Is the program offered online?

Q: Is this progrm offered online?
A: No. Both the MS & PhD degrees are in person, thesis-based programs. 

Finding a prospective major professor

Q: How do I identify a major professor?
A: You should contact ENVSC faculty faculty members who conduct research in your anticipated area of research to discuss the potential for their support as an advisor and graduate assistantship funding. A listing of our faculty can be found in our directory.

Once you have identified one or more potential faculty members to contact, send each a brief (1-page maximum) email message with information including:

• A paragraph explaining your background, why you applied (or will be applying) to the program, and your specific area of interest.
• Paragraph noting why you are interested in working with them and how you think you can help them achieve their research goals.
• Semester and year when you plan to begin your studies.
• A request to join their research group and for funding via a research or teaching assistantship.

Application information

Q: How do I apply?
A: Please see our Admissions web page for more information on how to apply:
https://www.enscigrad.iastate.edu/admissions 

Q: Do you offer an application fee waiver?
A: No. We are not able to offer a fee waiver.

Q: Do you admit applicants with a GPA below 3.0?
A: No. The 3.0 GPA is a requirement for admission set by the University and it cannot be waived.

Q: For my letters of recommendation, how will they be notified?
A: After your submit your application, your recommenders will receive an email notification from the Office of Admission with instructions on how to submit their letters.

Q: Where should institutions send electronic transcripts?
A: etranscript@iastate.edu 

Q: Are official transcripts required at the time of application?
A: We can accept unofficial transcripts at the time of application for review. If you are admitted, official transcripts are required by Admissions. If you are issued a single set of official documents, you will need to bring them with you when you arrive so that Admissions can take a copy.

Q: Are three year degrees accepted?
A: 3-year degrees from India, Bangladesh, Canada (excluding Quebec), Nepal, and Pakistan are not accepted. 3-year degrees from other countries are reviewed on an individual basis. 

NOTE for students from India: We require semester or annual marksheets. College-issued mark sheets will only be accepted from autonomous colleges. Consolidated mark sheets are not accepted unless all attempts, retakes, and failures are included. Degree Statements must be issued and certified by the granting university, not the college. When uploading marksheets to your application account, select “Transcripts” not “Exams.”  

Academic records should be in the official language of the country in which they were earned. If that is not English, an English language translation should be uploaded in addition to the official foreign language academic record. We will accept literal (not interpretative) English translations from any qualified translator.

GRE

Q: Do you require the general GRE score in order to be considered for admission?

A: No. The GRE score is no longer required by the ENVSC program.