Frequently Asked Questions

We recognize that every student and every application is unique, but we set minimum GPA 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.

Note: the BMS Department also considers applications from individuals holding a DVM or its equivalent.

Also note: the BMS Department accepts some students directly into the PhD program after completing their bachelor's and does not require a MS for acceptance.

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.

Some of the current research areas in our department are:

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

Yes, to PhD students. A Research Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship includes a stipend beginning around $2,000 per month, a Tuition Scholarship covering 100% of the cost, plus paid single health insurance. Selection is based on faculty interest in your application.

A very limited number of assistantships are available to students interested in the MS with thesis program. This includes a stipend beginning around $2,000 per month, a 50% Tuition Scholarship (assessed at in-state rates), and paid single health insurance.

No departmental funding is available to students in the one-year non-thesis MS program.

Start by completing the free online Preliminary Application Form. Your information will be reviewed by the BMS Graduate Program Coordinator, the Director of Graduate Education, and the faculty whose research interests you select on the application (PhD and MS with thesis candidates only). After reviewing your Preliminary Application, we will send you an email within 1-2 weeks with our recommendations regarding your application. We offer this preliminary screening process so students whose research interests are not closely aligned with faculty interests can avoid application fees.

Yes. For full consideration for fall assistantships for our PhD or MS with thesis programs, applications must be completed by February 1. Applications are accepted year round if funding is available. Applications for the one-year nonthesis program are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Submitting a Preliminary Application Form with our program does not cost you anything. You will only be assessed an application fee when you formally apply for admission to Iowa State University. Fees for applying are non-refundable; it is $60 for US citizens and US permanent residents; a $100 fee will be assessed for all international applicants. 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.

Each year 3-5 graduate students are admitted to the BMS PhD and MS with thesis program. The availability of teaching assistantships in our department varies from one year to another. There are usually two teaching vacancies, but research assistantships are given at the discretion of individual faculty members. Selection for admission and assistantships is based on your academic and research achievements, not upon any given nationality or personal recommendation.

The one-year non-thesis MS program will enroll up to 50 students each academic year.