Explore Sustainability-Related Degrees, Certificates, and Research Centers

The University of Iowa offers a wide range of degrees, minors, certificates, and research opportunities that integrate sustainability into their programs. Some programs are centered on sustainability, while others incorporate sustainability concepts into other focus areas.  Use the search filters below to find programs of interest to you.

Title Summary

Minor in American Studies

MA in American Studies

PhD in American Studies

Professional Certificate in Responsible Resource Management

Supports and conducts research to identify, measure, and study adverse health outcomes related to exposure to environmental toxins. To learn more, click here.

Provides faculty, staff, students, and community members across the state of Iowa and beyond the resources and support they need to investigate the most important issues facing our society.  To learn more, click here.

BSE in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

  • Focus in Energy and Environment
  • Focus in Sustainability

MS in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

BSE in Civil Engineering

BSE in Environmental Engineering

U2G in Civil and Environmental Engineering

U2G in Civil and Environmental Engineering

MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering

  • Specialization in Environmental Engineering and Science
  • Specialization in Hydraulics, Hydrology, and Water Resources
  • Specialization in Sustainable Water Development

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

  • Specialization in Environmental Engineering and Science
  • Specialization in Hydraulics, Hydrology, and Water Resources
  • Specialization in Sustainable Water Development

Certificate in Sustainability

Certificate in Geographic Information Science

Minor in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Minor in Environmental Policy and Planning

BA in Earth and Environmental Sciences

BS in Earth and Environmental Sciences

BA in Environmental Policy and Planning

BA in Geographical and Sustainability Sciences

BS in Geographical and Sustainability Sciences

U2G in Environmental Policy and Planning

U2G in Geoinformatics

U2G in Environmental Policy and Planning

U2G in Geoinformatics

MA in Geography

MS in Geoscience

PhD in Geography

PhD in Geoscience

BBA in Economics

BS in Economics

BA in Enterprise Leadership

Focuses research on addressing environmental health problems across the urban-rural continuum.  To learn more, click here.

BA in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies

Minor in Gender, Health, and Healthcare Equity

Minor in Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies

Minor in Social Justice

Minor in Global Health Studies

BA in Global Health Studies

BS in Global Health Studies

Graduate Certificate in Global Health Studies

One of nine agricultural health and safety centers funded by the National Institute of occupational Safety and Health to protect and promote the health and safety of farmers, agricultural workers, and rural residents.  To learn more, click here.

Generating opportunities for the College of Law to deepen and broaden its engagement with environmental issues in Iowa and beyond. To learn more, click here.

Certificate in Human Rights

Research address issues related to sustainability in the water, energy and food nexus; improving our understanding and adaptation to climate change; increasing community resilience to natural hazards; and helping equip society with the tools to make informed decisions.  To learn more, click here.

BA in Interdepartmental Studies

Certificate in International Business

Study or Research Abroad

BA in International Studies

Puts science-based information and technology in the hands of Iowa's decision-makers, emergency responders, community leaders, home and business owners, educators, and the public.  To learn more, click here.

Students, faculty, and staff from diverse fields bridge disciplinary boundaries to develop innovative approaches to complex challenges. IISC partners these individuals and teams with community members and businesses to develop and carry out projects in fields including engineering, law, marketing, planning, public art, cinema, public affairs, GIS, and information science. To learn more, click here.

A field station on West Okoboji Lake run cooperatively by the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa. Students at all three institutions, as well as visiting students, nationally and internationally, may take Iowa Lakeside Laboratory courses for credit through their home institution.  To learn more, click here.

Offers a range of programs that support the success of undergraduate students interested in research and scientific communication.  For more information, click here.

Certificate in Museum Studies

Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy

MS in Occupational and Environmental Health

PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health

Serves as a bridge between the university and the community.  It facilitates mutually beneficial partnerships among faculty, staff, students, and community partners across the state, nation, and world.  To learn more, click here.

Conducts archaeological research and public programs around the state, preserves ancient burial sites, and examines and reinters ancient human remains. The OSA also maintains the state archaeological repository, manages data on all recorded archaeological sites in Iowa, and publishes technical reports and public resources on Iowa archaeology.  To learn more, click here.

Promotes undergraduate involvement in research and creative projects by facilitating the mentorship of students in research/creative work and providing platforms for students to explore research communication.  To learn more, click here.

Graduate Certificate in Transportation Planning

U2G in Urban and Regional Planning

U2G in Public Affairs

U2G in Urban and Regional Planning

U2G in Public Affairs

MS in Urban and Regional Planning

MPAff in Public Affairs

Promotes the health of the residents of micropolitan and other rural communities in Iowa through research to develop effective, sustainable strategies that deliver long-term benefits to these communities. The center also provides training and technical assistance to support the public health workforce.  To learn more, click here.

Certificate in Public Health

Graduate Certificate in Public Health

Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Safety and Health

BA in Public Health

BS in Public Health

U2G Master of Public Health

MPH (Master of Public Health)

U2G Master of Public Health

PhD in Public Health

Lifetime Leisure Skills

Drives interdisciplinary collaboration through initiatives like Innovation Labs and Ideas Labs, uniting researchers across subjects. In addition, it spearheads internal funding programs, igniting research excellence within our campus, local communities, and beyond.  To learn more, click here.

Focused on building a more sustainable and resilient society—from environmental action to health and well-being, engagement, and belonging.  It integrates sustainability principles into research, curriculum, student activities, facilities, and community engagement to address pressing societal challenges. The SIC collaborates with units throughout the college and across campus to find and implement sustainable solutions. To learn more, click here.

Certificate in Social Science Analytics

Iowa’s environmental and public health laboratory, serving all 99 counties by testing and tracking infectious diseases and illnesses; performing newborn and maternal screening; and monitoring the air, water and soil for environmental contaminants.  To learn more, click here.

MS in Sustainable Development

Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Water Development

BA in Science Education

BA in Social Studies Education

BS in Science Studies