Plant Agriculture

Interdepartmental Program
No
The objective of this Seed Science and Technology Graduate Certificate is to provide graduate level study in the science and technology used in the seed industry. This certificate is oriented toward individuals with a business background who want to understand the technical side of their industry in more depth so they can better apply their knowledge, skills and experience. Seed science in this case includes not only the science associated with seed production and use, but also plant breeding and plant biot
Seed science and technology

A graduate certificate provides a mechanism for bestowing formal recognition of focused graduate study in a specialized area that is less comprehensive than required for a master’s degree. At Iowa State University, a graduate certificate may be earned either before, after, or concurrently with the masters or doctoral degree. As such, the standards of admission and the standards to which a certificate student is held are equivalent to those expected of a master’s student. We offer two graduate certificates out of the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business, the Seed Science and Technology Certificate and the Seed Business Management Certificate.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate

 

Program Degrees Offered
515-294-9137

Lori Youngberg

seedgrad@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

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) 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?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
munkvold@iastate.edu
Program Staff
lyoung@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The objective of this Seed Business Management Graduate Certificate is to provide students with core graduate level management and leadership skills that will enable them to better serve seed and agricultural biotechnology businesses and regulatory agencies, their customers and their stakeholders, in an increasingly complex environment.
Male hands touching soil on the field.

The Seed Business Management Certificate requires 16 credits to complete. The certificate may be either the final objective of the student or an intermediate stop on his/her way to a master’s degree. The content of the course on Seed Trade, Policies, and Regulation will be unique to this program. This material will provide the basis for strategic thought about the seed industry from either the viewpoint of a participant or a regulator.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate

 

Program Degrees Offered
515-294-9137

Lori Youngberg

seedgrad@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

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?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
munkvold@iastate.edu
Program Staff
lyoung@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Graduate Certificate in Embedded Systems offers specialized training in the design, development, and implementation of embedded systems, preparing professionals for careers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, and IoT (Internet of Things).
Sprinkler of automatic watering

All of the courses in each certificate program earn graduate credits that can be applied toward the parallel master’s degree program.


Degrees Offered:

  • Certificate

 

Program Degrees Offered
515-294-8403

Vicky Thorland-Oster

ecpe-grad-questions@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Fall term - June 15, Spring term - Nov 15, Summer term - March 15.

International students should apply at least three months before the start of term they are applying.

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) 570
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 88
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 59
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Certificate Director
zambreno@iastate.edu
Program Staff
vlthorl@iastate.edu
awmoore@iastate.edu
program_contact_email_new
ecpe-grad-questions@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
The Master of Design in Sustainable Environments (M.Des.S.E.) is an advanced interdisciplinary degree that focuses on holistic design strategies for the production of sustainable, resilient environments and artifacts. MDesSE Students and faculty constitute a highly interactive multi-disciplinary community that is deeply engaged in understanding, promoting and conceiving sustainable practices in design, planning and artistic production.
Students working at computers

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:

  • 1. Addressing the impact of climate change on communities and the built environment.
  • 2. Integrating informal economies within contemporary modes of urbanization.
  • 3. Developing strategies to reinvigorate waterways and enhance water quality.
  • 4. Integrating waste as a resource in contemporary infrastructures.
  • 5. Rethinking disaster mitigation processes that promote resilience, and expedited relief.

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:

  • Master of Design in Sustainable Environments (M.D.S.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

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

Learning Goals

  • Have a thorough understanding of factors contributing to development of the sustainability movement.
  • Understand and critically assess the state of their own home discipline as it is related to sustainability.
  • Develop design processes and successfully apply communication tactics to scenarios related to sustainable design.
  • Have the ability to spatially analyze basic and advanced metrics related to elements of sustainability.
  • Analyze the impacts of sustainability and potential solutions at multiple human scales: individual, communal, systemic and global.
  • Think critically about the relationship between a research problem and a research method.
  • Have knowledge of a broad range of methods of research used in the design of sustainable environments.
  • Be prepared to work successfully in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Have strong verbal, visual and written communication skills.
515-294-3366

Melissa Stenstrom

msten@iastate.edu
Iowa State University
Attn: Graduate Programs Support
715 Bissell Road
146 Design
Ames, IA 50011

Program Homepage

Application Requirements

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.

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:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • 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
rwhitehd@iastate.edu
Program Staff
janders@iastate.edu
msten@iastate.edu
annegn@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
The interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Sustainable Agriculture (GPSA) is intended to integrate knowledge and problem-solving skills from the agricultural sciences with those from ecology, the social sciences, and ethics.
wheat field

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:

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

Learning Goals

  • An ability to frame problems and ask critical questions concerning agricultural sustainability
  • Knowledge of biophysical as well as socioeconomic aspects of agricultural sustainability
  • An expertise in sustainable agriculture that transcends disciplinary boundaries
  • An appreciation of the intellectual history of efforts to improve agricultural sustainability
  • An ability to work interdependently and collaboratively
  • The capacity to address complex agricultural problems by using systems thinking and other approaches
  • An ability to critique different problem-solving methods and approaches, and recognize and display visionary leadership with moral and ethical integrity
515.294.1191

Lynette Edsall

susag@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

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.

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) 570
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 88
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 59
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
marsh@iastate.edu
Program Staff
camelot@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Unearth the secrets of Earth's essential resource with Iowa State University's Soil Science graduate program. Designed for aspiring soil scientists and environmental researchers, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends rigorous academic training with hands-on field experience.
students of soil science

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.)

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

  • Soil Chemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Fertility (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Management (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Morphology and Genesis (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Soil Physics (M.S., Ph.D.)

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: 2.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of soil components and soil processes.
  • Identify critical issues in fundamental and applied soil science and to formulate scientific approaches to those issues.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of soil science to solve problems in nonacademic contexts and in collaboration with professionals in other disciplines.
  • Demonstrate professional communication skills, using effective strategies both when writing technical reports, research proposals, journal articles, or popular press articles and when giving oral or poster presentations to scientific or lay audiences.
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of the soil as a fundamental natural resource, deserving of wise use and protection.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues that pertain to soil science and science in general.
  • Maintain, in collaboration with the faculty, an environment of discovery, professional pride, collaboration, and mutual support.
515-294-4161

Kevin Desjean

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
Soil Science Graduate Programs
Iowa State University
2101 Agronomy Hall
716 Farm House Lane
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Continual review, no deadlines for admission or assistantships. Faculty commitment required prior to 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:

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
millerba@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kdesjean@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
If you are a professional working in the seed sector, the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB) has been designed specifically with your needs in mind. The STB program offers an interdisciplinary Master of Science degree that provides you with current seed science and technology instruction along with essential courses in business management in a rigorous, integrated curriculum. This is an ONLINE only graduate program.
Aline Sartor Chicowski

If you are a professional working in the seed sector, the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB) has been designed specifically with your needs in mind. The STB program offers a completely online, interdisciplinary Master of Science degree that provides you with current seed science and technology instruction along with essential courses in business management in a rigorous, integrated curriculum. The STB program also offers two online Graduate Certificates, one focusing on seed science and technology and the other on seed business management. In addition to the master of science and graduate certificates, the STB program hosts two, week-long short courses that take place at the Seed Science Center on the Iowa State University campus.


Degrees Offered:

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

This is an ONLINE only graduate program.

Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Understand the principles and concepts associated with seed science, seed technology and seed business management as they relate to the global seed industry
  • Understand how research & development and technical processes contribute to business success in the seed industry
  • Critically evaluate data and other technical information in order to diagnose and solve seed technology and business problems
  • Work effectively in diverse teams to apply technical knowledge, ethics, and management skills to develop and implement strategies for business success
  • Clearly and accurately communicate technical and practical information, both orally and in writing, to colleagues and the general public
515-294-9137

Lori Youngberg

seedgrad@iastate.edu
Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business
195F Seed Science Center
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3228

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Our online program has a rolling admission process and we review applications as they come in for the next available starting 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:

  • Submit an essay addressing your career goals and how the program will help you achieve these goals. Specific questions to consider for the essay are available on our admissions website: http://www.seedgrad.iastate.edu/what-required-admission-program
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Undergraduate academic transcripts
  • Resume/CV
  • 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 Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
munkvold@iastate.edu
Program Staff
lyoung@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
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
Immerse yourself in the diverse and vital field of plant biology at Iowa State University's Plant Biology graduate program. Designed for passionate scientists and researchers, our program offers an in-depth exploration of plant anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology.
Forestry Feature

The Interdepartmental Plant Biology (IPB), previously Interdepartmental Plant Physiology Major (IPPM), educates scientists in basic plant biology, including but not limiting to plant molecular biology, plant cell biology, plant physiology, and plant organismal biology and provides training in the most state of the art methods and technologies. 


Degrees Offered:

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

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

  • Predictive Plant Phenomics (Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 6.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of plant molecular and cellular biology. Measurable Outcomes: 1) Preparation of a research proposal 2) Successful completion of Preliminary Examination 3) Successful defense of the Final Thesis
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of plant biology. Measurable Outcomes: 1) Preparation of a research proposal 2) Successful defense of the Final Thesis 3) Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journal
  • Conduct rigorous research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data, and demonstrate creativity and independence. Measurable Outcomes: 1) Completion of Thesis Research Project 2) Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journal
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing. Measurable Outcomes: 1) Oral and poster presentations at local, regional, and national conferences 2) Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journal 3) Participation in outreach activities
  • Conduct scholarship in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-9052

Dai Nguyen

ipb@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

December 1 for full consideration for fall assistantships.

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:

  • Research Experience
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Research Publications
  • 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
Degree Specialization
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
myn@iastate.edu
Program Staff
dna112@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
Explore the intersection of food, health, and well-being with Iowa State University's Nutritional Sciences graduate program. Rooted in scientific inquiry and practical application, our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for careers in nutrition research, public health, clinical practice, and industry.
student working

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:

  • Animal nutrition
  • Human nutrition
  • Molecular/biochemical nutrition

Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

(may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Animal Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Global Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Human Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Molecular and Cellular Nutrition (M.S., Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.8 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Have an in-depth and accurate knowledge and understanding of the field
  • Understand central issues and current research areas that are important in the field
  • Apply theoretical information to solve practical problems
  • Prepare and communicate discipline-specific information in written and oral forms to scientific and lay audiences
  • Design, conduct, and interpret research
  • Facilitate learning in the classroom
515-294-6442

Brenda Emery

robynath@iastate.edu
Graduate Program Coordinator
Nutritional Sciences
220 MacKay Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1123

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 application deadline for Fall Semester.

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:

  • Applicants are advised to request letters of recommendation from professors and/or employers who are able to describe in detail characteristics and qualifications which predict that the applicant will succeed in graduate school.
  • TOEFL and IELTS scores MUST be valid to be considered for admission.
  • Resume/CV
  • Transcripts
  • 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 Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
kschalin@iastate.edu
Program Staff
robynath@iastate.edu
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