Currently, we have programs that will meet a variety of needs including distance course options for practitioners or concurrent DVM students. We offer graduate programs on the Certificate, Masters, and PhD levels: Our research opportunities frequently have interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches. We are distinctive insofar that our graduate faculty are involved in all areas of livestock health, welfare and production and many graduate faculty are involved in serving producers, veterinarians, industry groups and government agencies.
We ensure that you will have individual attention, tailored advising and research opportunities well-matched to your interests. As a graduate student here, you won’t just be a face in a crowd! Our faculty and students are operating at the cutting edge of their fields of knowledge. We are working hard to cultivate the very best graduate programs and prepare the next generation of independent, intellectual leaders in their fields.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
Applications considered throughout the year.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) | 115 |
The Department of Veterinary Pathology offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Veterinary Pathology with specialization in Veterinary Clinical Pathology and Veterinary Parasitology. All graduates from the Department of Veterinary Pathology's graduate program have expertise in a particular area of research, including research techniques, and scholarly activity (writing/publications/seminars).
Graduates specializing in Veterinary Pathology that emphasize professional practice can identify and interpret gross and histologic lesions, understand the pathogenesis of diseases important to various animal species, including domestic animals, and understand the pathology and pathogenesis of disease from a comparative medicine standpoint.
Graduates specializing in Veterinary Clinical Pathology can assess and interpret hematological and cytological specimens from various animal species, understand the pathogenesis of diseases important to various animal species, including domestic animals, and understand the pathology and pathogenesis of disease from a comparative medicine standpoint. Those graduates with Education emphasis can set up and/or support programs for learning enhancement.
Graduates specializing in Veterinary Parasitology can identify the major types of parasites and parasitic diseases in various animal species and understand comparative parasitology.
In addition, Graduates are expected to understand societal and ethical issues in their discipline, and to be able to communicate this expertise in seminars, meetings, and other scholarly activities such as written reports, peer-reviewed publications, grants, and/or with engagement in professional practice. Those engaged in diagnostic pathology training are expected to meet the eligibility requirements for board certification by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.
Degrees Offered:
Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)
Area(s) of Emphasis:
Application Deadlines:
Consult FIRST with Veterinary Pathology Department via email
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
Faculty members in other ISU departments and at three local USDA facilities participate in the graduate education and research programs of VMPM. And VMPM faculty have integral roles in teaching and extending research opportunities to graduate students pursuing interdepartmental majors.
A broad range of basic and applied research is represented by the faculty who participate in our graduate programs. These include: immunomodulation, vaccine development, infectious diseases, microbiology, microbial genetics, microbial pathogenesis, molecular virology, diagnostics, epidemiology, food microbiology, and food safety.
Degrees Offered:
Area(s) of Specialization:
(may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
February 1 for fall assistance consideration (applications considered throughout the year)
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
Students in the professional school (College of Veterinary Medicine DVM program) may also enroll in graduate studies in the M.S. program within the department. Only students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and are highly motivated will be considered. Students requesting admission as a concurrent student must complete the concurrent degree application in addition to their acceptance in the CVM DVM program.
Degrees Offered:
Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
We accept applications throughout the year with entrance into the program all terms (Fall, Spring and Summer). To allow review of your complete application we suggest that your application be completed by mid-June for fall admission, mid-October for spring admission and mid-March for summer admission.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE |
53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
Our Graduate Program in Toxicology is at the forefront of scientific discovery and education in the field of toxicology. With a commitment to excellence in research, education, and community engagement, our program prepares students to address complex challenges related to chemical, biological, and environmental toxicants.
Degrees Offered:
Area(s) of Specialization:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
For best opportunities for admission, apply for Fall by sending in your complete application no later than February 1. We accept applications year around if funding is available.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
Students engage faculty-led research projects and are challenged to develop individual sustainable design strategies for issues of current relevance that conserve resources, ameliorate ecological problems and promote social, political and economic justice. Coursework focuses on developing skills in modes of representation and information dissemination, foundational and emerging theoretical discourse, research methods and design interventions. The degree concludes with an integrated capstone experience through a student-defined thematic project. Capstone projects are situated in different parts of the world and include themes such as:
The Master of Design in Sustainable Environments degree consists of 35 credits, typically distributed over three semesters (fall, spring and summer); however, students may choose to distribute these credits over four or five semesters.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
February 1 for full consideration for assistantships. Applications received after February 1 will be reviewed until fall class is full. Spring and summer entry not available.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
Our interdepartmental program builds on a solid foundation of agricultural science and provides students opportunities to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. Our program was the first in the U.S. to offer both an MS and PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and is the only graduate program that allows students to pursue a true interdisciplinary curriculum that includes the biological, social, and economic elements of sustainability.
The program provides advanced training for students and facilitates interdisciplinary research focused on food security, environmental quality, and community development. By emphasizing scientific principles and analytical thinking, the program seeks to prepare students to address challenges to agricultural sustainability in Iowa and other regions of the world. By bringing together faculty from diverse disciplines, the program seeks to promote innovative research that reflects the university's commitment to public service and excellence in scholarship.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
January 15. NOTE: For fall 2024 and beyond, please choose ONLY the Sustainable Agriculture Graduate Major when you apply. Sustainable Agriculture is a direct-admit graduate program, where students are admitted into the group of a major professor as well as into the SUSAG major. As such it is imperative that prospective students identify a potential professor BEFORE applying to the program. Applicants should review our faculty directory to identify faculty working in areas that align with their interests and goals. Once relevant faculty members have been identified, applicants should contact those faculty directly to inquire about open graduate positions and funding opportunities for their planned term of entry. Only applicants that contact faculty, apply for the program and are then nominated by a faculty member will be considered for admission to the program.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 570 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 88 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 59 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
The Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Nutritional Sciences (IGPNS) integrates information from across 10 disciplines to give students a well-rounded understanding of nutrition and its application: providing the structure for coordinating and enhancing interdisciplinary nutrition research and graduate education. Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Nutritional Sciences are offered with three specializations:
Degrees Offered:
Area(s) of Specialization:
(may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
January 15 application deadline for Fall Semester.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
Research in Meat Science includes both basic and applied studies of the science of meat and meat products. The program includes research on animal physiology and fresh meat quality, pre- and post-mortem muscle physiology and biochemistry, meat processing technology encompassing use of novel ingredients and equipment as well as new preservation and packaging concepts. Microbiology and food safety are important components of both fresh meat and processed meat research programs. Meat Science has well-equipped chemistry and microbiology laboratories including a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory for work with pathogenic microorganisms in addition to extensive animal harvest, fabrication, processing and preservation facilities.
These facilities provide the capacity for research on meat quality as a result of animal genetics, nutrition and environment as well as impacts of animal transport, handling, harvest and immediate post-harvest conditions. Fresh meat quality and safety during subsequent storage and shelf life assessments are an integral part of the program. Facilities available for meat processing research provide capacity to produce virtually all types of processed meat products for study of novel ingredients, equipment and processing technologies, including such things and natural and organic processing and high hydrostatic pressure processing.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
There is no deadline for applications. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year (upon the request of a faculty member) for either a Spring, Summer or Fall semester start.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 80 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
While maintaining our traditional connection to agriculture, our faculty researchers are also developing alternative production systems, leading innovative research for renewable energy sources, developing value-added products and processes, and implementing new methods to improve air and water quality. The ABE department’s research platform is organized into the five focus areas listed below.
Whether you become an agricultural engineer, a biological systems engineer, an agricultural system technologist or an industrial technologist, you’ll find an exciting career in which you can make a difference.
The subjects we cover are diverse, but they all come together in designing and/or managing 21st century technology systems that impact people's lives.
Degrees Offered:
How long does it take to earn a degree?
Application Deadlines:
International Applicants should apply for priority consideration by February 2 for fall semester, and July 1 for spring semester. International applicants will be asked to delay their admission to the following spring or fall semester in the following instances: Application for fall semester received after April 1; Application for spring semester received after August 1. Domestic Applicants are encouraged to follow the same application deadlines above to have full consideration for assistantships.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Graduate College Requirements:
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79 |
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| PTE | 53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) | 115 |
