Doctor of Philosophy

Abbreviation
Ph.D.
Code
PHD
Degree Type
Doctoral
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
Interdepartmental Program
No
Research in the Department of Physics and Astronomy is thriving at Iowa State. We have significant research efforts in physics, particle astrophysics and astronomy, with excellent opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students.
Coover lab

At ISU, we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements and links to further information. We encourage you to explore.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
     

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 6.4 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:

  • GRE General and Subject Tests are optional
  • Statement of Goals/Interests (if not submitted electronically)
  • All program-required supplemental materials are to be uploaded into the online application system as PDF documents. If, for some reason, you are unable to upload, you may email documents to Valerie Arnold (varnold@iastate.edu) or postal mail to the address below.
  • No application fee for the PhD program.
  • 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)
    FALL 2025-105
    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
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.
Engineering student

Our condensed matter and biophysics research efforts are greatly enhanced by the presence of the Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory on the Iowa State University campus (literally next door to the Department of Physics and Astronomy). Many of our faculty hold cross-appointments with Ames Lab, and DOE staff scientists often work with our graduate students. 


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: 7.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: No data
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
The department offers programs leading to the Ph.D. in Mathematics, Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, the M.S. in Mathematics, and the M.S. in Applied Mathematics. We also participate in interdisciplinary programs in Information Assurance, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Human Computer Interaction and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Math graduate student

All the graduate programs have considerable flexibility to suit individual needs and we offer a variety of online graduate student resources. The faculty has especially strong, active research groups in partial differential equations, applied mathematics, stochastic processes, functional analysis, combinatorics, algebra, control theory, and mathematical biology. Scholarships and grants are available. Graduate students are also eligible to earn annual departmental awards recognizing academic excellence.


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: 1.8 years (Methods)

 

Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Master core areas of Applied Mathematics (MS, PhD)
  • Achieve in-depth knowledge in a chosen subfield of Applied Mathematics (PhD)
  • Perform original research in a chosen subfield that advances Applied Mathematics (PhD)
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate mathematical concepts and research results (MS, PhD)
515-294-4003

Math Graduate Program Support

gradmath@iastate.edu
Mathematics Graduate Program
411 Morrill Road
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2104

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

February 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:

  • Statement of Purpose
  • TOEFL Speak Minimum -- 20 (for non-native speakers)
  • 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 7
    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
rossmani@iastate.edu
Program Staff
hallman1@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
We focus on using technology to investigate real-world problems in which language is a central issue. Our dynamic faculty are recognized world-wide for their teaching and research. Our interests range from computer assisted language learning and systemic functional linguistics to corpus linguistics and natural language processing to advanced pronunciation and assessment design. Our students come from all around the world and find applied linguistics at Iowa State both exciting and practical.
Jeanne Beck

Our PhD program in Applied Linguistics & Technology (ALT) focuses on English language description, teaching, learning, and assessment, with particular emphasis on issues and practices related to technology: analysis of language using computational and corpus linguistic methods as well as the study of computer technology in English language teaching, learning, and assessment. The degree prepares students for a variety of academic appointments in departments of applied linguistics and English and for professional opportunities in research and development, international publishing, and government agencies in the U.S. and around the world where English is taught and used for specific educational, vocational, and professional purposes. Candidates are required to complete 72 hours of graduate credit including a dissertation; to meet a language requirement that may be fulfilled in a number of ways (students whose native language is other than English are considered to have met the language requirement after satisfying the Graduate College English requirement);and to pass a portfolio assessment, a preliminary examination consisting of a written dissertation proposal (which includes a section on piloting) and the preliminary oral examination, and an oral defense of the dissertation.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

 

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 6.0 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate knowledge of and confidence with the use of computer applications relevant to teaching, learning, research, and assessment in applied linguistics
  • Design, implement and evaluate algorithms for automating linguistic analysis tasks based on knowledge natural language and speech processing programming
  • Formulate important research questions to for guiding investigations that contribute to theory and practice in one or more areas of applied linguistics
  • Apply principles of research methodology to design data collection, and analysis procedures to address research questions in at least one area of applied linguistics
  • Interpret and evaluate findings in view of their contribution to theory, research and practice in the relevant area
  • Communicate ideas, discoveries, and findings to others in a professional and creative manner
  • Collaborate with other professionals to create and investigate new knowledge, practices and products
  • Demonstrate independence and professionalism in teaching and research
515-294-2477

Graduate Program Office

englgrad@iastate.edu
English Department
Graduate Program Office
227 Ross Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1201

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 5 (once per year for fall semester entry only), with applications accepted and evaluated beginning October 15. Early applications are encouraged.

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 79
    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
begray@iastate.edu
Program Staff
tsmiley@iastate.edu
jkilborn@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Graduate studies in apparel, merchandising, and design (AMD) extend knowledge and research beyond the basics to take a close look at industry-wide issues.
Apparel, merchandising, and design

Join our award-winning faculty and multi-talented graduate students in a graduate education experience that will ignite your spark and help prepare you for academic and industry positions. Our faculty who have expertise in the areas of consumer behavior; creative, technical, and functional design; merchandising, management, and entrepreneurship; and history, social psychology, and cultural studies are dedicated to your success. We offer both on-campus and hybrid (distance) Master’s and Ph.D. programs.


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: 

  • Consumer behavior
  • Creative, technical, and functional design
  • Merchandising, management, and entrepreneurship
  • History, social psychology, and cultural studies

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: 1.8 years (Methods)
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.
515-294-9303

Dr. Ann Marie Fiore

amfiore@iastate.edu
Apparel, Merchandising, and Design 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 by February 1 for the best chance at 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.

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
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Copy of transcripts
  • Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
  • Electronic link to portfolio (design and product development-focused applicants)
  • 16 in section 1 of TOEFL Internet (iBT)
  • 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?
No
Program Director
amfiore@iastate.edu
Program Staff
akelber@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
The graduate major in animal science offers students the option of pursuing MS- and PhD-level study with a broader focus than the department's other majors. Students in this major take courses in the five main sub-fields of animal science.
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The graduate major in animal science offers students the option of pursuing MS- and PhD-level study with a broader focus than the department's other majors. Students in this major take courses in the five main sub-fields of animal science: breeding, nutrition, physiology, reproduction, and meat science, while focusing on one species of domestic animals.  Animal science majors frequently focus on research problems related to livestock production systems. 

Over the past five years, the vast majority of graduates from this major have taken jobs in agricultural industries and agribusiness, while the balance have pursued additional degree work or assumed appointments in extension services around the country. 


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: 2.1 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in Animal Sciences and related disciplines.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to Animal Sciences and related disciplines.
  • Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data and information.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings using written, oral, visual, and electronic means of communication.
  • Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.
515-294-2160

Rose Mary Ross

rmross@iastate.edu
Department of Animal Science
Graduate Coordinator, 1221 Kildee Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3150


Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

There is no deadline for applications. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year (upon the request of a faculty member) for either a Spring, Summer or Fall semester start.

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 (Goals) (if not sent electronically with application): Include major program desired, species of interest, preferred faculty advisor(s), research interests
  • Resume/CV
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Any prospective student can apply though we encourage students to reach out to our graduate faculty members prior to application. The application will only be fully reviewed at the request of a faculty member. Successful admission into this thesis-seeking program will require a major professor. An application fee would be due upon admittance.
  • 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) 80
    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
ngabler@iastate.edu
Program Staff
coryjw@iastate.edu
rmross@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
ngabler@iastate.edu
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