Academic Information

Graduate students at Iowa State University are part of a community of adventurous minds, connecting through research, discovery, and intellectual growth. The Graduate College houses important academic information that will guide graduate students on their journeys. 

Student Forms

Workday Student is live! Some of the processes outlined here may differ from how you complete them in Workday.

Graduate College Handbook

The Iowa State University Graduate College Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource for policies and procedures relevant to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Crafted by members of the graduate faculty through their elected representatives on the Graduate Faculty Cabinet (formerly known as the Graduate Council), these policies are implemented by the faculty and staff in the Graduate College. The goal is to ensure efficient and fair application of policies while fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and the Graduate Council to enhance graduate education at Iowa State University. Please be aware that some information may be outdated as we update to Workday.

Explore the Iowa State University Graduate College Handbook

For more detailed information, visit the Iowa State University Graduate College Handbook. If you have specific questions, feel free to explore the relevant chapters and subsections! 

Explore our Programs

Explore a myriad of options, from specialized disciplines to interdisciplinary studies, and discover the perfect doctoral program to elevate your academic journey. Whether you're seeking to deepen your expertise, expand your research horizons, or embark on a new intellectual adventure, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Graduate Events

Grad Mixer Wednesday! All graduate students and postdocs are invited to join learning and community building events every Wednesday in the Student Innovation Center.

The Center for Communication Excellence offers individual consultations, courses, and events related to the development of written, oral, and digital communication skills for graduate students and postdocs. Topics of seminars, workshops, retreats, and boot camps target the specific communication skills needed for successful scholarly and professional communication in graduate education and beyond. All events are free to attend, but registration for all events is required.

The Graduate College hosts several yearly events for Academic Excellence that you can find more information on our Awards page.

Graduate and Professional Student Senate meeting information.

Important Deadlines

    The following downloadable documents contain important information about dates and deadlines for graduation. Students are encouraged to complete items as early in the semester as possible. 

    New Student Information

      Welcome to Iowa State University!

      We are pleased to invite you to the Graduate College’s Fall 2025 New Graduate Student Orientation, an event designed to support your transition into our graduate student community.

       

      Graduate Student Orientation

      We hope you will join us on Aug. 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at West Marston Water Tower Lawn.

      You & Your Major Professor

      Your relationship with your major professor is critical to your success as a graduate student. This faculty member will influence what courses you take and the scholarship you pursue. They also have the potential to set you on a pathway to success in your preliminary and final oral examinations, seminar deliveries, and job placement.

      For these reasons, it is important that you and your major professor are on the same page about a number of topics, including your academic goals, how you will communicate with one another, how much time should be devoted to your assistantship, and more.

      The Graduate College has created a check list of topics that you and your major professor should discuss together. By doing this as soon as possible, you will make expectations clear and help ensure your success at Iowa State.

      New Graduate Student Checklist

      1. Plan your academic goals
      2. Determine the field of study and type of program that you want to pursue
      3. Research the requirements of your graduate program
      4. Preview the campus
      5. Talk with students, faculty and graduate program staff in your field of study
      6. Prepare a timeline

      Current Student Awards

      • women using pipet for science research

        Karas Award

        The award is offered each spring semester to recognize a superior mathematical and physical sciences and engineering or social sciences dissertation.

      • two men in a greenhouse surrounded by plants

        The Zaffarano Prize for Graduate Student Research

        The award is offered each spring semester: to recognize superior performance in publishable research by an ISU graduate student. Publishable research is defined as work written and accepted for publication in a national or international refereed journal. Both the quality and the number of publications produced while a student at ISU will be considered. Nominees must either be currently enrolled at ISU or have graduated in the 2 preceding terms.

      • three women talking in a classroom

        Teaching Excellence Award

        Awards are offered each semester to recognize and encourage outstanding achievement by graduate students in teaching.

      • two men crouching over a model city for tornado simulator

        Research Excellence Award

        Awards are offered each semester and summer session to recognize students for outstanding research or creativity as seen in their theses and dissertations. These students are also expected to be academically superior and able to not only do research, but develop a well-written product.

      • 3Minute Thesis Founded by the University of Queensland

        3MT: Three Minute Thesis

        Three Minute Thesis (3MT) celebrates the exciting research conducted by master’s or Ph.D. students around the world. Developed by The University of Queensland, the competition cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases students' capacity to explain their research in three minutes in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Competitors are allowed one PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props.

        Finance Your Degree

        Financial assistance can be a crucial part of attaining an advanced degree. Iowa State and the Graduate College are aware of this need and provide services to assist with your financial planning.

        We have partnered with the Council of Graduate Schools to help you plan ahead.

        Academic Milestones

        women writing on a notepad outside

        Planning Your Pre- and Post-Final Oral Exam Steps

        Mastering the final exam at Iowa State University is crucial for academic success. Preparation is key, from thorough review to seeking feedback. Celebrating achievements and reflecting on lessons learned round off this transformative journey.

        Oral Exam Information
        Man sitting at computer working on thesis

        Thesis/Dissertation

        Completing a thesis or dissertation is a significant achievement, and the process involves collaboration with your committee, adherence to guidelines, and dedication to scholarly work. Best of luck with your academic journey! 

        Planning Your Thesis/Dissertation Journey
        students graduating and sending confetti in the air

        Graduation

        As you complete your graduate studies at Iowa State University, there are requirements and specific deadlines associated with your graduation, some of which vary based on the degree that you are seeking. If you have questions, please contact the Graduate College at grad_college@iastate.edu.

        Contact the Office of the Registrar for commencement ceremony inquiries.

        Commencement and Diplomas Graduation Regalia