Your liberal arts education goes beyond the classroom, lab, or studio

If you want, your coursework can take you abroad, into the local community, and expose you to life-changing experiences. 

Browse some of the opportunities available in the course catalog for experiential learning in your major, in addition to opportunities featured here that will help you stand out among your peers in the job market, and broaden your understanding of the world.

Undergraduate Research

The University of Iowa is one of the top public research universities in the country. Our professors aren't just teaching about their fields—they're making the latest discoveries. You can work closely with faculty on research and present your findings. 

Internships

Internships and externships complement your academic work with real-world professional experience that will help you stand out on your resumé when you enter the job market or apply to graduate school.

Study Abroad

Spending a semester studying in another country can be an incredible, fulfilling experience that will help you understand how our global society works—benefiting you personally and professionally. 

CLAS students regularly take their learning beyond the classroom

Kadera&Mitchell 2018

Two CLAS faculty members working to empower women in political science

Monday, November 25, 2024
Kelly Kadera and Sara Mitchell, faculty members in the Department of Political Science, host workshops that support, mentor and teach women in political science. A recent NSF grant will allow them to continue this work for another four years.
The Japanese Ambassador speaking to students

Japanese Ambassador to the United States meets with CLAS students during visit to Iowa

Thursday, November 14, 2024
The Japanese ambassador to the United States, along with the Chicago consul-general and other embassy officials, visited the Japanese program to hear writers and translators read and to engage in conversation with students.
SJMC Students, Travis Vogan and Jeff Grisamore at book launch in Chicago

CLAS journalism students get hands-on experience launching marketing campaign

Monday, November 4, 2024
Students in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication are spearheading marketing efforts for faculty member Travis Vogan’s new book.
A dancer performs with a robot

CLAS Department of Dance collaborates with College of Engineering for Dance Gala 2024

Monday, November 4, 2024
An idea to explore connections of humans and technology through dance sparked a creative collaboration between the University of Iowa College of Engineering and the Department of Dance.
Launch of a sounding rocket mission at Andøya Rocket Range

NASA funds CLAS student-led rocket mission

Monday, October 21, 2024
The University of Iowa has received nearly $1.7 million from NASA to fund the OCHRE student-led sounding rocket mission that will study cusp dynamics in the Earth’s magnetosphere and help train the next generation of space physicists and instrumentalists.
A student takes photos

Newspaper acquisition benefits CLAS journalism students

Monday, October 21, 2024
In addition to helping two community newspapers stay afloat, the purchase of the “Solon Economist” and the “Mount Vernon–Lisbon Sun” by “The Daily Iowan” is giving University of Iowa students more on-the-job training — and a taste of journalism practices in a small town.
Edge of Space Students experimenting with devices

Two CLAS departments collaborate for third Edge of Space Academy

Monday, October 7, 2024
The most recent cohort got hands-on with space-based instrumentation, conducting research, and working as a team as part of the immersive program led by the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Department of Geographical and Sustainability Sciences.
Students in Europe posing with the Tigerhawk

CLAS students explore connection between chemistry and sustainability while in Europe

Monday, September 16, 2024
In Germany, CLAS Students the important role of chemical processes in implementing sustainable practices. Students were able to see this in real life at some of Europe’s most sustainable cities.
Bikes line a wall with signs promoting bike lines in the City of Dubuque

CLAS journalism students gain hands-on experience reporting on sustainability efforts in Dubuque

Sunday, September 8, 2024
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication collaborated with the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities on three capstone classes where students produced news content, snapped photos, and created plans to help the city of Dubuque meet its sustainability goals.