The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the center of the academic experience at the University of Iowa—where students and faculty are empowered to succeed.
Established in 1900, CLAS is the largest of the 12 colleges at the University of Iowa, offering a wide variety of programs spanning the arts and humanities, writing and communication, natural and mathematical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. Rooted in the practical and the classical, the instrumental and the essential, our college defies easy reduction. Our strength comes from our breadth and complexity, and the fact that our college has existed for over one-hundred and twenty years reflects its central importance.
The college benefits nearly all undergraduate students through the CLAS Core General Education program. CLAS is home to world-class programs in writing, the arts, space physics, speech and hearing science, and more, and faculty who undertake groundbreaking research, innovative scholarship, and daring creative work.
Each graduate of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes their passion, creativity, and critical thinking skills into diverse fields. Whether as scientists pushing boundaries, artists inspiring new perspectives, or communicators building bridges, our alumni leave their mark as original thinkers and engaged citizens of their communities and the world.
65
14,417
Fall 2024
1,961
Fall 2024 data
729
2025-2026 academic year data
Welcome from the dean
Whether you're a student ready to embark on a transformative academic journey, or a faculty member seeking a vibrant and collaborative scholarly community, I am thrilled to welcome you to CLAS. I have been a member of this community since 2003, and I remain amazed and blessed to be part of such a college that is leading in creativity and discovery as well as in the education of undergraduate and graduate students.
At CLAS, we offer an unparalleled range of academic programs and opportunities for immersive learning and research. If you are a student, I’m confident you’ll find a community here that values your individual voice and fosters an engaging learning environment. With dedicated advisors and faculty mentors, you'll receive the support you need to achieve your academic and personal goals. It is a joy to witness your growth and learn from your unique perspectives.
For faculty, CLAS provides a stimulating environment that encourages intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge research. I'm continually inspired by the dedication and passion of our faculty, and I'm honored to be a part of this exceptional community. As a faculty member, the goal of the dean’s office is to support your career and work collaboratively with you to remove any barriers to your success.
No matter where you are on your journey, I invite you to explore all that CLAS has to offer. We're confident you'll find your place here and create a unique story that will shape your future. And if you do come to Iowa, stop in the dean’s office and introduce yourself to us–we are excited to get to know you and why you choose to be a part of the CLAS community.
Sara Sanders, PhD, MSW
News
Staff spotlight: Matthew Shadle and academic assessment
From the classroom to the cosmos: Help Hawkeyes soar on One Day for Iowa
CLAS' Roxy Ekberg earns Mauck Stouffer award
CLAS' Colin Gordon named 2026 UI Distinguished Chair
Two CLAS faculty honored with 2026 Regents Award for Faculty Excellence
Alumni and friends
No matter where you are, stay connected to CLAS and the University of Iowa.
More than 174,000 living Hawkeye alumni have degrees conferred in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. We hope you'll stay connected to the college and your department—and consider getting involved.