The interdepartmental structure of the program enables students to access diverse resources and expertise. Assistance is available for financial matters, academic planning, and the pursuit of individual research interests.

If you have any questions about the environmental science graduate program, you can contact Lynette Edsall (camelot@iastate.edu) for further information.

Orientation and Onboarding Resources

Financial Support

All admitted applicants will be financially supported by a 9 or 12-month graduate assistantship throughout their tenure in the program. Assistantships are through faculty-supported research grants (research assistantships) and/or departments (teaching assistantships). Assistantships pay a bi-monthly stipend, include a tuition scholarship (100% PhD, 75% MS), and provide single coverage health insurance at no charge. Tuition balances are calculated at the Iowa resident rate. Assistantships are identified by the nominating faculty member during the admission process. When contacting faculty members, applicants should inquire about the availability of assistantships.

Additionally, all nominated applicants will be considered for an Environmental Science Fellowship in the form of a 9 month, 1/4-time research assistantship. The Admissions Committee will provide an initial fellowship ranking to the Supervisory Committee based on a competitive review of academic credentials. Awards are based on a competitive review of academic credentials.

Preference is typically given to PhD students. The Supervisory Committee encourages nomination of students that will increase the distinctiveness of the program.

Professional Development

Award period: July 1 - June 30
Award amount: $200 maximum*
Request deadline: One month prior to event

Students directly participating in a professional development activity may submit a Professional Development Grant (PDG) request. Direct participation includes 1) presenting a paper or poster at a national or international conference, or 2) enrollment in a specialized workshop or training session. Follow the steps below to complete your request. 

NOTE: These funds are only available for students whose declared graduate major/co-major is Environmental Science.

1. Contact the Program Specialist to request the PDG Request form.
2. Submit your request and a copy of your abstract as PDF files to enscigrad@iastate.edu.
3. Following the event, submit a brief written report to enscigrad@iastate.edu. The report should be submitted within 30 days.
4. To initiate your reimbursement, please contact Lynette for the Worktag number and work with your home department to complete the form in Workday.

*Awards are limited to one per student, per award period regardless of award amount.

Students are encourage to apply for additional funding support through the Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS), as well as their home department.

Career Information

Detailed information on careers can be found on the Career Planning page. Find salary ranges for some of the most popular occupations within the environmental sciences. 

Students are also encouraged to utilize the Graduate College’s Career Services resources. The resources include assistance with résumé preparation, job search strategies, and employment negotiations to help students successfully prepare for and transition into their chosen careers.

Connections

You’ll find support from your peers, faculty, and staff when you join a graduate learning community. Learn about your path of study, on-campus resources and activities, and future careers. You’ll connect with faculty and students through activities both in and outside the classroom and collaborate with a peer mentor.

Connect with other students developing innovative and entrepreneurial skills in the Start Something CALS or Start Something LAS Academy. Or find other students with similar interests in any of Iowa State’s hundreds of student organizations.

The university provides a comprehensive network of academic support, health and safety resources, and supportive communities.