Math and science programs at the University of Iowa emphasize learning, discovering, innovating, and leading. You can combine majors, minors, and certificates to fit your interests all while receiving a liberal arts education, unparalleled research opportunities, and personalized mentorship.

Explore the math, quantitative, and natural sciences at Iowa

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Actuarial Science

Do you excel in mathematics, thrive on solving complex financial challenges, or want to leverage your skills in a field with significant societal impact? Sharpen your analytical and business skills to solve various financial and social problems and influence the financial stability of organizations, particularly within the insurance industry. 

Courses overview

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Statistics

Do you have a passion for numbers, enjoy solving problems, or plan to advance your studies in statistics and data science? Develop a strong foundation in probability, mathematical statistics, and data analysis to address today’s data-driven challenges in business, industry, and government.

Courses overview

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Computer Science

Are you enthusiastic about technology and want to build a strong foundation for a career in a rapidly evolving field? Build expertise in programming, problem-solving, and computer systems, while gaining a deep understanding of computational methods and algorithms.

Courses overview

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Data Science

Do you get excited about using data to solve real-world problems, enjoy working with cutting-edge technology, and want to be part of an evolving field? Communicate complex data clearly, develop data preparation and data visualization skills, and be equipped to handle uncertainty when making data-driven decisions.

Courses overview

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Informatics

Do you enjoy solving problems with data and are seeking a versatile career in technology or information science? Tackle real-world challenges and get the necessary specialized skills to work with computers and information science in a broad range of fields.

Courses overview

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Mathematics

Are you looking to advance your education with graduate studies or to pursue a career in business, finance, or engineering? Challenge yourself, conduct research with esteemed faculty, and develop versatile skills that can be applied to various industries.

Courses overview

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Physics

Are you interested in graduate studies or a career in research, engineering, or technology where physics plays a central role? Use the basic laws of physics to solve complex, real-world problems while also conducting original research and publish your work.

Courses overview

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Astronomy

Do you want a career in teaching or science-related administration over a research-oriented career? Understand major areas of astronomy and get involved in original research while also gaining experience with astronomical observations at the on-campus Van Allen Observatory.

Courses overview

Why should I choose math and sciences at Iowa?

In the math, quantitative, and natural sciences programs, you'll work closely with distinguished faculty on groundbreaking research at a major research university. Many students, like you, publish journal papers by the time they graduate.

Regardless of where your academic path takes you, you’ll leave ready to make an impact.

Careers our graduates pursue

  • Data analyst
  • Consultant
  • Statistician
  • Actuary 
  • Researcher
  • Data scientist
  • Software developer
  • Environmental scientist
  • Astronomer
  • ...and many similar professions

Featured news headlines

An image of the load screen for the game Pokemon Go

New CLAS course combines math with Pokémon GO gaming app

The mathematics department introduced a general education class in spring 2023 that uses a popular video game to help with quantitative reasoning.

Portrait of Ernest Petti

Iowa Computer Science alum heads computer graphics at Disney Animation Vancouver

Ernest Petti earned his graduate degree from the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and has used the skills he learned in his work on major motion pictures like Tangled, Zootopia, and more. 

Casey DeRoo

CLAS physics and astronomy department awarded $1.5 million from NASAc

NASA funding also will provide students greater access to advanced space instrument training