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.

Learn from experts

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

Chris Merrill leaves position as IWP Director and joins English faculty

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Teresa Mangum receives the 2025 Francis March Award

Friday, September 26, 2025

Poem by Donika Kelly in The New Yorker

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

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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

Irish Writing Program - Study Abroad Information Session

Thursday, November 13, 2025 2:00pm to 3:00pm

English-Philosophy Building

Through the Irish Writing Program, you will spend your summer in Dublin alongside UI Professor Inara Verzemnieks and a variety of local Irish writers as you learn to hone your creative writing skills and explore Ireland’s rich culture and literary history. Join UI Study Abroad for an information session about this exciting, hands-on program where we’ll be talking about the course, scholarship opportunities, and the application process.

There are two information sessions available for your...

Irish Writing Program - Study Abroad Information Session

Friday, November 14, 2025 2:30pm to 3:30pm

English-Philosophy Building

There are two information sessions available for your...

The Nonfiction Writing Program Presents: NWP Alum Jen Percy in conversation with NWP Alum & Former Faculty Kerry Howley

Monday, November 17, 2025 7:00pm

Prairie Lights Books

NWP Alum Jen Percy reads from Girls Play Dead and in conversation with NWP Alum & Former Faculty Kerry Howley on Monday, November 17th at 7:00pm at Prairie Lights Books

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