Frequently Asked Questions

We recognize that every student and every application is unique, but we set minimum GPA and exam score criteria to have a basis for determining the applications to which we give full consideration.

1. GPA 3.0 / 4.0
2. Science GPA 3.0 / 4.0
3. TOEFL scores for non-native speakers of English - iBT of 79 or higher*

*ISU Graduate College has additional criteria for English testing

No. The Biomedical Sciences 1 Year Master's Program is accepting applications on a rolling basis.

We will enroll up to 50 students each academic year. We look for the top candidates who will be successful in our program. The 1-year program is self-funded and we do not offer any financial assistance. Domestic students are eligible for financial aid through our Office of Financial Aid. 

We require students to have a strong science background. We look for applicants with a Bachelor of Science degree or a degree in which you have taken a wide variety of sciences, especially in the biological sciences. 

Some of the current research areas in our department are:

• Alzheimer's Research
• Antibiotics
• Cerebellar Research
• Endocrine Physiology
• Glia-Neuron Signaling
• Ion-Channels Anthelmintic Resistance
• Learning Memory
• Malaria
• Metabolism Nutrition
• Molecular Parasitology
• Neurobiology of Pain
• Parkinson's Disorders
• Receptors Signal Transduction
• Retina Research

We require a minimum of 30 credit hours.

No. Most professional schools require 100- or 200-level courses to satisfy their prerequisites. Those courses cannot be counted toward a graduate degree at ISU. However, it may be possible to add 1-2 prerequisites into elective credit slots during the spring semester. 

One academic year. Our students start in the fall semester and complete their degree in the spring.

Yes, please email bmsgrad@iastate.edu if you are interested in setting up a tour of the department or meeting with someone about the program.

No. The TOEFL requirement is waived if you have earned a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a recognized United States institution or from a recognized institution in a country where English is the only official language. 

Start by completing the free online Preliminary Application Form. Your information will be reviewed by the BMS Graduate Program Coordinator and the Director of Graduate Education. After reviewing your Preliminary Application, we will send you an email within 24 hours with our recommendations regarding your application.

Pending the DOGE's recommendation, you will then need to submit a Graduate College Application. Please select the BMS Master's Degree "Non" for the degree option to be reviewed for the One-Year Non-Thesis Master's Degree Program. Once we have received all your application materials, your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Once the review is finished, which can take 1-2 weeks, an admissions decision will be communicated to you.

Yes. As long as you will have officially received your bachelor's degree by the start of the fall semester, you may apply. Proof must be given to the Office of Admissions prior to being allowed to register for classes. 

We review applications on a rolling basis. This means you will hear back within 1-2 weeks after your application is completed. 

No. We do not interview students for the 1-year MS program.

You can view your application status in the online application portal.

Your letters can be written by anybody who can vouch for you as a student, employee, or community member. We prefer letters from professors or supervisors who can give specific examples in their letter. The more specific a letter is, the better! 

All letters must be submitted through the online application system. 

Yes.

Yes. Please send them to the Seth Shatto, bmsgrad@iastate.edu. 

No, the system will do this for you automatically if you list Iowa State on your application. Please do upload an unofficial copy of your transcript in the supplemental section for our review while we wait for the official document. 

Submitting a Preliminary Application form for our program is free You will only be assessed an application fee when you formally apply for admission to Iowa State University--Domestic applications are $60; International applications are $100.  If we invite you to apply formally with the university after reviewing your Preliminary Application, we will send you more detailed information about the application process.

Yes, to PhD and MS with thesis students only.

This program is self-funded, meaning we do not offer assistantships to admitted students. Most students use federal student loans to fund the program. We recommend filling out the FAFSA form at the same time you apply for our program. You can find more information about the FAFSA and loan process on the Financial Aid website.