Doctor of Philosophy

Abbreviation
Ph.D.
Code
PHD
Degree Type
Doctoral
Interdepartmental Program
No
Graduate studies in the Animal Physiology Program cover a broad range of physiological systems. Students may choose to major in general Animal Physiology, or to supplement their major with a formal specialization in various areas such as: reproductive physiology, muscle biology, and animal ethology.
chemist

Graduate studies in the Animal Physiology Program cover a broad range of physiological systems. Students may choose to major in general Animal Physiology, or to supplement their major with a formal specialization in various areas such as: reproductive physiology, muscle biology, and animal ethology. Study in reproductive physiology concentrates on improving the reproductive performance of pigs, cattle, sheep, and horses. The area of muscle biology focuses on the fundamental properties of muscle proteins and their roles in developing muscles and yielding muscle products. Research conducted in the ethology program aims to provide scientific answers to farm animal behavior and welfare in conventional and alternative production systems. Areas of interest for which formal specializations do not exist, may include neuroendocrinology, immunobiology, and perinatal development.

Research in the area of Animal Physiology utilizes state-of-the-art techniques in biochemistry, molecular biology, and light and electron microscopy in laboratories housed in Kildee Hall and the Molecular Biology Building. In addition to top quality laboratories, these buildings house animal rooms, surgery facilities, and analytical support labs. The research program in Animal Physiology is supported by access to the research herds located on the Department's outlying farms.

Examples of research of note conducted by physiology faculty and graduate students includes:

  • discovery of a new mechanism by which endocrine cells release hormones
  • discovery of key cytoskeletal proteins: actin, desmin, paranemin, synemin, talin, and vinculin
  • development of a synthetic skin that is applied to the teats of dairy cattle to prevent mastitis

Degrees Offered: 

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

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

  • Ethology (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Muscle Biology (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Reproductive Physiology (M.S., Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: No data
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.7 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
Program Department
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
Interdepartmental Program
No
The Department’s current Animal Breeding and Genetics group has built on this legacy of excellence and is widely recognized as one of the premier programs nationally and internationally. Recent advances in genomics and the increased utilization of genomics and other big data technologies that require advanced quantitative methods of analysis in other disciplines of the animal and biological sciences have further increased the importance of animal breeding and genetics.
formulas

Iowa State University has a proud history of nine decades of innovative animal genetics and genomics research, education and outreach, which traces back to the pioneering days of Lush and Hazel. Many of today’s animal breeders around the world can trace their academic pedigree back to Iowa State University (see pedigree link).

The Department’s current Animal Breeding and Genetics group has built on this legacy of excellence and is widely recognized as one of the premier programs nationally and internationally. Recent advances in genomics and the increased utilization of genomics and other big data technologies that require advanced quantitative methods of analysis in other disciplines of the animal and biological sciences have further increased the importance of animal breeding and genetics.


Degrees Offered: 

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

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

  • Immunogenetics (Ph.D.)
  • Molecular Genetics (Ph.D.)
  • Quantitative Genetics (Ph.D.)

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 3.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.0 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) 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 Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Certificate Director
ngabler@iastate.edu
Program Staff
coryjw@iastate.edu
rmross@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
Our department tackles a diverse range of research problems in the four sub-disciplines of chemistry and also offers many multi-disciplinary options, such as materials chemistry, forensics, and biophysical chemistry.
chemical formula

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


Degrees Offered:

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

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

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

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.3 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.0 year (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

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

Graduate Student Services

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

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

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.

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
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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