English

Why Iowa?

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

Learn More

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.

Learn from Experts

Top Public University for Writing

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

Exterior of Schaeffer Hall showing Liberal Arts name

Greteman explains how the term "liberal arts" emerged in ancient times

Monday, September 18, 2023

Blaine Greteman, professor and chair, breaks down the meaning and origin of the term "liberal arts" in this submission to The Conservation.

Book cover of Reproduction: A Novel by Louisa Hall

Reproduction by Louisa Hall review – pregnancy, pain and Frankenstein

Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Are pregnancy and childbirth the most or least natural things we do? At the heart of Louisa Hall’s brainily visceral new novel is a reading of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as a book whose uncanny energy is forged in the crucible of reproduction.

closeup image of female hand writing in notebook

Opinion | English and Creative Writing Majors Graduate with Beneficial Skills

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Naomi Rivera Morales shares an Opinion piece in the Daily Iowan on how an English and Creative Writing degree allows students to grow into a skilled, versatile individual.

View More News

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

Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Lecture-Jane Smiley

Thursday, October 5, 2023 7:00pm to 8:00pm

University of Iowa Main Library

The Department of English welcomes Ida Cordelia Beam Speaker, Jane Smiley, to speak on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. Jane is a Pulitzer-Prize winning author and alumni of the University of Iowa's Department of English. A reception will follow. Her visit is made possible with the support of the Provost's office and the Department of English.

Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction: Margo Steines

Friday, October 6, 2023 7:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

Margo Steines, author of the nonfiction book "Brutalities," will read at Prairie Lights Books on Friday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.

Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction: Micah Fields

Thursday, October 19, 2023 7:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

UI Nonfiction Writing Program alum Micah Fields reads from his new book, We Hold Our Breath: A Journey to Texas Between Storms, on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at Prairie Lights Books. This Krause Series in Contemporary Nonfiction event is sponsored by the Nonfiction Writing Program. All are welcome.

More English Events

Writer's Workshop Events

Magid Center Events

Cinematic Arts Events

Theatre Arts Events