English

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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Top Public University for Writing

Iowa's strength in writing reaches new level in annual U.S. News & World Report ranking

English Department support of IWP in The Daily Iowan

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Thomas Mira y Lopez and Kaveh Akbar awarded Discovery and Innovation Awards by the Office of the Vice President for Research

Monday, March 31, 2025

Once annually, the Office of the Vice President for Research reviews nominations for nine major awards that recognize faculty and staff excellence in research, scholarship, and creative activities. These awards, a part of the long-standing Discovery and Innovation Awards program, celebrate researchers and scholars who receive national recognition for forging new frontiers of discovery.

Kaveh Akbar in The Nation

Monday, March 31, 2025

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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

The Nonfiction Writing Program Presents: Austin Araujo

Friday, May 2, 2025 7:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

Austin Araujo, Grad Student at the Nonfiction Writing Program, will read from his new book At the Park on the Edge of the Country with Patrycja Humienik at Prairie Lights Books on Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m.

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Writers' Workshop Events

Magid Center Events

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