The Iowa State University Graduate College Handbook serves as a comprehensive resource for policies and procedures relevant to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Crafted by members of the graduate faculty through their elected representatives on the Graduate Faculty Cabinet (formerly known as the Graduate Council), these policies are implemented by the faculty and staff in the Graduate College. The goal is to ensure efficient and fair application of policies while fostering collaboration between students, faculty, and the Graduate Council to enhance graduate education at Iowa State University. Please be aware that some information may be outdated as we update to Workday.
For more detailed information, visit the Iowa State University Graduate College Handbook. If you have specific questions, feel free to explore the relevant chapters and subsections!
Explore a myriad of options, from specialized disciplines to interdisciplinary studies, and discover the perfect doctoral program to elevate your academic journey. Whether you're seeking to deepen your expertise, expand your research horizons, or embark on a new intellectual adventure, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
We are pleased to invite you to the Graduate College’s Fall 2025 New Graduate Student Orientation, an event designed to support your transition into our graduate student community.
We hope you will join us on Aug. 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at West Marston Water Tower Lawn. Registration will open at 10am!
Your relationship with your major professor is critical to your success as a graduate student. This faculty member will influence what courses you take and the scholarship you pursue. They also have the potential to set you on a pathway to success in your preliminary and final oral examinations, seminar deliveries, and job placement.
For these reasons, it is important that you and your major professor are on the same page about a number of topics, including your academic goals, how you will communicate with one another, how much time should be devoted to your assistantship, and more.
The Graduate College has created a check list of topics that you and your major professor should discuss together. By doing this as soon as possible, you will make expectations clear and help ensure your success at Iowa State.
This canvas organization is designed to be a one-stop information and resource hub for current graduate students at Iowa State University. All information found on this course is provided by each corresponding department or resource website and their professional faculty and staff. We all strive to aid in your success at Iowa State University!
The award is offered each spring semester to recognize a superior mathematical and physical sciences and engineering or social sciences dissertation.
The award is offered each spring semester: to recognize superior performance in publishable research by an ISU graduate student. Publishable research is defined as work written and accepted for publication in a national or international refereed journal. Both the quality and the number of publications produced while a student at ISU will be considered. Nominees must either be currently enrolled at ISU or have graduated in the 2 preceding terms.
Awards are offered each semester to recognize and encourage outstanding achievement by graduate students in teaching.
Awards are offered each semester and summer session to recognize students for outstanding research or creativity as seen in their theses and dissertations. These students are also expected to be academically superior and able to not only do research, but develop a well-written product.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) celebrates the exciting research conducted by master’s or Ph.D. students around the world. Developed by The University of Queensland, the competition cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases students' capacity to explain their research in three minutes in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Competitors are allowed one PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props.
Mastering the final exam at Iowa State University is crucial for academic success. Preparation is key, from thorough review to seeking feedback. Celebrating achievements and reflecting on lessons learned round off this transformative journey.
Completing a thesis or dissertation is a significant achievement, and the process involves collaboration with your committee, adherence to guidelines, and dedication to scholarly work. Best of luck with your academic journey!
As you complete your graduate studies at Iowa State University, there are requirements and specific deadlines associated with your graduation, some of which vary based on the degree that you are seeking. If you have questions, please contact the Graduate College at grad_college@iastate.edu.
Contact the Office of the Registrar for commencement ceremony inquiries.
