively conversations about how movies foster connection across cultural, religious and generational divides.
Rapid Response History: History in Public Places promotional image

Rapid Response History: History in Public Places

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 5:01pm to 6:30pm
Schaeffer Hall
Rapid Response History: History in Public Places
Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together promotional image

Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together

Wednesday, April 22 to Thursday, April 23, 2026 (all day)
Old Capitol Museum
The 2026 Provost’s Global Forum, Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together, will bring together experts from across the University of Iowa campus, the greater Iowa City area, and around the world for film screenings, keynote talks, and lively conversations about how movies foster connection across cultural, religious and generational divides.
Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together promotional image

Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together

Thursday, April 23, 2026 (all day)
Old Capitol Museum
The 2026 Provost’s Global Forum, Cinematic Connections in a Polarized World: How movies bring us together, will bring together experts from across the University of Iowa campus, the greater Iowa City area, and around the world for film screenings, keynote talks, and lively conversations about how movies foster connection across cultural, religious and generational divides.
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