Human Biological Sciences

Interdepartmental Program
No
Explore the art and science of food with our graduate program in Food Science and Technology. At Iowa State University, we offer a dynamic curriculum that blends rigorous scientific inquiry with practical application in food processing, safety, and innovation.
Food science and technology

Graduates of Food Science acquire essential skills in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physics, engineering, nutrition, biology, mathematics, and other disciplines highly sought after in various industries and career fields.


Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Functional Food and Packaging
  • Food Safety and Quality
  • Green and Sustainable Food

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 3.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Apply scientific thinking in the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of knowledge within the discipline of food science, nutritional sciences or dietetics.
  • Apply ethical reasoning within the discipline of food science, nutritional sciences or dietetics.
  • Effectively communicate discipline-specific information in written and oral forms to scientific audiences.
  • Effectively interact within scientific teams.
515-294-6442

Brenda Emery

robynath@iastate.edu
Graduate Program Coordinator
Food Science and Human Nutrition
220 MacKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1123

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Graduate applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis contingent on the availability of open positions. All applicants must provide a letter of commitment from a FSHN faculty member before applying to the 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:

  • Resume
  • Letter of Commitment from an FST Graduate Faculty member
  • 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 Virtual Tour
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
jotalber@iastate.edu
Program Staff
robynath@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The College of Human Sciences offers a Master of Family and Consumer Sciences (MFSC) degree (non-thesis) or students may choose an online specialization from the various departments within the college. 
People by railing talking

The Master of Family and Consumer Sciences degree specialization track in HDFS provides students with the opportunity to enhance their background knowledge and skills for working with children and families. Specifically, the objectives of this track allow students to:

  • Obtain knowledge of basic theory and research methods in human development and family studies
  • Acquire basic tools in statistics for informed consumption of research

A variety of opportunities exist for employment in human service agencies, child care centers, intervention programs, outreach, personal and financial resource management, and careers related to housing needs. Each program is individualized to optimize the existing background of the student for further development and expansion of skills and knowledge. Students with backgrounds in child/human development, family studies, education, psychology, sociology, and economics may find a good fit in the department for their academic goals. The requirements for the MFCS degree with program in human development and family studies includes 19 credits in theories and research methods and 18 credits in other HDFS courses. A written final exam is also required.

Achieve your personal and professional goals through convenient, flexible, high-quality coursework you can complete anytime, anywhere. As an Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) student at Iowa State University, you will learn from expert faculty who bring real-life experience to the coursework and are committed to helping you transition your learning beyond the online classroom into your career.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Family & Consumer Sciences (M.F.S.)
  • Online Master of Family & Consumer Sciences (M.F.S.)

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

  • Dietetics (M.F.S.)
  • Family Financial Planning (M.F.S.)
  • Family and Consumer Sciences Education (M.F.S.)
  • Gerontology (M.F.S.)
  • Human Development and Family Studies (M.F.S.)
  • Youth Development (M.F.S.)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Family Financial Planning Goal #1: Construction of a professional, comprehensive financial plan
  • Family Financial Planning Goal #2: Implementation of ethical standards in financial planning as prescribed by the CFP Board of Standards.
  • Family Financial Planning Goal #3: Demonstration of listening and counseling skills needed to help families with financial management.
  • Youth Development Goal #1: Articulate the rationale and efficacy of the Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach.
  • Youth Development Goal #2: Articulate developmental processes and the influences of context on youth.
  • Youth Development Goal #3: Apply research, theory, and evidence-informed practice for effective youth programming.
  • Youth Development Goal #4: Promote inclusivity in youth practice.
  • Youth Development Goal #5: Develop, manage, evaluate, and sustain PYD programs.
515-294-3916

Iowa State Online

idea@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Applications for our FCS programs are accepted year-round.

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 Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
margrett@iastate.edu
Program Staff
sarendt@iastate.edu
rogo@iastate.edu
mdirth@iastate.edu
gildaf@iastate.edu
drw1@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Diet and Exercise program integrates advanced scientific knowledge with practical skills in nutrition, exercise physiology, and health promotion. This program is designed for individuals aspiring to become registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, wellness coaches, or pursue further studies in related health professions.
Dietetics

This program provides a rigorous academic foundation and practical experience to empower graduates to improve health outcomes through nutrition and exercise interventions, preparing them for leadership roles in promoting wellness and preventing chronic disease.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science (M.S.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.0 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate understanding and technical competency in the fundamental principles and concepts of nutrition and exercise science.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in interpersonal communication and the ability to work successfully in teams to solve multidisciplinary problems.
  • Effectively prepare and deliver technical information to food science/human nutrition and exercise science professionals as well as to the general public.
  • Find, evaluate, and accurately interpret research literature.
  • Critically evaluate information, including the ability to distinguish verifiable facts from value claims, detect bias, and identify sources of conflicts.
  • Understand the dimensions of issues facing professionals in the field of nutrition and exercise science, including ethical, cultural, and environmental components.
  • Identify important health-related interactions between dietary nutrients and exercise used to assess and design dietary and exercise programs for maintenance of optimal health.
  • Evaluate and synthesize metabolic, dietary, and exercise research to devise advanced strategies in exercise and dietary intervention.
  • Design, conduct, and interpret research.
  • Apply theoretical information to solve practical problems.
  • Submit a paper for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
515 294-9770

Peter Clark

pjclark@iastate.edu
Brenda Emery, Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
220 MacKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1123

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

October 1 of junior 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 2026) 115
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
pjclark@iastate.edu
Program Staff
robynath@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Deepen your understanding of molecular processes and their applications in health and biotechnology with Iowa State University's Biochemistry graduate program. Our program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in biochemical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academic teaching.
Grad award winners

Collaborate closely with esteemed faculty on cutting-edge studies in protein structure and function, enzymology, metabolic pathways, and molecular genetics. Gain hands-on experience through advanced laboratory work, interdisciplinary research projects, and collaboration with industry partners. Whether your interests lie in drug discovery, metabolic engineering, or biochemical education, Iowa State provides the expertise and resources to excel in advancing our understanding of life at the molecular level.


Degrees Offered: 

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Computational Biology
  • Enzymology
  • Gene Regulation
  • Immunobiology
  • Metabolic Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Plant Biochemistry
  • Signal Transduction
  • Structural Biology

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: 1.0 year (Methods)

Learning Goals

  • The Master's and Ph.D. degrees with thesis are designed to train students in the ability to independently conceive and carry out original research in an area of interest. Advanced degree graduates become qualified to pursue or to continue basic and applied research careers in academia, government, and industry
  • Demonstrate understanding and thorough knowledge of the literature relevant to the area of study
  • Define research objectives of significance and develop testable hypotheses related to those objectives
  • Conduct research by appropriate means to test hypotheses
  • Clearly and accurately communicate information (as for instance, in the publication of research findings or in classroom teaching)
  • Understand how skills acquired by activities related to coursework, research, teaching, and scholarship facilitate the initial step toward a variety of lifetime career goals
  • The Graduate Certificate learning goals are to provide graduates a mechanism for formal recognition of focused graduate study in a specialized area that is less comprehensive than required for a Master's degree
515-294-3317

Allison Ringholz

bbmbapps@iastate.edu
Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology
Graduate Programs
1210 Molecular Biology Building
2437 Pammel Drive
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1079

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 7 for full consideration for PhD rotation program that begins in the fall of that year. No deadline for direct admission in fall, spring or summer to a faculty research group for Master's or PhD.

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
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
swn@iastate.edu
Program Staff
anring@iastate.edu
Subscribe to Human Biological Sciences