university of iowa english and creative writing

Majors, Minors, and Certificates

English at Iowa.

Do you love reading? Learning about different lives and perspectives? The feel of a book in your hands? In the English major , you will dive deep into the world of the written word. 

Do you love to write? The English and Creative Writing major  puts special emphasis on developing your artistry. 

Want to inspire young readers and writers? The English Education program , combined with either English major, will set you up to teach high school. 

You can add our unique Literary Publishing track  to the English or English and Creative Writing major, and you can add the English minor  to any Iowa major.

Whichever path you choose, you'll enjoy small class sizes, expert teaching, fun outside-the-classroom opportunities, and a welcoming community of readers and writers.   

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NOTICE: The University of Iowa Center for Advancement is an operational name for the State University of Iowa Foundation, an independent, Iowa nonprofit corporation organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, publicly supported charitable entity working to advance the University of Iowa. Please review its full disclosure statement.

General Catalog

Creative writing—writers' workshop courses (english) (cw).

This is the first version of the 2024–25 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

This is a list of courses with the subject code CW. For more information, see Creative Writing (Iowa Writers' Workshop) and English (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) in the catalog.

CW:1200 Creative Writing for Non-Native English Speakers 3 s.h.

Designed to help non-native English speakers who would like to learn more about creative writing; guided readings and creative writing exercises in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, with special emphasis on the interests of writers from diverse backgrounds; creative writing as a means of self-expression, while improving writing and speaking skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

CW:1800 Creative Writing Studio Workshop 3 s.h.

Experience reading and writing fiction, poetry, and personal narrative in a workshop setting; study of published work and critical discussion from a writer's standpoint; critique of class members' work. GE: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts.

CW:2100 Creative Writing 3 s.h.

Guidance in the process of writing fiction and poetry; writing as exploration; development of students' critical skills as readers; application of new knowledge and skills to students' own writing. English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Nonfiction and Creative Writing. GE: Engineering Be Creative.

CW:2600 Special Topics Workshop 3 s.h.

Writing workshops on special topics (e.g., writing weird tales, world building, writing place); students dive into the intricacies of craft in context of a particular topic, practice a particular set of skills, and develop new creative work.

CW:2870 Fiction Writing 3 s.h.

Analysis of works of accomplished fiction writers; critique of class members' short stories, in writing and in class; discussion of how class members use language, characterization, point of view, other elements of fiction in their work. English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Nonfiction and Creative Writing. GE: Engineering Be Creative.

CW:2875 Poetry Writing 3 s.h.

Careful writing of poems, reading of poetry by class members as well as established poets; supportive workshop context. English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Nonfiction and Creative Writing. GE: Engineering Be Creative.

CW:3000 Writing and Reading Romance Fiction 3 s.h.

How constraints and parameters in which romance fiction is created are a useful lens through which to explore the layers of craft and technique that underlie all great creative writing; opportunity to hone understanding of genre; exploration of specific craft techniques; development of a broader understanding of the fiction landscape.

CW:3002 Writing and Reading Young Adult Fiction 0,3 s.h.

Constraints and parameters in which young adult fiction is created and a useful lens through which to explore the layers of craft and technique that underlie all great creative writing; opportunity for students to hone their understanding of genre, explore specific craft techniques, and develop a broader understanding of the fiction landscape.

CW:3003 Writing and Reading Science Fiction 3 s.h.

Science fiction literature as an ongoing conversation about the possible; exploration of world boundaries we have by imagining worlds that we don't (yet); alien encounters that consider ways we react to beings we see as unlike ourselves; alternate histories to illuminate what might have been; transhumanist fiction to explore what we may become; issues of composition and craft that underlie all effective fiction; students write and revise works of science fiction and engage in constructive discussion of each other's work. GE: Engineering Be Creative.

CW:3004 Writing and Reading Fantasy Fiction 3 s.h.

Exploration of rules and boundaries of fantasy writing; interrogation of strategies and approaches that make writing fantasy distinct from other genres of fiction.

CW:3005 Professional and Creative Business Communication 3 s.h.

Solid foundation for creative and professional communication in today's modern work world; exploration of techniques, strategies, and craft of writing résumés, letters of interest, email and its related etiquette, and organization of ideas into presentable form; semester-long creative project that builds a bridge between office and the world using modern technology and social media; readings and discussions of literature to better understand issues of ethics, leadership, conflict, moral judgment, decision-making, and human nature; how to navigate and succeed in business or any professional field. GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as INTD:3005 , WRIT:3005 .

CW:3105 The Art of Writers' Journals 3 s.h.

Introduction to literary art of journal writing through close readings of celebrated writers' journals, fiction related to journaling, and a series of journaling exercises; students build skills in communication, observation, voice, and literary expression.

CW:3107 Creative Writing for the Health Professions 3 s.h.

GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as INTD:3107 .

CW:3215 Creative Writing and Popular Culture 3 s.h.

Creative writing through the lens of popular culture; topics include television, film writing, adaptations, commercials, advertising, magazines, newspapers, comic books, song lyrics, billboards, and backs of cereal boxes. GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as INTD:3300 .

CW:3218 Creative Writing for New Media 3 s.h.

Prepares creative writers for evolving marketplace of electronic text and media; experience writing in varied media (e.g., internet, e-books, video games, mobile devices, emergent social narratives). GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as INTD:3200 .

CW:3400 Working Writers in Conversation 3 s.h.

Exposure to work of established contemporary writers who plan to visit the University of Iowa campus; students engage with each writer directly through class visits and reading attendance.

CW:3870 Advanced Fiction Writing 3 s.h.

Analysis of accomplished fiction writers' work; critique of class members' short stories, in writing and in class; discussion of how class members use language, characterization, point of view, other elements of fiction in their work. English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Nonfiction and Creative Writing. Prerequisites: CW:2870 .

CW:3875 Advanced Poetry Writing 3 s.h.

Writing poems, reading poetry by class members and established poets; workshop context. English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Nonfiction and Creative Writing. Prerequisites: CW:2875 .

CW:4745 The Sentence: Strategies for Writing 3 s.h.

Writing dynamic, cogent, and grammatically correct sentences; effectively communicating ideas; writing with clarity and confidence; review of grammar and various types of sentences; building complexity by adding adverbial, subordinate, and connective clauses to simple sentences; how rhythm, syntax, and word order expand the meaning of a sentence; application and appreciation. GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as WRIT:4745 .

CW:4751 Creative Writing for the Musician 3 s.h.

Better writing by focused appreciation of classical and popular music; musical forms and storytelling; music as a source of inspiration, performance of free-form writing exercises set to different soundtracks; what music can teach about language; scansion; methods for applying musical techniques in word form; how punctuation and grammar create rhythm; tone and diction used to create and modify dynamics of prose; multimedia project incorporating written, visual, and audio storytelling techniques. GE: Engineering Be Creative.

CW:4760 The Art of Revision: Rewriting Prose for Clarity and Impact 3 s.h.

Writing and rewriting of short stories and essays; specific choices to help writing reach its full potential; examination of first drafts and making strategic or radical decisions on what needs to happen in subsequent drafts in order for writing to better match original intentions; students gain insight from peers on where first drafts are succeeding or falling short, and write second and third drafts of short stories and personal narratives; structural and aesthetic choices. GE: Engineering Be Creative. Same as WRIT:4760 .

CW:4870 Undergraduate Writers' Workshop: Fiction arr.

English majors may apply this course to the following area and/or period requirement. AREA: Nonfiction and Creative Writing.

CW:4875 Undergraduate Writers' Workshop: Poetry arr.

CW:4885 Undergraduate Writers' Seminar arr.

Exploration of literature to develop substance and craft; craft sessions designed around topic chosen by instructor; modeled after Iowa Writers' Workshop graduate reading seminars. Prerequisites: ENGL:2020 .

CW:4894 Undergraduate Project in Creative Writing arr.

CW:4897 Novel Writing 3 s.h.

Introduction to the process of writing a novel through focused lessons on character, perspective, plot, scene, and dialogue; organizing a longer work; creating notes and sections of a novel with progression towards completing a draft. Requirements: creative writing or fiction writing course.

CW:7810 Form of Fiction 3 s.h.

CW:7820 Form of Poetry 3 s.h.

CW:7830 Seminar: Problems in Modern Fiction arr.

CW:7840 Seminar: Problems in Modern Poetry arr.

CW:7870 Fiction Workshop arr.

CW:7875 Poetry Workshop arr.

CW:7878 Special Topics Seminar 3 s.h.

Seminar topics vary.

CW:7880 Teaching Assistant Pedagogy Colloquium 1-2 s.h.

Training and support for graduate students in the Creative Writing Program. Corequisites: CW:7870 or CW:7875 . Requirements: enrollment in creative writing graduate program.

CW:7890 Graduate Project in Creative Writing arr.

CW:7895 MFA Thesis arr.

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Graduate Admissions

English (MA, PhD, MFA)

For information about how to apply to Iowa's graduate degree programs in English, see:

• Creative Writing ( MFA )
• Literary Studies ( MA or PhD )
• Nonfiction Writing ( MFA )

These degree programs are affiliated with these colleges:

Writers' Workshop

Jayne anne phillips wins 2024 pulitzer prize for fiction.

Written by Sara Epstein Moninger

Phillips, who earned an MFA in 1978, was recognized for her novel Night Watch . The Pulitzer judges described the book as “a beautifully rendered novel set in West Virginia’s Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in the aftermath of the Civil War where a severely wounded Union veteran, a 12-year-old girl, and her mother, long abused by a Confederate soldier, struggle to heal.”

Yiyun Li, who graduated with a Master of Science in 2000 and two MFAs (fiction and nonfiction) in 2005, was a finalist in fiction for her book of short stories Wednesday’s Child . Li’s short stories and novels have won numerous awards, including the PEN/Hemingway Award for A Thousand Years of Good Prayers and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction for The Book of Goose . She currently serves as director of Princeton University’s creative writing program.

Additionally, two alumnae were recognized as finalists for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry:

Jorie Graham, who graduated with an MFA in 1978 and won a Pulitzer in 1996 for The Dream of the Unified Field , was named a finalist for To 2040 . Graham, one of the most celebrated poets of her generation, is a former longtime faculty member in the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. Among her poetry collections are The End of Beauty , Place , and Sea Change . She currently is the Boylston Professor of Oratory and Rhetoric at Harvard University.

Robyn Schiff, who graduated with an MFA in 1999, was named a finalist for Information Desk: An Epic , a book-length poem in three parts set in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Schiff, who has been a visiting faculty member in the UI Department of English, also is the author of Worth , Revolver , and A Woman of Property , which was a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. She teaches at the University of Chicago and co-edits Canarium Books.

Pulitzer Prizes are awarded annually to honor achievements in journalism, literature, and music. See the full list of 2024 Pulitzer winners .

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, great colleges for aspiring authors.

Hey everyone! I'm passionate about creative writing and want to pursue a career as an author. What colleges would you recommend for someone looking to major in English or creative writing?

I'm glad to hear that you're passionate about creative writing and interested in pursuing it in college! Here are some excellent colleges and universities that offer strong programs in English and creative writing:

1. Columbia University: Known for its School of the Arts, Columbia offers a Creative Writing major with a strong emphasis on the craft and offers courses that focus on various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

2. New York University: NYU houses the renowned Creative Writing Program within the College of Arts and Science. This program provides a wide range of courses, including workshops in fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction.

3. Brown University: Brown's Literary Arts program emphasizes creative writing workshops and allows for a great deal of flexibility in terms of course selection. They also offer a unique opportunity to work on the famous Brown Literary Review.

4. University of Iowa: Known for its prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop, the University of Iowa is an excellent choice for aspiring writers. They offer both undergraduate and graduate programs in creative writing.

5. Kenyon College: With a strong focus on literature and creative writing, Kenyon College is known for its well-regarded English department and literary magazine, The Kenyon Review.

6. Emerson College: Emerson offers a Creative Writing major and is home to the acclaimed literary magazine Ploughshares. They emphasize workshop-style classes and offer unique opportunities for publishing internships.

7. Middlebury College: Middlebury provides a solid foundation in English and creative writing through their liberal arts curriculum. They also host the prestigious Bread Loaf Writers' Conference, which offers additional networking and learning opportunities.

8. Hamilton College: Hamilton's Creative Writing major includes a mix of literature courses and workshops, as well as the chance to work on their literary magazine, The Hamilton Stone Review.

9. Oberlin College: Oberlin's Creative Writing major focuses on various writing workshops and also offers the opportunity to work on the college's literary magazine, The Oberlin Review.

10. University of Virginia: UVA's English department offers a strong creative writing program with workshops, readings, and the chance to work on their literary magazine, The Virginia Quarterly Review.

These colleges are just a few examples of schools with great English and creative writing programs. Keep in mind that you should also consider factors such as campus size, location, and overall fit when choosing a college. Good luck with your college search!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MENG program requires a bachelor’s degree in English. Students with less English preparation may petition for conditional admission which may require that they take additional classes at the 5000-level for full matriculation.

Applicants must complete an online application. Criteria for acceptance into the program include:

• Undergraduate degree in English with a minimum GPA of 3.25 in the major (preferred)
• Submission of writing sample (6-8 pages)
• Transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
• Three letters of recommendation from educational or professional references
• Interview with the program director or option coordinator

Additional Requirements for International Students

All international students and any applicants educated outside the United States must demonstrate proficiency in English. Those whose native language is not English must submit an official score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based). Other appropriate tests may be used as an alternative to the TOEFL, such as IELT and the WSU LEAP Special Examination. The score may not be more than two years old.

Transfer Credits

• Transfer credit must be approved by the program director and cannot exceed 11 credit hours. Transfer classes must be at appropriate levels and fulfill the objectives of the Master of Arts in English degree at WSU. No courses for which credit was used to fulfill requirements of another degree may be used toward the Master of Arts in English degree.

Obsolete Credits

• Credit earned more than ten (10) years earlier than the proposed date of graduation will not be accepted for the MA degree unless approved by the program director.

Graduation Requirements

• Credit hour requirements are determined within the option. A minimum of 24 credit hours at the 6000-level and a minimum of 33 total credit hours are required in the program. Students must complete all requirements in one of the options.
• Grades of B- or better in all courses counting toward the degree.
• Students with a BS degree must show foreign language competency either by completing six hours of a foreign language class with a grade of C (or better) or by passing a prescribed foreign language reading test.
• Students not completing a thesis will be required to submit a portfolio of their work to the program for assessment purposes.
• Program Code:  3056MENG with an emphasis in Creative Writing (3110), Literature (3111), English Education (3119), or English Studies(3125)
• CIPC : Master of English (230101), Creative Writing (231302), Literature (231401), English Education(131305), or English Studies(230101)

Time for Degree Completion

• MENG students must receive approval from the program director to register for more than nine (9) credit hours in a semester.
• MENG students have a maximum of six calendar years to complete their degree requirements, starting from the first semester during which the student has registered for and begun taking classes. Students who exceed this time limit may submit a letter of appeal to the program director to request an extension.
• Students who fail to enroll in program classes for three consecutive semesters (not including summers) must apply for readmission to the program.
• In order to ensure timely progress through the program, students are encouraged to consult with an advisor at least once a year.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate…
• 1. The ability to gather, analyze, and communicate information and insights critically.
• 2. The ability to closely read and analyze texts within historical contexts and critical frameworks.
• 3. A developed and honed voice, as evident in polished creative works.
• 4. An awareness of their own aesthetic practices in the continuum of literary traditions and genres.
• 5. Sophisticated revision and editing tactics

Master of Arts in English (MA)

• Program Code:  3056MENG with an emphasis in Creative Writing (3110), Literature (3111), English Education (3119), or English Studies(3125)
• CIPC : Master of English (230101), Creative Writing (231302), Literature (231401), English Education(131305), or English Studies(230101)
• Gather, analyze, and communicate information and insights critically.
• Closely read and analyze texts within historical contexts and critical frameworks.
• Apply theoretical and critical perspectives in their own writings.
• Apply current scholarship and practice in their own writings.
• Employ discipline-specific terminology and conventions in their written, oral, and/or multimodal presentations.

Course Requirements for Master of Arts in English

All MENG students will be required to complete the Core Requirements as part of their degree. In addition to the Core, a student needs to complete one of the emphasis areas.

Core Requirements

Core research methods.

Required in the first full semester (Fall/Spring) of enrollment.

• MENG 6010 - Introduction to Graduate Studies Credits: (3)

Core Literary Studies

Select one course from the following: (Note: These courses may be repeated for credit with different content).

• MENG 6510 - Seminar in Eminent Writers: Credits: (2-3)
• MENG 6240 - Seminar in American Literature Credits: (3)
• MENG 6250 - Seminar in British Literature Credits: (3)
• MENG 6260 - Seminar in World Literature Credits: (3)

Creative Writing Emphasis Requirements

Forms and crafts.

• MENG 6730 - Creative Writing Forms and Crafts Credits: (3)

Creative Writing Workshops

Select two courses from the following repeatable seminars (6 credit hours):

• MENG 6740 - Creative Nonfiction Writing Credits: (3)
• MENG 6750 - Fiction Writing Credits: (3)
• MENG 6760 - Poetry Writing Credits: (3)
• MENG 6770 - Screenwriting Credits: (3)
• MENG 6950 - Creative Writing Thesis: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry Credits: (1-6)

Electives 15 credit hours

Elective courses must be taken to fulfill the remaining 15 credit hours to achieve the minimum 33 credit hours required to graduate. Any MENG course will count as an elective, and graduate-level courses from other programs may be counted upon consultation with the program director.

International Programs

Meet Jongkwan Yun: From South Korea to Iowa, gaining real-world experience in sport management

Jongkwan Yun is a senior at the University of Iowa (UI) majoring in sport and recreation management with a concentration area in communications public relations/journalism, while minoring in news and media literacy. Yun's interest in sports began as a ski instructor at Konjiam Resort in South Korea. When he was a student in sports management at a Korean college, he had a chance to study abroad in Canada and intern at IFung Sports Management, a Canadian soccer agency . These experiences led him to transfer to Iowa to further his undergraduate studies and gain work experience.  

“I was accepted to several colleges in the U.S. when I was looking to transfer, and the two biggest reasons I chose Iowa were credit recognition and field experience classes,” reflected Yun. “I chose my concentration area and minor because there is an unofficial saying in sport management: ‘A minor is mandatory, double major is optional.’ Also, Iowa ranks high in journalism.”

"Embrace the challenge! It is okay to get hit a lot and get hurt a lot — we are students at Iowa, where we have the support and resources to help us get back up if we fall."

Internship at the Iowa Cubs

After gaining hands-on field experience from the UI Athletic Department Fans First, Yun is currently interning in the operations and promotions department of the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, through curricular practical training (CPT). “The help from UI International Student and Scholar Services and Professor Anna Jensen, director of Office of Field Experience in sport and recreation management, was invaluable when getting a full-time CPT,” shared Yun, who is a recipient of the 2024 UI International Student Graduation Most Unique CPT Award.  

Future career aspirations

Looking ahead, Yun aims to land a position with a major South Korean company later this year, like Hyundai or CJ CheilJedang, both of which have a sport management and marketing department. If that does not work out, he plans to use Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work for a Major League team in the U.S. before returning to South Korea to work in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).  

Advice for international students

Yun suggested, “Take advantage of CPT and OPT opportunities. Many things can be learned through classes at school, but I think more things can be learned in the field while working.” Emphasizing his practical approach, he added, “It’s better to draw your dreams through one experience rather than through many contemplations.”

Yun’s closing message is a note of self-reflection and encouragement to fellow international students: Embrace the challenge! It is okay to get hit a lot and get hurt a lot — we are students at Iowa, where we have the support and resources to help us get back up if we fall. 

learn more about cpt and opt

International Programs  (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.

• International Student Graduation Celebration
• international students and scholars

International Programs at the University of Iowa supports the right of all individuals to live freely and to live in peace. We condemn all acts of violence based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and perceived national or cultural origin. In affirming its commitment to human dignity, International Programs strongly upholds the values expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights .  

College of Engineering

Academic advising.

First Year and Undeclared

Advising for first year and undeclared engineering students takes place in the Student Development Center. Students are required to sign up for a time to meet with a professional advisor before early registration for the upcoming semester begins. Appointments can be made either through MyUI (Student Information - Advising Appointment), or by contacting the Student Development Center at [email protected] or 319-335-5763 or 3612 Seamans Center.

Undeclared engineering majors should declare their program of study no later than the start of the spring semester of their sophomore year.

Advising expectations for students

Faculty and Advising

Currently enrolled, declared engineering students are required to meet with their faculty academic advisor at least once a semester prior to registering for the next semester's courses, generally the week before early registration begins. Students will be able to schedule an appointment with their advisor through  MyUI  to meet and discuss their upcoming semester courses; alternatively, faculty will place a sign-up sheet outside their office door with available times. Typically, students can begin scheduling online or by sign-up sheet two weeks prior to early registration. If a student is unable to meet with their faculty during the times listed, it is the student's responsibility to contact the faculty member and set up a time that will fit within their schedule.

Students can find out who their academic advisor is by logging into  MyUI  and going to "Student Information" then "Program of Study and Advisors." Students wishing to change their academic advisor may do so by completing the  Change of Academic Advisor  form.

Advising expectations for students : 

• To meet with their faculty advisor at least once a semester, although it is highly recommended to meet more frequently
• To arrive on time as scheduled
• To come prepared to the appointment with list of future courses, questions and concerns
• Students with questions regarding the pre-requisite check and policies should refer to the  Pre-Requisite Q & A .
• See here for more advising expectations for students . 

Peer Advising

The Peer Advisor program is a resource developed by students, for students. They offer advice on their respective majors, course combinations, course loads, and share their personal journeys to a career in engineering. Additionally, they provide support to their peers through workshops and outreach.

Come to the Student Development Center, 3612 Seamans Center, for assistance with your questions about majors, general education courses, or policies and procedures. The peer advisors work closely with the professional academic advising staff.

Meet our peer advisors

Pre-Professional Advising

Students who have declared a pre-professional major have the opportunity to meet with an additional advisor in the Academic Advising Center, C210 Pomerantz Center, throughout their undergraduate career. The pre-professional advisors will help students as they prepare for their application to graduate or professional school. These programs include pre-law, pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy, and other pre-health programs.

If you are interested in pursuing a pre-professional major in addition to your degree in engineering, email you advisor to declare.

Pre-Health Resources Pre-Law Resources

'Something More' Advising

In the College of Engineering, we hope that students will take advantage of numerous opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom to become an “Engineer and something more.” If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities below, you are welcome to schedule an appointment by contacting the Student Development Center at [email protected] , 319-335-5763 , or 3612 Seamans Center.

• Internships and co-ops
• Study abroad
• Student organizations

Advising Frequently Asked Questions

How do i add a course.

• You can add most courses on MyUI without any required approvals until  Monday, January 22 at 11:59 pm . Search for the course on the “Course Type” search on  MyUI  ̶  Courses and Registration , located below the List View of your current courses. Once you identify an open section that works in your schedule, you can enroll instantly by clicking on the blue “ Enroll ” link on the right side.  
• For assistance, review a step-by-step tutorial of the add process.
• If you do not receive the permissions by the next business day after your initiated request, call the department offering the course and your academic department or academic advisor.
• You will be able to access the course’s ICON site the following day.
• The last day to add most academic courses without Dean’s approval (which requires extenuating circumstances) is  Monday, January 29 at 4:30 pm . 
• See the Registrar's website for more information about adding courses .

HOW DO I CHANGE SECTIONS?

You can change sections on your own on MyUI without any required approvals until Monday, January 22 at 11:59 pm . Log into  MyUI  ̶  Courses and Registration . On the List View of your courses, scroll to the section you would like to change and click the “Change” link on right side. Select “Change Section” and choose your desired section from the list of available options. Click to confirm the change.

• Starting  Tuesday, January 23 , you will need to request permissions from the instructor of the new section. You can initiate a section change through email following the process outlined on the Change of Registration Form webpage . 
• See the Registrar's website for more information about changing sections. 

HOW DO I ADD MYSELF TO A WAITLIST?

• First, check to see if there are open seats in any sections of the course you are interested in - seat availability changes frequently in the first two weeks of the semester. Search for the course on the “Course Type” search on  MyUI  ̶  Courses and Registration , located below the List View of your current courses. Once you identify an open section that works in your schedule, you can enroll instantly by clicking on the blue “ Enroll ” link on the right side. 
• If all sections that work with your current course schedule are closed, select a section and click on the blue “ Join Waitlist ” link on the right side of the page. To increase your chances of enrolling, add yourself to any and all waitlists for sections that will work with your schedule.
• Continue to monitor email and text messages closely. If a waitlist seat is offered to you, you must follow the email/text instructions to fully add the course on MyUI. Waitlist seat offers expire after 24 hours.
• MyUI waitlists are only active until Monday, January 22   at 11:59 pm . Waitlists will no longer be used for filling seats that open up in a given course after that date. To add the course, you will need to initiate an add request and receive the instructor’s permission.
• See the Registrar's website for more information about waitlists .

HOW DO I DROP A COURSE?

• Most students can drop a class on MyUI without any permissions/authorizations until Monday, January 22  at 11:59 pm.  Log into  MyUI  ̶  Courses and Registration . On the List view of your courses, scroll to the course you would like to drop and select the blue “Drop” link on right side of the page. Ensure that you click through all of the required screens to confirm the drop.  International students and athletes may need to request  additional permissions  for a drop; specific instructions will be provided when initiating the drop process.
• Note that your academic advisor is  not  automatically notified of your request, so you should email them to request they authorize your drop.  I t is your responsibility to obtain the required permissions in a timely manner, so if you do not have the requested authorization by the deadline, call your academic department to ensure that the drop is processed in time.
• Monday, April 15 by 4:30 pm  is the last day to drop a class without a ‘W’ on your transcript. A ‘W’ on the transcript means you withdrew from a course. Please contact your academic advisor with any questions. 
• The last day to drop most semester-length academic courses without Dean’s approval (which requires extenuating circumstances) is Monday, April 15 at 4:30 pm. 
• If you are thinking of dropping all your courses, often referred to as ‘ withdrawing ’ from the University, contact your academic advisor or call the Student Development Center at 319-335-5763 to review the withdrawal process.
• See the Registrar's website for more information about dropping courses. 

HOW DO I RESOLVE COURSE CONFLICTS?

• A red asterisk (*) on your schedule indicates that there is a conflict between course times. Take a close look at the class times and ensure that none of your lectures, labs, or discussions overlap. To resolve these conflicts, follow the instructions to  change sections  or stop by 3612 SC   to speak with an academic advisor for assistance.
• If you cannot spot overlapping course times, the conflict may be a mid-term exam that is scheduled during the regular meeting time for another course. You should plan to attend your regularly scheduled course and email the professor giving the exam to set-up an alternative testing time. This is quite common, so do not stress, but make sure you make arrangements with your professor well in advance.

HOW DO I MEET WITH AN ACADEMIC ADVISOR?

• During the first two weeks of the semester, academic advisors in the Student Development Center, 3612 SC, offer drop-in hours from 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. These times are mostly for new, incoming students as they make adjustments to their first semester schedules at Iowa, but these can also be a good first stop if you are unsure who to contact. 
• Beginning Monday, January 29 , and continuing through the entire semester, log into MyUI to see if your advisor offers online scheduling through the Advising Appointment tile. If you do not see appointments available, email your advisor directly to request an appointment.  You can also contact your academic department  with questions. 
• Peer Advisors are available daily between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 12:30 – 3:00 pm in 3612 SC. If you prefer to meet with a Peer Advisor virtually, sign up for an appointment on their website . Visit the Peer Advisor  website  for more information including bios, schedule by major, and the option to schedule an individual appointment with a peer advisor. 

HOW DO I ADD A MINOR, CERTIFICATE and/or PRE-MED DESIGNATION?

• You can add most minors and certificates on your own on  MyUI  ̶  Student Information  ̶  Programs of Study & Advisor . You can then request a new degree audit to review the course requirements.
• Pre-health : Contact the  Academic Advising Center  directly by emailing  [email protected]  or calling (319) 353-5700 and request a pre-health advisor.

HOW DO I CHANGE MY MAJOR?

• WITHIN ENGINEERING :  Complete the “Change of Major /Program of Study” form on the  Academic Forms page . Your major will be changed and a new advisor assigned (if needed) within one week.
• OUTSIDE of ENGINEERING : Stop by the Student Development Center, 3612 SC, to meet with a professional advisor  to review the process of changing colleges. If you are making the decision during the first week of the semester, stop by as soon as possible as it may be possible to make the change effective immediately. 

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM SICK?

• The health of our community is important. Advisors in the Student Development Center are offering both virtual and in-person academic advising appointments. If you are feeling less than 100%, we encourage you to take advantage of virtual academic advising appointments or reschedule your in-person appointment for a later date.
• Specific guidance for what to do if you are sick, test positive for COVID-19, or may have been exposed, is available on the “What to do if you’re sick”  UI Coronavirus website .
• If you feel sick and have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, stay home and isolate yourself as much as possible. If you develop symptoms while in class or on campus, go home or return to your dorm room. Call a health care professional who can assess your symptoms and risk factors and determine whether you need testing. Visit the  Student Health website  for information about how to request a test. If you need to speak to a nurse, contact Student Health by calling the Nurseline ( 319-335-9704 ). If you test positive, follow the instructions on the UI Coronavirus website . Self-report via the university's online system  using this link  and monitor your email for additional instructions.
• If you need to miss class, review the  standard university absence from class policies and contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss how to make up work.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS RESOURCES

• The College of Engineering offers a wide range of  academic support resources  for students. You are encouraged to visit  Engineering Tutoring , Sunday – Thursday from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, in-person in 3612 SC. Tutoring will begin on Sunday, January 21 . 
• Additional University of Iowa campus resources are listed  here  – we encourage you to try different resources to find the one(s) that will work best for you!

Quick Links

Office of the Registrar

Taking Summer Courses

Academic Support and Tutoring

University Counseling Service

Filmscene | Common Ground

Writing Workshop (Narrative structure, Clarity, Cohesion) (Engineering Thesis Summer Camp)

Managing Anxiety/Stress/Procrastination (Engineering Thesis Summer Camp)

Questions? Talk to an Advisor