Education

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
Master the art of effective communication in today's dynamic professional landscapes with Iowa State University's Rhetoric and Professional Communication graduate program. Rooted in the traditions of rhetorical theory and practice, our program prepares students to excel as strategic communicators in diverse organizational settings.
Seemi Choudry

The PhD in Rhetoric and Professional Communication focuses on the rhetorical theory, history, pedagogy, and practice of written, oral, visual, and electronic communication (WOVE) in professional communities, such as business, industry, science, and government. The degree prepares graduates for academic positions in rhetoric, in multimodal composition, and in business, professional, and technical communication, as well as for work in the private and public sectors as professional communication specialists, editors, designers, and communications managers. Candidates are required to complete 72 hours of graduate credit including a dissertation and to pass a portfolio assessment, a preliminary examination (consisting of a written comprehensive examination and a special field examination), and an oral defense of the dissertation. The English Department offers a Master of Arts in Rhetoric, Composition, and Professional Communication as well.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.8 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate understanding and application of theories, research methods, and concepts in rhetoric, professional communication, and multimodal composition
  • Use a variety of technologies and media for designing and implementing effective, audience-centered communication
  • Analyze and critique communication in a variety of organizational and public contexts
  • Synthesize multiple historical and contemporary sources within research projects
  • Design and produce scholarship that makes a significant contribution to the field
515-294-2477

Graduate Program Office

englgrad@iastate.edu
English Department
Graduate Program Office
Iowa State University
227 Ross Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1201

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 5 (once per year for fall semester entry only). Early application completion is encouraged.

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) 587
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 95
    IELTS 7
    PTE 79
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
begray@iastate.edu
Program Staff
tsmiley@iastate.edu
jkilborn@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
Our program is designed for forward-thinking scholars who seek to explore complex problems through a multidisciplinary lens. We offer a unique opportunity for students to integrate knowledge across diverse fields, fostering innovation and creativity in research and scholarship.
Design

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)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the interdisciplinary area of study.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the interdisciplinary field of study.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate 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 often through the use of images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media.
  • Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
  • Demonstrate how the scholarship conducted represents interdisciplinary synthesis of information and perspectives from at least three areas of academic research.
515-294-8003

Melissa Stolt

igs@iastate.edu
Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies
1137 Pearson Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2206

Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

The fall deadline is July 15th,the spring deadline is November 15th,and the summer deadline is April 1st. International students need to apply at least 6 months prior to beginning of a term.

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 Purpose, (if not sent electronically with application). This statement should discuss the three subject matter areas that you want to pursue and what your emphasis will be.
  • 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
graves@iastate.edu
Program Staff
mstolt@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
If you want to pursue an advanced degree in education, Iowa State University’s School of Education can help you reach your goals.
Adewale Sedara

We offer doctoral, master’s and certificate programs in a variety of areas designed to help you further your career all while learning from leaders in the fields of higher education and PK-12 school systems. You’ll learn from researchers studying the latest methods and setting the standards for the next generation of learners.

Whether you’re looking for in-person, hybrid or fully online, contact us today and find a program that works for you.


Degrees Offered:

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

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

  • Community College Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • Curriculum and Instructional Technology (M.Ed.)
  • Educational Administration (M.Ed.)
  • Educational Leadership (Ph.D.)
  • Higher Education (M.Ed.)
  • Mathematics Licensure (M.Ed.)
  • P-12 Systems Level Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • Special Education (M.S.)
  • Special Education (practitioner) (M.Ed.)
  • Student Affairs (M.Ed.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Literacy (M.Ed.)
  • Literacy (M.S.)
  • Social and Cultural Studies of Education (M.S.)
  • Educational Leadership, Organizations, and Policy (Ph.D.)
  • Educational Technology (Ph.D.)
  • Higher Education (Ph.D.)
  • Literacy (Ph.D.)
  • Math Education (Ph.D.)
  • Science Education (Ph.D.)
  • Social and Cultural Studies of Education (Ph.D.)
  • Special Education (Ph.D.)

Learning Goals

  • MASTER OF EDUCATION (MED)
    • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the science and practice of the educational area of emphasis.
    • Demonstrate competencies associated with educational area of emphasis
    • Knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their professional work.
  • MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS)
    • Demonstrate a command and mastery of theory and evidence related to the science and practice of education.
    • Demonstrate their ability to conduct research on a topic that relates to education.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their research and professional work.
  • DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (EDD)
    • Construct and apply knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, organizations, and communities.
    • Analyze problems of practice and use multiple frames to develop meaningful solutions.
    • Integrate both practical and research knowledge, that links theory with systemic and systematic inquiry.
    • Use professional knowledge and practice in the generation of solutions and transformation of educational institutions.
    • Knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their research, leadership, and professional work.
  • DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) 
    • Demonstrate a command and mastery of theory and evidence related to the science and practice of education.
    • Demonstrate competencies required to develop and sustain an authentic line of inquiry that contributes to essential knowledge in the discipline.
    • Demonstrate their ability to conduct research on a topic that relates to education.
    • Knowledge of and adherence to ethical guidelines and standards in all aspects of their research and professional work.
515-294-9531

School of Education

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

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Application deadlines vary by program area. Go to https://www.education.iastate.edu/graduate-programs/ and click on the program area you are interested in to view the program area's application process and deadlines.

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:

  • Ph.D. Applicants Only: 2-3 page statement of intent
  • Ph.D. Applicants Only: scholarly writing sample
  • 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 Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
rsmith2@iastate.edu
Program Staff
patrickd@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
margrett@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The world needs people like you! Turn your passion for teaching and love of agriculture into an impactful career.
People sitting around talking

Iowa State University is famous for teaching agriculture, and our Master of Science in agricultural education curriculum gives you tools you need to get noticed and excel in a career as an agriculture teacher, extension or outreach professional, or agriculture communicator. If you want to stand out in agricultural education, there’s simply nowhere better than Iowa State.

Thanks to this online program, you now have access to that renowned education no matter where you are.

Develop your career without leaving current employment. Signal to your employer that you are committed to developing your skills and knowledge. Note: Resident instruction is required for the teacher certification option.


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)

  • Agricultural Extension Education (M.S., Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 2.9 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Select, organize, and implement appropriate delivery systems to fit a variety of teaching and learning situations.
  • Model and utilize appropriate learning principles and theories in agriculturally related learning situations.
  • Select, organize, and implement appropriate formative and summative evaluation strategies for accountability and program improvement.
  • Develop a foundation for one’s personal philosophy of agricultural education by synthesizing and evaluating appropriate philosophical models.
  • Develop and evaluate appropriate strategies for analyzing and assessing educational needs, situations, and processes.
  • Organize educational programs utilizing appropriate planning and development models.
  • Organize and evaluate international agricultural education programs based upon the principles of technology transfer.
  • Design, conduct, report, and evaluate quantitative and qualitative research utilizing appropriate design and analysis models.
  • Organize, conduct, and evaluate activities that further the mission of Agricultural Education, provide growth opportunities for its practitioners, and foster development of a vision for the profession.
  • Monitor the development of trends and administration of policies in and outside the discipline of Agricultural Education and explain their impact or potential impact on the discipline.
515-294-5872

Paige Zhorne

agedsinfo@iastate.edu
Agricultural Education
201 Curtiss Hall
513 Farm House Lane
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1050

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Doctoral applicants: March 15 for summer or fall admission, October 15 for spring admission.

Master's applicants: Evaluated on a rolling admission cycle

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:

  • For PhD: evidence of 3 years of relevant professional experience clearly shown on the resume
  • Three letters of reference. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a university professor. Ask your university references to comment on your past academic performance, potential to succeed in graduate school, character and work habit.
  • It is recommended that the other two letters be from professionals in education or business and industry who are familiar with your overall abilities and goals. Ask references to be specific and identify factors that will help the admissions committee.
  • Please do not ask friends and relatives to submit reference letters.
  • 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
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Degree Specialization
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
ngs@iastate.edu
Program Staff
pezhorne@iastate.edu
suzshow@iastate.edu
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