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

The Women of Pompeii: Reexamining the Lives Beneath the Ruins promotional image

The Women of Pompeii: Reexamining the Lives Beneath the Ruins

Monday, November 3, 2025 5:30pm
Art Building West

The Women of Pompeii: Reexamining the Lives Beneath the Ruins
Lecture by Brenda Longfellow, University of Iowa
Associate Director, School of Art, Art History, and Design
Roger A. Hornsby Professor in the Classics
Division Head, Art History

Brenda Longfellow received her PhD in classical art and archaeology from the University of Michigan. She teaches classes on ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, and she also offers a class on fakes, looted art, and the global art market. Her research, which is...

Study Abroad in Germany & Austria: Information Session promotional image

Study Abroad in Germany & Austria: Information Session

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:30pm to 5:30pm
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.
Midterm Reset @ the Museum promotional image

Midterm Reset @ the Museum

Wednesday, November 5, 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...

Midterm Reset @ the Museum promotional image

Midterm Reset @ the Museum

Thursday, November 6, 2025 7:00pm to 8:00pm
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...

Faculty Colloquium promotional image

Faculty Colloquium

Friday, November 7, 2025 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Schaeffer Hall

Elizabeth Yale: “Teaching in the Age of AI”

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