English | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

English student walking outside of EPB with backpack

Reading. Writing. Iowa.

Study at the Writing University in the heart of the nation's most celebrated literary town.

Why Iowa?

Immerse yourself in the world of literature, books, and creative writing–in a college and community obsessed with the written word.

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Build a foundation

If you love reading and writing, you belong at Iowa. Declare the English or English and Creative Writing major, and join a community dedicated to exploring–and creating–great literature.

Build a foundation

Develop your literary scholarship. Hone your creative writing. Delve into book studies. Harness the digital humanities. Prepare for success in the academy, public service, education, and the literary arts and professions.

Expand your horizons

Instructor sitting in her office reviewing a paper with a student

Learn from experts

Our faculty are creating the future of the English disciplines, inspired by our storied past. They advance scholarship and artistry in a welcoming academic community internationally recognized for literary excellence.

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See yourself here

Make Iowa City, the first UNESCO City of Literature in the United States, your new home, and join our community of nationally respected professors and award-winning writers.

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News and announcements

UI English honor society's collaborative writing featured by Sigma Tau Delta

Thursday, November 5, 2026

Creative writers head to Tokyo and Kyoto in new study abroad program

Thursday, October 29, 2026

A portrait of University of Iowa assistant professor Tom Lin.

Assistant professor and author Tom Lin talks about taking literary risks and road trips

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

50 Years of Treating Nonfiction as an Art

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

University of Iowa student Jack Sorenson reads at a desk on campus.

English and creative writing student finds community through literature and storytelling

Friday, October 16, 2026

Tara Bynum receives $50,000 John Carter Brown Library fellowship

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

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Write Your Story

Join a top university in the country for writing with one of our English and English and Creative Writing programs, or our Nonfiction Writing Program, one of the oldest nonfiction programs in the nation.

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Sydney Mayes english and creative writing student

"Iowa City is the place to be– specifically the University of Iowa–if you want to be a writer and if you want to have access to incredible resources around writing. The reputation is insane."

- Sydney Mayes, English and Creative Writing major

Hear Sydney's "Why Iowa"

Upcoming events

VIEWS Presents: Chanelle Benz Reading & Q&A

Thursday, November 5, 2026 7:00pm to 8:00pm

English-Philosophy Building

Hannah Bonner in conversation with Louisa Hall

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

Nonfiction Writing Program Alumna Hannah Bonner (MFA '24) reads from her latest book

Book Matters: Tisa Bryant and Sarah Minor

Friday, November 13, 2026 7:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

Join Tisa Bryant, associate professor of English, and Sarah Minor, assistant professor of English, as they read from their latest books and discuss the themes that shape their work. This event is free and open to the public.

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