Cell Biology - Graduate College

Interdepartmental Program

Whatever your interests or educational goals, the Department of Biomedical Sciences is available as an active resource to you. Please feel free to contact our central department office or any of our faculty and staff if you have questions with which we can help.

At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.

Degrees Offered:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

Anatomy (M.S., Ph.D.)
Cell Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)
Pharmacology (M.S., Ph.D.)
Physiology (M.S., Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.8 years (Methods)
Median time to earn the master’s: 0.8 year (Methods)

Program Degrees Offered

Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Science

Learning Goals

Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical structures, their functions and their regional and systemic relationships with one another.
Demonstrate knowledge of physiological systems, their regulation and the functional units of organs and their microscopic anatomy.
Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacological principles, classes of therapeutic molecules and how they regulate cellular processes.
Demonstrate knowledge of subcellular components, their cellular function and their role in disease processes.
Form testable hypothesis and articulate research objectives that further scientific knowledge in the field.
Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.

515-294-2440

Casey Smith

bmsgrad@iastate.edu

Graduate Program Coordinator
Biomedical Sciences
2008 College of Vet Med
1800 Christensen Drive
Ames, IA 50011-1250

Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Applications for the 1-year MS program are accepted on a rolling basis, with no strict application deadline. February 1 for full consideration for MS/PhD fall assistantships. Applications accepted year round if funding is available.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
Academic Records/Transcripts
Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

Program Requires GRE: No
Program Requires GMAT: No
Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

Financial Statement: Application
English Proficiency Minimum:

TOEFL Paper (PBT) 600

TOEFL Internet (iBT) 100

IELTS 7.5

PTE 68

Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115