Biological Sciences

Interdepartmental Program
No
The certificate program in Environmental Engineering offers advanced education opportunities in the field of environmental protection, sustainability, and infrastructure development. This program prepares students for careers in environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and industry by equipping them with expertise in addressing complex environmental challenges.
A sewage treatment plant's aeration tanks, aiding in the breakdown of pollutants

Environmental engineers develop new and innovative solutions to the problems that directly impact people’s lives such as climate change, water supply, and soil, water and air pollution to create efficient, healthy and resilient systems.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate 
Program Degrees Offered
515-294-8212

Dawn Miller

millerdm@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

ISU-wide: Academic Records, GPA, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation

Application Deadlines: The priority date for applications is: January 15 for the fall semester and September 1 for the spring semester.

Program Requires GRE: No

Program Requires GMAT : No

Classes for this certificate are on-campus only.
This is a graduate certificate of 12 credits, and not a full graduate program. If you wish to earn an MS or PHD in Environmental Engineering, please apply for major of Civil Engineering w/specialization of Environmental Engineering.
GRE is preferred but not required.

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.

English Proficiency Minimum:

TOEFL Paper (PBT) 553
TOEFL Internet (iBT) 82
IELTS 6.5
PTE 55
Duolingo (approved through Spring 2026)  115

Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS:No

Financial Statement: Application

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
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Certificate Director
jea@iastate.edu
Program Staff
millerdm@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Dive into the intricate world of Wildlife Ecology at Iowa State University, where passion meets science to protect biodiversity and ecosystems. Our graduate program offers a dynamic blend of field research, conservation biology, and ecological theory, preparing students to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
animal-eco-feature

Dedicated to the understanding, effective management, and sustainable use of our renewable natural resources through the land-grant missions of teaching, research, and extension.


Degrees Offered:

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

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.6 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.8 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Synthesize the scholarly literature in the area of study
  • Articulate research objectives and form testable hypotheses to address knowledge gaps in their field
  • Conduct quantitative and/or qualitative research using appropriate methods
  • Clearly communicate research findings orally and in writing for both scientific and lay audiences
  • Describe and apply ethical and professional standards to their scholarly work
515-294-1739

Sandi Schroeder

nremgradinfo@iastate.edu
Natural Resource Ecology and Management
339 Science II
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3221

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Rolling

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:

  • If you wish to pursue a degree in Wildlife Ecology, you should begin by first visiting the Natural Resources Ecology and Management (NREM) web page (https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/) to identify faculty who share your interests. In NREM we do not accept students who haven't first obtained sponsorship from a faculty member. Applicants should contact relevant faculty directly to inquire about graduate positions. Only applications from individuals that are nominated by a faculty member will be considered for admission.
  • 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) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
julieb@iastate.edu
Program Staff
tkporte@iastate.edu
sandras2@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Our graduate programs span the full range of population sciences in animal health including animal welfare, diagnostic medicine, disease epidemiology, knowledge transfer methods, organism ecology, production medicine, and risk assessment.
Woman in white coat in front of machines

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:

  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Certificate

How long does it take to earn a degree?

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

Learning Goals

  • This is a research-focused doctoral graduate program aiming to train future leaders and create/disseminate knowledge in the area of Population Sciences in Animal Health.
  • Program graduates will be prepared to critically assess needs and develop scientifically validated methods to prevent and respond to productivity, health and welfare issues in animal populations.
515-294-9358

Dr. Daniel Linhares

linhares@iastate.edu Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Applications considered throughout the year.

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:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2025) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
linhares@iastate.edu
Program Staff
cmpete@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
gregory@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Building on our long established departmental strengths in the pathology and parasitic diseases of domestic animals, the Department of Veterinary Pathology emphasizes residency training leading to board-certification combined with graduate degrees in Veterinary Pathology for individuals who already hold the DVM or equivalent degree.
Doctor operating on animal

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:

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

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

  • Veterinary Clinical Pathology (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Veterinary Parasitology (M.S., Ph.D.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Anatomic Pathology
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

 

  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative hypothesis-driven research by appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, and integrate them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.
  • Conduct scholarship, independently or collaboratively, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-4590

Krista Hibbs

hibbs@iastate.edu
Veterinary Pathology
2764 Vet Med
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1134

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Consult FIRST with Veterinary Pathology Department via email

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:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Emphasis Areas
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
toddbell@iastate.edu
Program Staff
hibbs@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Our faculty promote the understanding of causes of infectious disease in animals and the mechanisms by which diseases develop at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels. Veterinary microbiology also includes research on the interaction of pathogenic and symbiotic microbes with their hosts and the host response to infection.
Scientist working

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:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

(may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Preventive Medicine (Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.9 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 3.0 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Discipline knowledge: Graduates should demonstrate a depth of knowledge in the topics relevant to the area or discipline or area of study, including but not limited to microbiology, immunology, molecular biology and genetics, microbial pathogenesis, epidemiology and microbe-host interactions.
  • Research skills: Graduates are expected to demonstrate competency in design and implementation of experiments to generate data to test specific hypotheses or to develop new experimental approaches. In addition, students should be competent in identifying and using appropriate methods of data analysis and interpretation.
  • Communication skills: Graduates should demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills ideally though opportunities made available through professional societies and closely related to the area of study.
  • Contribution to knowledge: Graduates are expected to make original and substantive contributions to knowledge in the area of study and this knowledge should be disseminated by way of peer-reviewed publications and other presentations.
515-294-3386

Tammy Krock

takrock@iastate.edu
Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
2182 Vet Med
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1250

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

February 1 for fall assistance consideration (applications considered throughout the year)

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: Yes
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Degree Specialization
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
idoerg@iastate.edu
Program Staff
takrock@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
linhares@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Embark on a journey of advanced veterinary medicine at Iowa State University's Veterinary Clinical Science graduate program. Designed for aspiring veterinary professionals, our program integrates cutting-edge research with practical clinical training to elevate animal health and welfare.
horse

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:

  • Master of Science (M.S.)

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

  • Animal Production Medicine (M.S.)
  • Theriogenology (M.S.)
  • Veterinary Medicine (M.S.)
  • Veterinary Surgery (M.S.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered
515-294-2531

Megan Jedlicka

meganjed@iastate.edu
Office of Admissions
100 Alumni Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2011

Program Homepage

Application Requirements

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.

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:

  • DVM, VMD or Equivalent Veterinary Degree
  • 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) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE

    53

    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
ajergens@iastate.edu
Program Staff
meganjed@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
ajergens@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
Collaborate with renowned faculty on interdisciplinary studies exploring chemical hazards, risk assessment, and toxicological mechanisms, preparing you to address complex challenges in human and environmental health. Whether your interests lie in regulatory toxicology, drug safety, or environmental risk assessment, Iowa State provides a supportive and innovative environment to advance your career in toxicology.
tox_seminar

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:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Air Quality
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Biochemical Toxicology
  • Cancer Research
  • Cellular Toxicology
  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Food Safety
  • Nutritional Toxicology
  • Insect Toxicology
  • Neurotoxicology
  • Pesticide Research
  • Cellular Toxicology, Molecular and Genetic Toxicology
  • Analytical Toxicology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Veterinary Toxicology

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.7 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.8 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Develop competence in Toxicology literature review and understanding
  • Develop critical thinking skills required for Toxicological research
  • Develop oral and written communication skills in the field of Toxicology and learn to communicate Toxicology-related material to broader audiences via poster and/or platform presentation
  • Develop skills and learn analytical techniques to conduct, analyze and interpret hypothesis-driven Toxicological research questions
  • Develop awareness of the societal (ethical, socio-economic, regulatory) responsibilities of toxicologists
515-294-2440

Casey Smth

caseys@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Toxicology
2008 Veterinary Medicine
1800 Christensen Drive
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1079

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

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.

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:

  • Statement of previous research experience; and statement of present research interests that you wish to pursue at Iowa State (may be one document)
  • We would appreciate it if your supplemental materials (resume, research experience, research interests) were submitted as a pdf into the on-line application system.
  • If you are unable to upload the supplement information, you may send to toxmajor@iastate.edu
  • Program Requires GRE: Yes
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
akeating@iastate.edu
Program Staff
vbracha@iastate.edu
caseys@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Explore the frontiers of science teaching and learning with Iowa State University's Science Education graduate program. Designed for educators passionate about STEM education, our program offers a robust curriculum that integrates theory, research, and hands-on teaching experience.
Gabrielle Myers

If you have a bachelor’s degree in science or a closely related field and want to teach science to students in grades 5-12, then you’ll want to join our science education graduate program. The Iowa State University School of Education offers a M.A.T. in science education through our Educator Preparation Program for individuals already possessing an undergraduate science degree. This program leads to licensure recommendation. 


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

 

Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate their mastery of pedagogical knowledge by achieving a passing score on the Praxis subject area assessment and the PPAT
  • Demonstrate their mastery of specialized content knowledge in their certification area by achieving a GPA for their specialized education courses that meets or exceeds the state minimum required for teacher certification.
  • Demonstrate satisfactory teaching competence by earning a passing grade in student teaching.
  • Knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their professional work.
515-294-9531

School of Education

soegradsupport@iastate.edu
School of Education
1620 Lagomarcino Hall
Ames, IA 50011

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

February 1 for summer admission

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:

  • Undergraduate preparation/degree in sciences preferred
  • 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) 560
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 83
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 56
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Interdepartmental Program
No
Explore the intricate science of plant health and disease management with Iowa State University's Plant Pathology graduate program. Tailored for aspiring plant scientists and agricultural professionals, our program offers a robust curriculum that integrates advanced research with practical application.
cell
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in plant pathology.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to knowledge and practice of plant pathology.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate data acquisition and analysis; appropriately interpret results and integrate data into existing knowledge.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate technical and practical information, both orally and in writing, to the scientific community, Extension audiences, and the general public.
  • Conduct scholarship or other professional activities, in teams or independently, in ways that demonstrate and promote ethical practice, and professionalism.

Degrees Offered:

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

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.6 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in plant pathology.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to knowledge and practice of plant pathology.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate data acquisition and analysis; appropriately interpret results and integrate data into existing knowledge.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate technical and practical information, both orally and in writing, to the scientific community, Extension audiences, and the general public.
  • Conduct scholarship or other professional activities, in teams or independently, in ways that demonstrate and promote ethical practice, professionalism, diversity and inclusion.
515-294-9052

Dai Nguyen

plantpath@iastate.edu
Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology
207 Science Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1020

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Applications are accepted year round; however, to ensure full consideration for financial support (assistantships and fellowships), applications are due January 1 for Fall admission and August 1 for Spring admission.

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) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
munkvold@iastate.edu
Program Staff
dna112@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
tbaum@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Master the art and science of enhancing crop genetics with Iowa State University's Plant Breeding graduate program. Designed for aspiring plant breeders and agricultural scientists, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates cutting-edge research with practical application.
Plant Pathology

Courses and hands-on experience provide the advanced techniques that will enable you to address environmental and agricultural problems facing our global community. If you’re interested in our graduate program, browse our scientist’s areas of expertise and current research projects. If a subject or project interests you, reach out to that researcher. For on-campus graduate students, a faculty member must agree to be your major professor before admission into the program. Those participating in the online distance program will be expected to find a major professor by the 2nd or 3rd semester. Our graduate students are mentored by their major professor, as well as their Program of Study committee which includes a small group of faculty members, one of which must be in a different field of study.


Degrees Offered:

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

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

  • Predictive Plant Phenomics (Ph.D.)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study, i.e., plant breeding.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct original research via appropriate data acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and appropriate use of display items (tables, figures, and other appropriate types of presentation), electronic or other forms of media.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-4161

Brenda Kutz (distance students) & Kevin Desjean (campus based students)

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
Plant Breeding Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
Student Services
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Continual review for distance Plant Breeding program. Continual review for campus based Plant Breeding program, no deadlines for admission or assistantships. Faculty commitment required prior to admission in campus based program.

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:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Degree Specialization
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
mgsalas@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kdesjean@iastate.edu
bkutz@iastate.edu
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