Master of Science

Abbreviation
M.S.
Code
MS
Degree Type
Masters
Interdepartmental Program
No
Collaborate closely with award-winning faculty on innovative projects in multimedia journalism, public relations, advertising, media ethics, and communication technology. Gain practical experience through internships, media partnerships, and cutting-edge facilities. Whether your aspirations involve reporting on global issues, shaping public opinion, or leading communication strategies for organizations, Iowa State provides the expertise and resources to excel in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.
Graduate-Program-Daniela-office

The mission of the Department of Interior Design is to educate students to become successful designers and scholars who enhance human experience and improve built, cultural, and social environments through interior design.

Our programs are ideal for energetic and inquisitive students who want to study within an energetic field that encourages innovation, creativity, collaboration, and experimentation. Through coursework, hands-on projects, and research activities, our students leave Iowa State ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Science communication
  • Political communication and social change
  • Multicultural communication
  • Media industries

How long does it take to earn a degree?

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

Learning Goals

  • To develop an understanding of the central issues and current research important to the field of journalism and communication.
  • To be familiar with the breadth and depth of the journalism and communication profession.
  • To be able to communicate acquired knowledge in the field.
  • To be aware of ethical issues that pertain to the field of journalism and communication.
  • To develop the ability to design and present an independent and meaningful research project.
515-294-8344

Michael Dahlstrom

greenlee-masters-program@iastate.edu
Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication Graduate Program
101 Hamilton Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1180

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Rolling examination of applications, but students who wish to be considered for assistantships should submit applications by Feb. 15.

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:

  • Portfolio (recommended
  • 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) 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
mfd@iastate.edu
Program Staff
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
At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.
lab

The Chemistry program at Iowa State University has a pre-application process. Apply ONLY to Chemistry initially using the departmental online application found on our webpage at www.chem.iastate.edu or above under the Apply Now button. We review your file in house and if you receive an offer of admission and accept, we will pay your application fee to the University.


Degrees Offered:

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

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

  • Biomolecular Science (Ph.D.)
  • Chemical Education (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Chemical Instrumentation (Ph.D.)
  • Forensic Chemistry (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Industrial Chemistry (Ph.D.)
  • Materials Chemistry (Ph.D.)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Have an understanding of the literature in your discipline
  • Identify problems relevant to the sub-field of chemistry
  • Learn to gather, organize, analyze, and report data
  • Develop the skills to test hypotheses and solve research problems
  • Communicate research effectively, in both written and oral forms
515-294-7810

Graduate Student Services

chemgrad@iastate.edu
Chemistry Graduate Admissions
1605 Gilman Hall
2415 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA 50011-1021

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

International deadline: January 15. Domestic deadline: February 1 We do not offer 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:

  • Departmental on-line application
  • TOEFL scores are REQUIRED for international applicants.
  • 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) 573
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 89
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 60
    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
yjlee@iastate.edu
Program Staff
norvell@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Navigate the intersection of technology and business strategy with Iowa State University's Information Systems graduate program. Our program offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in information technology management, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
Yadav-Jyothi

The master of science in information systems (MSIS) program gives you the tools you need to take your career to the next level. As an MSIS student, you will learn how to bridge the gap between business and technology — solving business problems using cutting-edge IT solutions.  

Graduates of our program are bilingual in IT and business and are highly sought after by employers. This is residential program that offers flexible delivery methods, both online and in-person.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Science (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

Learning Goals

  • Teamwork effectiveness
  • Critical thinking
  • Written Communication
  • Ethics
  • Oral Communication
515-294-8118

Sam Sivaskandan (Master's) & Emily Meeks (PhD)

samsivas@iastate.edu & emeeks@iastate.edu
Iowa State University
Dr Charles B Handy Graduate Programs Office
1420 Gerdin Business Building
2167 Union Drive
Ames, IA 50011-2027

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Admission is granted for the fall, spring or summer. Deadlines: June 15 for Fall, November 15 for Spring, and March 15 for Summer. *We encourage international students to apply at least three months before the start of the term they are applying for.

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 2025) 120
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
ruichen@iastate.edu
Program Staff
slwilson@iastate.edu
lacyg@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Shape the future of efficiency and optimization in industries with Iowa State University's Industrial Engineering graduate program. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in operations management, supply chain optimization, manufacturing systems, and healthcare systems engineering.
Gary-Mirka-Lab

Our program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in optimizing systems and processes across various industries. Through a combination of cutting-edge research, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning opportunities, our faculty prepare students to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation in industrial settings.


Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Human Factors/Ergonomics
  • Operations Research/Analytics

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature a field of study related to IE. (MS/PHD)
  • Create and articulate a research question that, when addressed, will lead to significant contributions to a field of study related to IE. (MS/PHD)
  • Conduct quality research that addresses the research question posed. (MS/PHD)
  • Demonstrate learning of state-of-the-art in focus area (MEng)
  • Demonstrate learning of all graduate level coursework. (MEng)
515-294-0129

Jess Severe

imsegradprogram@iastate.edu
Please DO NOT mail any documents to the IMSE Department. They MUST be submitted electronically as part of your application with the Office of Admissions-- they handle the entire application process for the academic programs.
Mailing and emailing documents to either the IMSE Department OR the Office of Admissions will lengthen the time it takes for the Office of Admissions to receive and/or process these documents.
This could cause your application to be delayed, putting it at risk of being late or incomplete-- ***incomplete applications AND applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered.

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Completed applications are due January 15 for Fall admission and September 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:

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?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
mirka@iastate.edu
Program Staff
devna@iastate.edu
jsevere@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
mirka@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Looking for a great place to study? Our graduates safeguard and improve the earth, its resources and its people. Ignite your future here in ABE and design projects, apply solutions and more.
students working in a field

While maintaining our traditional connection to agriculture, our faculty researchers are also developing alternative production systems, leading innovative research for renewable energy sources, developing value-added products and processes, and implementing new methods to improve air and water quality. The ABE department’s research platform is organized into the five focus areas listed below.

Whether you become an agricultural engineer, a biological systems engineer, an agricultural system technologist or an industrial technologist, you’ll find an exciting career in which you can make a difference.

The subjects we cover are diverse, but they all come together in designing and/or managing 21st century technology systems that impact people's lives.


Degrees Offered:

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

Learning Goals

  • Solve problems and think critically about their focus area
  • Analyze and interpret data
  • Communicate effectively
  • An ability to design and conduct independent research that informs decision making (PhD students)
  • A deep and robust understanding of the relevant literature and problems related to their research (PhD students)
515-294-1033

Kris Bell

abegradinfo@iastate.edu
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Graduate Program
1350F Elings Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3080

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

International Applicants should apply for priority consideration by February 2 for fall semester, and July 1 for spring semester. International applicants will be asked to delay their admission to the following spring or fall semester in the following instances: Application for fall semester received after April 1; Application for spring semester received after August 1. Domestic Applicants are encouraged to follow the same application deadlines above to have full consideration for assistantships.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

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 (Indicate field of interest, proposed research area, how this degree will help meet your long-term goals, and how you are prepared to be successful in this area of research)
  • 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?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
sfreeman@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kabell@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
Explore the intricate workings of the immune system and its applications in health and disease with Iowa State University's Immunobiology graduate program. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in immunology research, vaccine development, biomedical sciences, and public health.
Medical students in the class

The Graduate Major in Immunobiology is an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary training program at Iowa State University that offers the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Immunobiology training program offers a broad spectrum of Immunobiology research opportunities, ranging from the molecular to the cellular to the systemic level of analysis. The program includes over 40 faculty from the departments of Animal Science; Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Chemical & Biological Engineering; Entomology; Food Science & Human Nutrition; Kinesiology; Natural Resource Ecology & Management; Veterinary Clinical Sciences; Veterinary Diagnostic Production and Animal Medicine; Veterinary Pathology; Veterinary Microbiology & Preventive Medicine; and the National Animal Disease Center. The diversity of faculty expertise ensures a broad education while offering flexibility in choice of specialization.


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: 6.9 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 3.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in immunobiology.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of immunobiology.
  • 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 immunobiology.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Carla Harris

imbio@iastate.edu
Immunobiology
2014 Molecular Biology Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

December 1 for fall 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) 563
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 85
    IELTS 7
    PTE 57
    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
mcho@iastate.edu
Program Staff
charris@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Deepen your understanding of human growth, development, and relationships with Iowa State University's Human Development and Family Studies graduate program. Our program offers a multidisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in research, counseling, family therapy, social services, and policy development.
 Child development

The graduate programs are structured to allow graduate students to custom design their own program of study (POS). Other than core requirements, students, with approval of their Program of Study Committee, may select from all available graduate coursework to complete the degree. This flexible option is designed to meet the unique needs of our graduate students looking for interdisciplinary curriculum and research:


Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Adolecent/youth development
  • adult development and aging
  • family studies and policy
  • family economic well-being and financial planning
  • heath and well-being
  • infant and child development
  • lifespan development
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Obtain broad understanding of the scholarly literature in Human Development and Family Studies and a comprehensive understanding of the scholarly literature in area of expertise.
  • Form testable hypotheses/anticipated hypothesized relationships and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the 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, in writing and with appropriate use of images (e.g., tables, figures) and media.
  • Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship facilitates meets life and career goals.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams and independently, that consistently demonstrates ethical practice and professionalism.
  • Participate in professional, university and/or community related service.
  • Demonstrate effectiveness in teaching university courses (doctoral students).
515 294 8502

Tricia Neppl

hdfs-grad-adm@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Priority Deadline: December 1, 2022 – Applicants whose materials are received by this date will be given priority review for assistantship appointments and scholarships. Final Deadline: January 2, 2023 – The final day to submit application materials for consideration.

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:

  • Copy of your CV/Resume is needed by department. Please upload within your online application.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • 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?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
tneppl@iastate.edu
Program Staff
dhbarnes@iastate.edu
mjmccunn@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
tneppl@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
Explore the dynamic intersection of technology, design, and human behavior with Iowa State University's Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) graduate program. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum that blends theory with hands-on practice to prepare students for careers in user experience (UX) design, interaction design, usability engineering, and research in HCI.
VR

The HCI graduate major reflects a broad recognition in academia and industry of the need to train researchers to meet the challenges created by today’s breakneck pace of technological progress. HCI graduate students benefit from interacting with ISU faculty from departments representing every college in the University as well as researchers at the Virtual Reality Applications Center.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Master of Human Computer Interaction (M.H.C.I.)
  • Online Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Human Computer Interaction (M.H.C.I.)

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.6 years (Methods)

Learning Goals

  • Design and evaluate systems with a user-centered design lens
  • Participate in a multidisciplinary product development team
  • Choose and apply an appropriate user-centered design approach
  • Identify key players and organizations in HCI
  • Use theories and models in the HCI field
  • Describe emerging technology trends
515-294-2089

Tiffany Kayser

info@hci.iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

MS and Ph.D. degree January 15 for Fall Admissions and September 1 for Spring admissions; Online Master of HCI is July 15 for Fall, December 15 for Spring, and April 15 for Summer admission. For full consideration, all materials must be submitted by the deadline.

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 65
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
gilbert@iastate.edu
Program Staff
labagley@iastate.edu
tlkayser@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Master the art of hospitality leadership and service excellence with Iowa State University's Hospitality Management graduate program. Our program offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in hospitality operations, event management, tourism, and hospitality entrepreneurship.
two people talking

The Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management prides itself on having one of the top graduate programs of its kind in the world. The unique combination of expert faculty, top-notch learning laboratories, and rigorous academic training prepares graduate students to enter academia or industry with outstanding credentials. We know that our graduates are making an impact within the apparel, hospitality, and food service industries. Whether they are conducting cutting-edge research or managing world-class operations, Iowa State is proud to call our alums leaders in the field.


Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Club management
  • Economic development
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Event
  • Finance
  • Food safety
  • Foodservice management
  • Leadership
  • Hospitality education
  • Human resource management
  • Marketing and consumer behavior
  • Tourism
  • School foodservice
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Faculty members in the program expect all students to demonstrate mastery of required coursework by maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or better. All students will demonstrate the ability to work in teams, design a research or creative project, and communicate in writing and orally. In addition, all students are expected to be aware of societal, professional, and ethical issues related to the discipline.
  • Upon successful completion of the graduate program, AESHM graduates will be competent in the following four areas:
  • Critical Thinking: 1.Assimilate, integrate, and evaluate research/creative activity in the discipline of interest and related disciplines. 2.Implement appropriate methods for research/creative activity. 3.Apply relevant theory in scholarship. 4.Demonstrate a multi-disciplinary perspective appropriate to the field. 5.[PhD] Develop a program of research/creative activity that contributes uniquely to the field of study.
  • Self-Reflection/Self-Assessment: 1.Develop a program of scholarship, industry experience, and teaching as appropriate to the requirements of the individual’s professional situation. 2.[PhD] Formulate a professional philosophy in teaching, scholarship, and/or service.
  • Social Responsibility/Ethics: 1.Explain, analyze, and/or describe how moral and ethical issues apply to individual situations in the relevant field of study. 2.Demonstrate an understanding of ethical scholarship and professional practices.
  • Communication: 1.Interpret and communicate scholarship to diverse audiences (e.g., scholarly, families, consumers, agencies, businesses, nonprofit organizations) in written, oral, visual, and electronic (WOVE) formats.
  • Faculty members strongly encourage doctoral students to present at discipline-related meetings such as the Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research Conference in Hospitality and Tourism, or the International Textiles and Apparel Association Annual Meeting at least once before graduation. Doctoral students also are encouraged to publish at least one paper prior to graduation.
515-294-8990

Dr. SoJung Lee

sjlee@iastate.edu
Hospitality Management Graduate Program
2302 Osborn Drive
31 MacKay Hall
Ames, IA 50011

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

On-campus student applications for fall semester admission are due March 1, but please apply by February 1 if you are seeking scholarships and assistantships. Hybrid student applications for summer cohort admission are due March 15. On-campus and hybrid student applications for spring semester admission are due October 15. After these deadlines, rolling admissions will be processed based on availability within the program. *GRE/GMAT is NOT required for both MS/PhD applications

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
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
sjlee@iastate.edu
Program Staff
sjlee@iastate.edu
akelber@iastate.edu
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