Master of Science

Abbreviation
M.S.
Code
MS
Degree Type
Masters
Interdepartmental Program
No
New methods of conservation. Improved soil health. New approaches to bioenergy. Improved water quality. Advanced genetic traits. The end goal is producing food, fuel and fiber in a more efficient and economical way for the benefit of people and the environment around the world.
Man crouched in a field looking a leaves

Summary

The Master of Science in Agronomy is a professional degree. This means the program was designed specifically for you, the online learner. The MS in Agronomy is designed for professionals working in industry and government.

To aid in content comprehension, you will interact with the course materials in several different ways (study questions, drag and drops, short videos, “Try this”, calculations, etc.). Instead of lecture videos, you will interact with their instructor in the form of online Office Hours using the Zoom interface.

Typically, you will complete one lesson per week, with assignments, discussions, and reflections due once a week. Students will be required to travel to campus once. This visit will be halfway through the program to attend the practicum (3-4 days), held during July. Students have the option to present their creative component for the final oral exam in-person or virtually.

What to expect

Gain a diverse background in all aspects of agronomy. This includes subject matter in crops, soils, climate, statistics and pest management. The curriculum is organized so you progress in phases:

  • Phase 1 provides more advanced knowledge of agronomy
  • Phase 2 develops management skills
  • Phase 3 integrates both knowledge and management to develop analytical and problem-solving skills

Become a better communicator through a variety of exercises:

  • discussion boards
  • presentations/term projects
  • agronomic consultations/peer review
  • creative component project

MS Agronomy is distance education ONLY. There is NO on-campus equivalent. MS Agronomy students can earn Agronomy Graduate Certificate after completion of 6 specific courses as they work towards the full MS degree. Students interested in on-campus Agronomy majors must choose Crop Production & Physiology, Soil Science, Ag Meteorology or Plant Breeding.

Degrees Offered:

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

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 5.3 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Understand the scientific principles underlying crop management and physiology, plant improvement, soil management and fertility, integrated pest management, and the interaction of these principles.
  • Critically evaluate research in terms of design, content, potential application, and limitations with respect to agronomic systems.
  • Apply agronomic knowledge to real-world problems via application of scientific principles.
  • Understand group dynamics and facilitate the accomplishment of individual and collective goals.
  • Communicate effectively with scientists, professionals, farmers, other professionals, and the general public for the purposes of learning and informing.
  • Communicate electronically and utilize various internet information services.
515-294-2999

Brenda Kutz

msagron@iastate.edu
MS Agronomy Admissions
716 Farmhouse Lane
2101 Agronomy Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1051

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

April 1 for fall admission, October 1 for spring admission, However, if you meet all the course prerequisites and have a GPA of 3.2 or above, you can be admitted at any time.

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
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
mwiedenh@iastate.edu
Program Staff
bkutz@iastate.edu
kdesjean@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
krlamkey@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Agronomy is the science and technology of producing plants that serve humans, using practices essential for maintaining and improving life. We commonly use the term crops to refer to these types of plants. Crops can be used for food, feed for livestock, fiber, fuel, and fossil-fuel alternative bioproducts. Agricultural meteorology is one aspect of agronomy.
People in field working with heavy equipment

The Agricultural Meteorology major integrates knowledge from a variety of scientific disciplines in order to determine how cropping systems are affected by weather and climate, and how cropping systems themselves affect weather and climate.


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: 3.6 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.7 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Summarize scholarly work in an area of study, as demonstrated by a literature review in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Construct hypotheses and/or objectives that advance disciplinary knowledge, as demonstrated by hypotheses and/or objectives proposed in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Conduct quantitative research, as demonstrated by work described in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Interpret research results and integrate them into existing disciplinary knowledge, as demonstrated by analyses and conclusions in a creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally, visually (through the use of images and/or figures), and in writing, as demonstrated by oral presentations, and by the creative component, thesis, or dissertation.
515-294-4161

Kevin Desjean

agrongradprograms@iastate.edu
Agricultural Meteorology 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 may offer assistantships (they will contact you directly if they have an interest in working with you); we deny admission without a faculty commitment.

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:

  • Publications list if applicable
  • Resume and Publications list should be uploaded as PDFs into the online application system.
  • 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
bkh@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kdesjean@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The world needs people like you! Turn your passion for teaching and love of agriculture into an impactful career.
People sitting around talking

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

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

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


Degrees Offered: 

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

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

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

How long does it take to earn a degree?

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

Learning Goals

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

Paige Zhorne

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

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Doctoral applicants: August 15, October 15, January 15 and March 15.

Master's applicants: Evaluated on a rolling admission cycle

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

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

Program Specific Requirements:

  • For PhD: Evidence of 3 years of relevant professional experience clearly shown on the resume or cv is a preferred qualification.
  • Three letters of reference. At least one letter of recommendation should be from a university professor. Ask your university references to comment on your past academic performance, potential to succeed in graduate school, character and work habit.
  • It is recommended that the other two letters be from professionals in education or business and industry who are familiar with your overall abilities and goals. Ask references to be specific and identify factors that will help the admissions committee.
  • Please do not ask friends and relatives to submit reference letters.
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Degree Specialization
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
ngs@iastate.edu
Program Staff
pezhorne@iastate.edu
suzshow@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Iowa State University Ph.D. program has majors in economics and agricultural economics. Students receive a solid foundation in economic theory and statistical methods with the flexibility to pursue broad areas of study. The rigorous training in theoretical and applied economics prepares graduates to compete for research and teaching positions in leading academic institutions, government, and industry.
man in field

The Department of Economics at Iowa State University presents a unique tradition of excellence in graduate education, overseeing a Ph.D. Program in both economics and agricultural economics. 


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: 5.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.0 year (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in economics and an ability to critically evaluate it.
  • Articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to economic knowledge.
  • Effectively apply theory and qualitative and quantitative empirical methods to address research questions; understand how to acquire, analyze, and report data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.
  • Always conduct scholarship, whether independently or in teams, in ways that reflect ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-2702

Amy B. Emmett

econgrad@iastate.edu
260 Heady Hall
518 Farm House Lane
Ames, Iowa 50011-1054

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 of the year you are seeking fall admission. We do not offer spring or summer admission.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

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

Program Specific Requirements:

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 Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
bkreider@iastate.edu
Program Staff
abainum@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.
Student in corn field with robot

Our graduates safeguard and improve the earth, its resources, and its peoples. 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 peoples lives.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • 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: 4.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)

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)
515-294-9449

Joanne Kuntz

abegradinfo@iastate.edu
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Graduate Program
1320 Elings Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 5011-3080

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
Program Virtual Tour
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Degree Specialization
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
sfreeman@iastate.edu
Program Staff
jkuntz@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
sfreeman@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Embark on a journey into the future of flight and space exploration with Iowa State University's Aerospace Engineering graduate program. Our program offers an advanced curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in aerospace research, design, development, and manufacturing.
diagram

Our faculty and students conduct cutting-edge research in nondestructive evaluation; complex systems; computational and experimental aerodynamics; astrodynamics; guidance, navigation, and control; aircraft icing; composite structures; and micro/nano mechanics of materials. Our department has had the privilege to educate some of the most accomplished and distinguished leaders of industry, government, and academia.


Degrees Offered:

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

Research Areas: 

  • Advanced Materials Systems
  • Aerodynamics
  • Combustion and Aero-Structural Interaction
  • Aviation Biofuels
  • Complex Systems and Optimization
  • Guidance, Controls, and Astrodynamics
  • Non-destructive Testing and Evaluation

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)

Learning Goals

  • Conduct comprehensive literature review/survey in the relevant field of study to identify knowledge gaps.
  • Formulate research objectives that will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct quality research via appropriate scientific methods, in teams or independently.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Disseminate research findings orally and through technical and scholarly writing to advance the knowledge base.
  • Follow ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-9669

Maddi England

aere-info@iastate.edu
Aerospace Engineering Graduate Program
Dept of Aerospace Engineering
Iowa State University
537 Bissell Road
1200 Howe Hall
Ames, IA 50011

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 for following fall admission; September 1 for following 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) 80
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo 115 (approved though Spring 2026)
Program Virtual Tour
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
huhui@iastate.edu
Program Staff
madisone@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
huhui@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Embark on a journey of discovery and mastery with our PhD and MS programs in Statistics, where rigorous training and cutting-edge research converge to cultivate the next generation of statistical pioneers. Elevate your expertise and make impactful contributions to the ever-evolving world of data analytics. Apply today to ignite your passion for numbers and unleash your potential in statistical science.
lecture hall with students

If you are still undecided about whether to apply for a Graduate Program in Statistics at Iowa State University (ISU), know that Statisticians and Data Scientists are some of the best jobs, the Graduate Program in Statistics at ISU is one of the top-ranked programs in the country where exciting research is occurring, and that life in Ames is small-town America with all the amenities a large, research university provides. The Department of Statistics offers two main degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MS). In addition, some students enroll in a Co-Major PhD where their degree is combined with Statistics and another field. If you are already enrolled in another graduate program at ISU, then you may be interested in this Co-Major PhD, but you may also be interested in the PhD Minor or MS Minor, depending on what degree you are obtaining in your other program.


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

Learning Goals

Learning Goals:

  • Learning Goals: Master of Science in Statistics
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of fundamental statistical methods and the theoretical results on which those methods are based.
  • Apply knowledge of statistical methods, computing, and theory in the analysis of data.
  • Conduct supervised investigation into one or more topics in statistics that are extensions of or not covered in the required curriculum for the MS degree.
  • Present the results of investigation into statistical topics in a clear and understandable manner, both written and orally.
  • Learning Goals: Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of advanced statistical methods and theory, including probability, mathematical statistics, and the construction of probability-based models for complex data structures
  • Demonstrate the ability to formulate statistical questions on the basis of objectives in substantive scientific investigations, and the ability to compute the quantities needed to bring statistical theory and methods to bear on those questions.
  • Conduct original research into one or more specific areas of statistical science that is of sufficient depth to merit publication in a statistical or scientific journal
  • Demonstrate understanding of the scholarly literature in the area of dissertation research.
  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate research results to scientists and other researchers in both written and oral formats.
5152943440

Department of Statistics

statistics@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

MS & PhD: January 15 for fall term, for priority consideration for assistantships. Spring admission is rare and on a case-by-case basis. You should contact our DOGE if you are interested in joining the program in the spring 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:

  • INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: If you have graduated or will graduate (bachelor's degree or higher) from a university in the U.S. or another country where English is the only official language, you do NOT need to submit an English proficiency exam score (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS). Your diploma will serve as a waiver if you are admitted.
  • Any supplemental documents (CV/resume, Statement of Purpose over 500 words, etc.) may be uploaded as a PDF via the online application system. We do not require a CV but it can be very helpful for the admissions committee. If your Statement of Purpose is longer than 500 words, you may upload a PDF to your application and type "please see uploaded SOP" in the field on the application. The committee would still appreciate it if you can keep it concise.
  • Please do NOT mail paper copies of your transcripts, exam scores, or anything else to the Department of Statistics. Order exam scores electronically from ETS to be sent to our Office of Admissions (ISU's ETS code is 6306). You should still upload relevant copies of documents to your application.
  • Please contact us directly if you have questions about admission during spring or summer semester, which is not generally possible except in very specific circumstances.
  • The distance M.S. program was discontinued in fall semester 2016. We are no longer admitting students to the online M.S. program.
  • Three reference letters are required.
  • 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
Program Interest Area
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
niemi@iastate.edu
Program Staff
anniehwk@iastate.edu
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