Master of Arts

The MA in TESL/Applied Linguistics prepares students for careers in teaching English to nonnative speakers of English, either in the U.S. or abroad. Students with MA degrees in TESL teach adults and younger learners in a wide variety of contexts, supervise language programs, work for testing organizations, and create language teaching materials. Students choose among optional specializations listed. The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credits, including a final thesis or creative component (3 credits) and meeting a foreign language requirement that may be fulfilled in a number of ways.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)

The MA in Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Communication (RCPC) prepares students for careers in business, technical, and professional communication in the private and public sectors and for teaching writing and communication at the postsecondary level. It features a wide range of courses on the history, theory, and pedagogy of rhetoric and writing; in communication theory and professional document analysis, design, and production; and on a variety of special topics. An internship in professional communication is also available. The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credits including a final thesis or creative component (3 credits). The English Department offers a PhD in Rhetoric and Professional Communication as well.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)

Politics shapes all of our lives in significant ways, and the study of political science helps the world see beyond simplistic talking points and understand the impact of policy and its players. As a political science major or minor, you can pursue a track that matches your career goals – whether they center around law, campaigns, international policy, private enterprise, or even environmental policy.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

• American Politics
• Global Politics
• Public Policy

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)

Our programs are ideal for energetic and inquisitive students who want to study within an energetic field that encourages innovation, creativity, collaboration, and experimentation. Through coursework, hands-on projects, and research activities, our students leave Iowa State ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.

We foster core design and technical knowledge including diverse histories, theories of space and form, principles of color and light, ergonomic and accessible furniture and furnishings, efficient environmental systems, and effective interior construction and building systems. Our integrated educational process builds skills sequentially over the program.

The national ranked Department of Interior Design at Iowa State University offers the following graduate degrees:

1. MFA in Interior Design: A terminal, post-professional degree emphasizing advanced creative achievement. This degree can be completed in as few as five semesters;

2. MA in Interior Design: A post-professional degree emphasizing applied design research and analysis;

3. First-Professional MA in Interior Design: Combines entry-level preparation with advanced knowledge of design analysis and research options.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 2.8 years (Methods)

The degree Master of Science or Master of Arts with a major in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) is available to graduate students who wish to have a more diversified program of advanced study than  generally permitted for students who specialize in a single subject. The program is open to any qualified graduate student, but is most useful to those who wish to improve their subject matter competence in more than one discipline.

Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.  In the thesis option, the student, with the guidance of a major professor, develops and reports in writing a research study. In the non-thesis option, a creative component is required in which the student demonstrates independent creativity such as a written report of laboratory, field, or library research, a project in fine arts, or some other original contribution. A minimum of three (3) and maximum of five (5) credits in either IGS 599 (Creative Component) or IGS 699 (Thesis Research) may be counted toward the total 35 semester credits.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Master of Science (M.S.)

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

• Arts and Humanities (M.A.)
• Biological and Physical Sciences (M.S.)
• International Development Studies (M.S.)
• Social Sciences (M.S.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 2.6 years (Methods)

Please note that this page is for the general history MA program only. For the more specialized PhD program, please look under Rural, Agricultural, Technological, and Environmental History.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 2.5 years (Methods)

The Iowa State University Graphic Design Department offers two graduate degrees: the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design and the Master of Arts in Experiential Graphic Design (MAxGD). The focus in each of these degree programs is on expanding your knowledge through new problem-finding/solving situations. Each course of study relies heavily on such areas as methodology, history, research and testing to arrive at fresh new communications.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)
• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 2.2 years (Methods)

Iowa State University’s MA Master of Arts (MA) in English program offers two different specializations: one in Literature and one in Literature and the Teaching of Reading. Specialization in Literature: This two-year master of arts MA program offers high-quality, personalized instruction to students interested in secondary or college teaching or in pursuing further graduate study. Our courses develop students’ knowledge of major literary and cinematic trends as well as discipline-specific research skills in the analysis of literature and film; theory and criticism; as well as pedagogy and professionalization. In recent years, we have been able to support nearly every student who has sought funding. Our teaching assistantships are among the best in the Big XII conference with generous stipends, and our incoming students participate in a research apprenticeship program where each is mentored by a faculty member. Our students present at conferences, earn teaching and research awards, and some publish prior to graduation. Specialization in the Literature and the Teaching of Reading: This 30-credit master of arts MA program is designed for licensed teachers who wish to advance their study of literature as they work toward a reading endorsement. Students take graduate courses in British, American, and other areas of literature while also completing three reading courses in Iowa State’s School of Education. Many Most graduate English courses are taught in the late afternoon, evening, or online to accommodate teachers and other working professionals. In these courses, faculty regularly offer options for papers and other assessments that emphasize pedagogy. Additionally, in their 3-credit culminating project, students with this specialization can opt to produce a pedagogy-specific Creative Component or a Portfolio consisting of revised versions of some of their best seminar projects. This program is especially valuable to teachers in the upper elementary, middle school, and high school levels, including teachers of dual-enrollment courses.

Degrees Offered:

• Master of Arts (M.A.)

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

• Literature (M.A.)
• Literature and the Teaching of Reading (M.A.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)

The Master of Arts (MA) in Anthropology program offers an immersive and interdisciplinary approach to the study of human societies, cultures, and behaviors. This program is designed to equip students with advanced theoretical knowledge, methodological skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary for careers in academia, research, public policy, or applied anthropology.

Degrees Offered: 

• Master of Arts (M.A.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

• Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years (Methods)