Master of Science

Abbreviation
M.S.
Code
MS
Degree Type
Masters
Interdepartmental Program
No
Research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is thriving at Iowa State. We have major research efforts in condensed matter physics, the physics of biological systems, high energy particle physics, nuclear physics, particle astrophysics, and astronomy, with excellent opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students.
Condensed matter physics

This program prepares students for advanced research and careers in academia, industry, and government laboratories by providing rigorous training in theoretical and experimental techniques.

 


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: 6.7 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 0.9 year (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Conduct original research. Our graduate students will conduct high-quality, original research in a specific field of physics/astronomy. This includes developing the ability to understand scholarly literature, to articulate research objectives, and to interpret research results appropriately.
  • Attain knowledge of physics/astronomy. Our graduate students will obtain a sound foundation in advanced physics/astronomy and in the advanced experimental, observational, and computational techniques required for their research. They will also obtain a broad understanding of other fields of physics/astronomy beyond their research specialty.
  • Develop professionalism. Our graduate students will conduct scholarship and teaching, in teams or independently, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and integrity. They will develop proficiency in written and verbal communication of complex scientific topics at the level required for presenting results in refereed journals and at scientific conferences.
515-294-4936

Charles Kerton or Valerie Arnold

physastro@iastate.edu
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Graduate Admissions
12 Physics Building
2323 Osborn Drive
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1026

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15th 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:

  • GRE General and Subject Tests are optional
  • Statement of Goals/Interests (if not submitted electronically)
  • All program required supplemental materials are to be uploaded as PDF documents into the online application system. If for some reason you are unable to upload, you may email documents to varnold@iastate.edu or postal mail to the address below.
  • A limited number of admission fee waivers will be available. See department website for details.
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
kerton@iastate.edu
Program Staff
varnold@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Our highly regarded academics, groundbreaking research, and supportive environment makes Iowa State’s Department of Computer Science an exceptional place to pursue an advanced degree with immediate career applications.
Coover lab

The Department of Computer Science offers a M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer Science as well as a M.S. in Artificial Intelligence.


Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  • Software Engineering and Programming Languages
  • Systems and Networking
  • Theoretical Foundations

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: 2.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Master core areas of Computer Science (MS, PhD)
  • Achieve in-depth knowledge in chosen subfield of Computer Science (PhD)
  • Obtain expertise to perform original research that advances Computer Science (PhD)
  • Demonstrate ability to communicate technical concepts and research results (MS, PhD)
515-294-5779

Department of Computer Science Graduate Admissions

csadmissions@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

See detailed deadlines for Spring 2025 applications at www.cs.iastate.edu/future-students. Fall 2025 applications will open September 1, 2024.

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:

  • Current Resume/CV
  • Unofficial transcripts from ALL universities/colleges attended - Please include the original language and an English translation. Consolidated transcripts are allowed if they show all tests and exams, including retakes. Please include the grading scale for your university/college. World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) evaluations of international transcripts are accepted starting with Fall 2024 applications.
  • Unofficial degree statement(s) - this isn't required if your degree is still in progress.
  • (3) Letters of Recommendation (LOR) - the application system will automatically send a recommendation request to the email address you provide for each recommender. Please reach out to csadmissions@iastate.edu with any issues related to the letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) - click here for guidance on writing the SOP.
  • GRE scores - click here for information about the GRE requirement, including applying for a GRE waiver
  • English Proficiency for International Applicants - click here for accept tests and minimum requirements
  • Passport/Immigration card - you can wait to upload this until you receive the admission decision.
  • Financial Support Documents - you can wait to upload this until you receive the admission decision. Please submit a bank statement and/or letter from an official sponsorship agency (including government) showing equivalent to one year's expenses. If you have any government or other scholarships, please include the letter. The amount you need to show can be found at https://isso.dso.iastate.edu/resources/students_scholars/expense-worksheet/graduate-expenses. The form at https://iastate.app.box.com/v/intl-finstatement may be helpful in planning your financial documents.
  • MS Application Deadlines
  • PhD Application Deadlines
  • Application Fee - we offer a delayed payment of the application fee. Admitted applicants who accept their offer of admission will pay the fee on their first university bill (u-bill) after enrolling in classes. All other applicants (those who are not admitted and those who do not accept their admission offer) are not required to pay an application fee.
  • 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
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
sbasu@iastate.edu
Program Staff
nlewis1@iastate.edu
janeller@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
pavan@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Computer Engineering program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in the dynamic field of computer engineering, fostering innovation and leadership in technology-driven industries.
Student Zhenghan Zhang

The Computer Engineering program integrates advanced theory and practical applications to prepare students for leadership roles in the fields of computer hardware and software systems. This program emphasizes the intersection of hardware and software, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of computing technologies and their real-world applications.


Degrees Offered:

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

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

  • Computing and Networking Systems (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Predictive Plant Phenomics (Ph.D.)
  • Secure and Reliable Computing (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Software Systems (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Very Large Scale Integration (M.S., Ph.D.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Information Systems Security/Networking
  • Software Systems
  • VLSI Design

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: 1.8 years (Methods)

 

 

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate mastery of knowledge and scholarly literature in their fields of study.
  • Understand ethical principles and conduct responsible research
  • Effectively communicate and disseminate their technical contributions.
  • Students pursuing theses/dissertations shall also demonstrate ability to conduct state-of-the-art research and expand the knowledge base in their fields of study
515-294-9162

ECpE Graduate Coordinator

ecpegrad@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

For Fall entry, the funding priority deadline is January 15; for Spring entry, it is September 1. Applications are welcome after these dates, and will receive consideration for remaining admission and funding opportunities.

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
Program Director
plasmon@iastate.edu
Program Staff
vlthorl@iastate.edu
tanolte@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Resilient buildings and bridges. Safer roads. Sustainable materials. Innovative construction. Clean drinking water. Intelligent infrastructure. Every aspect of the Iowa State University Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering is focused on a better quality of life for Iowa, our nation and our world.
CCEE landing girl In Lab

Collaborate closely with distinguished faculty on cutting-edge studies in infrastructure resilience, smart cities, sustainable construction practices, and environmental impact assessment. Gain practical experience through hands-on projects, fieldwork, and internships with industry leaders. Whether your goals involve designing resilient bridges, improving urban transportation systems, or enhancing environmental sustainability, Iowa State equips you with the knowledge and skills to innovate and address global infrastructure challenges.


Degrees Offered: 

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

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

  • Civil Engineering Materials (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Construction Engineering and Management (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Environmental Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Geotechnical Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Intelligent Infrastructure Engineering (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Structural Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Transportation Engineering (M.Engr., M.S., Ph.D.)

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: 1.8 years (Methods)
515-294-8212

Dawn Miller

ccee-grad-inquiry@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

First consideration for assistantship: Dec.15 for the following Fall (August) start. August 1 for following Spring (January) start. Only complete applications will be considered (see required docs above). Applications for Master of Engineering or any self-funded or sponsored applicants for MS or PHD are considered on a rolling basis.

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) 553
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 82
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 55
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
shafei@iastate.edu
Certificate Director
shafei@iastate.edu
Program Staff
millerdm@iastate.edu
runyan@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
smadi@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Graduates from Iowa State University Department of Chemistry are highly sought after and accept offers from all types of different companies and academic institutions.
Chemistry lab

Our department tackles a diverse range of research problems in the four sub-disciplines of chemistry and also offers many multi-disciplinary options, such as materials chemistry, forensics, and biophysical chemistry.

Our research faculty at ISU Chemistry guide students to think critically and creatively about solutions to important and challenging scientific problems. Our department’s 27 active research groups receive >$30M annual funding by federal and state agencies and by industry to support our research. Our graduate students develop their full potential here at ISU by working closely with faculty in individual and collaborative research projects in a beautiful chemistry building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.


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.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.2 years (Methods)
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
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:

  • English proficiency scores are REQUIRED for international applicants.
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

We admit for the fall semester which begins with orientation where you will be welcomed by our faculty, students and staff. Our application deadlines are January 10 for international students and February 1 for domestic students. We encourage you to apply early in the fall of your senior year as as we review applications in the order they are received. 

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
    *Please upload this directly to your application when prompted
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 573
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 89
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 60
    Duoling (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
arossini@iastate.edu
Program Staff
efurbeck@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
gmiller@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Chemical engineers touch all aspects of our lives, such as the production, distribution and maintenance of a safe supply of food and water, medicines that keep us healthy, the clothes that keep us warm, and the fuel that we use for transportation. Below you’ll find more information about working as a chemical engineer and the ISU Chemical and Biological Engineering experience.
Four students

We are a community of faculty, staff and students immersed in nationally and internationally recognized chemical and biological research. As one of the nation’s first chemical engineering departments, we are committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares you for a productive career in engineering or a related field, and for life as an educated, effective citizen and leader. Our graduate students work hand-in-hand with our faculty to better the lives of individuals everywhere.


Degrees Offered:

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

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Advanced and Nanostructured Materials
  • Biorenewables
  • Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Health Care Technology and Biomedical Engineering
  • Renewable Energy

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.5 years (Methods)

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct 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.
  • Conduct independent scholarship in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-7870

Chemical & Biological Engineering

chemengr@iastate.edu
Chemical and Biological Engineering Graduate Program
2114 Sweeney Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1098

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Priority consideration deadlines for Fall admission are December 1 (international applicants) and January 1 (domestic applicants). Applications for Spring admission are due on September 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:

  • 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) 587
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 94
    IELTS 7
    PTE 64
    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
zyshao@iastate.edu
Program Staff
mlstott@iastate.edu
salarkin@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
drw1@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Explore the intersection of physics and biology with Iowa State University's Biophysics graduate program. Our program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for careers at the forefront of biophysical research, medical physics, and biotechnology.
Anne Poincon

Collaborate closely with renowned faculty on cutting-edge studies in molecular dynamics, biomolecular structure, cellular mechanics, and biophysical imaging techniques. Gain hands-on experience through advanced laboratory work, computational modeling, and collaborative research projects. Whether your aspirations involve understanding biological systems at the molecular level, developing medical imaging technologies, or advancing biotechnological applications, Iowa State provides the expertise and resources to excel in unraveling the complexities of living systems through biophysics.


Degrees Offered: 

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

Area(s) of Specialization:  

  • Biophysics
  • 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: 5.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: No data
Program Degrees Offered

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
  • Analyze research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge of the discipline
  • 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
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

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
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
swn@iastate.edu
Program Staff
anring@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Whatever your interests or educational goals, the Department of Biomedical Sciences is available as an active resource to you. Please feel free to contact our central department office or any of our faculty and staff if you have questions with which we can help.
Yan Jiang

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.


Degrees Offered: 

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

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

  • Anatomy (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Cell Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Pharmacology (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Physiology (M.S., Ph.D.)

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: 0.8 year (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate knowledge of anatomical structures, their functions and their regional and systemic relationships with one another.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of physiological systems, their regulation and the functional units of organs and their microscopic anatomy.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacological principles, classes of therapeutic molecules and how they regulate cellular processes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of subcellular components, their cellular function and their role in disease processes.
  • Form testable hypothesis and articulate research objectives that further scientific knowledge in the field.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.
515-294-2440

Casey Smith

bmsgrad@iastate.edu
Graduate Program Coordinator
Biomedical Sciences
2008 College of Vet Med
1800 Christensen Drive
Ames, IA 50011-1250

Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Applications for the 1-year MS program are accepted on a rolling basis, with no strict application deadline. February 1 for full consideration for MS/PhD fall assistantships. Applications accepted year round if funding is available.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • 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) 600
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 100
    IELTS 7.5
    PTE 68
    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
vbracha@iastate.edu
Program Staff
caseys@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
mheather@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
Yes
The Iowa State University Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) Program offers Ph.D. training at the intersections of Biological, Computing and Information Sciences. BCB alums have achieved superior outcomes in the academic, industrial and public sectors.
Poster presentation

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.


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.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Structural Bioinformatics
  • Comparative Genomics
  • Transcriptomics
  • Proteomics
  • Metabolomics
  • Machine Learning
  • Image Processing
  • Biological Data Mining

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: 0.7 year (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Be able to formulate a research question, devise a plan to answer it, and independently implement it, as evidenced by passing their preliminary exam and the dissertation defense.
  • Have a minimum of one paper submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. The manuscript should be directly related to their dissertation project, and they should have contributed a substantial part of the work and authorship. However, the expectation is that a typical dissertation consists of 2-4 independently publishable manuscripts.
  • Be able to communicate science clearly as evidenced by oral presentations, poster presentations, and the writing of articles, grant proposals, or both.
  • Be able to program: develop and encode methods for data discovery and/or analysis (as opposed to the exclusive deployment of existing software and tools for computational analyses).
  • Be experts in both the biological and computational components of their fields of study.
  • Meeting these expectations is built into BCB course requirements and POS committee expectations. The major professor, or the major professor and co-major professor jointly, must be competent to oversee the interdisciplinary research required of students. Care should be taken that each student supervised in the program shall be able to receive unhindered guidance in both fields, to best serve the program’s requirements.
Carla Harris

Carla Harris

bcb@iastate.edu
Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

For guaranteed Fall consideration, please submit your application no later than December 1st . We will continue reviewing applications until all openings are filled. For Spring admission check with program for funding availability.

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) 610
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 7.5
    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
mhufford@iastate.edu
Program Staff
charris@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
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