Doctor of Philosophy

Abbreviation
Ph.D.
Code
PHD
Degree Type
Doctoral
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
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
Interdepartmental Program
No
Students engage in hands-on research and practical experiences in state-of-the-art facilities, learning from faculty who are leaders in their fields. Whether your interests lie in plant breeding, greenhouse management, urban agriculture, or environmental horticulture, our program provides the knowledge and skills to thrive in diverse horticultural careers.
Three people talking

We strive to be a graduate major in which inquisitive students meet their educational goals within a stimulating environment for discovery. Top research faculty, excellent facilities, and a supportive, research-focused campus make Iowa State’s graduate program in horticulture an excellent venue for scholarship. Our graduates compete favorably for challenging positions in the job market and have a long-standing tradition of accomplishment in the plant sciences and related professions.


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: 4.6 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.6 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Through coursework and research, be familiar with and understand scholarly literature in the area of study.
  • Be able to formulate testable hypotheses and justify research objectives.
  • Conduct laboratory and/or field research by working effectively with appropriate instrumentation, equipment, technologies and experimental systems.
  • Interpret research results via appropriate acquisition and analysis of data, and integrate them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or independently, in ways that demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing through scholarly presentations.
515-294-2751

Rajeev Arora

rarora@iastate.edu
Horticulture
106 Horticulture
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1100

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

No specific deadlines. Applications will be reviewed and processed as received.

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
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
rarora@iastate.edu
Program Staff
kimgaul@iastate.edu
kahein@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Delve into the fundamental mysteries of the universe with our graduate program in High Energy Physics at Iowa State University. This program offers advanced studies in particle physics, quantum field theory, cosmology, and the exploration of high-energy phenomena.
Two students

The Master's program in High Energy Physics at Iowa State University offers a transformative academic journey, blending rigorous theoretical foundations with hands-on experimental research opportunities. As a student in our program, you will delve into the complexities of particle interactions, delve into the complexities of particle interactions, delve into the complexities of particle interactions.


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: 5.9 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.1 years (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:

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
Yes
Prepare for a rewarding career addressing the needs and challenges of aging populations with our Master's program in Gerontology at Iowa State University. This interdisciplinary program provides a comprehensive understanding of the aging process, including social, psychological, and biological aspects.
children-youth-family

The world is witnessing tremendous growth of the population aged 65 and older:

  • The oldest-old (85+) are proportionately the fastest growing segment of the population.
  • By 2050, 1 in 4 people will be aged 65+.

Iowa is at the forefront of this aging revolution as one of the oldest states in the country. Older adults are a diverse group with varied backgrounds, preferences, and needs, and you  can have a direct, immediate impact working with this population. 


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: 4.2 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years (Methods)
515-294-3028

Dr. Jennifer Margrett

margrett@iastate.edu
Program Homepage

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

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

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

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

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

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
margrett@iastate.edu
Program Staff
margrett@iastate.edu
dhbarnes@iastate.edu
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