Earth Science

    Earth Science

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    USD 13,788 / Semester
    Next IntakeAugust 22, 2026
    Earth Science

    About

    Changing climate, dwindling energy resources, natural hazards, and deteriorating environmental quality are among the most challenging of societal problems. Geoscientists, who study Earth processes and resources to understand and help address these and related issues, are in high demand. A graduate degree in Earth Science opens the door to career opportunities that involve: work that helps sustain society and protect the planet; innovative technologies; and outdoor adventures and world travel
    • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of Earth sciences; Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of Earth sciences; Conduct qualitative and/or quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data; Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline; Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing, and often through the use images (tables, figures, and other forms of imagery) and electronic or other forms of media; Articulate how the graduate program, including coursework and creative scholarship, fits into life and career goals; and Conduct scholarship, in teams or with independence, in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Baseline Academic Requirements

    Admission to the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering departmental graduate degree programs is contingent upon the following requirements, which will differ between degree programs:

    All Degree Programs

    • Undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale. Official documentation that meets the requirements of the Graduate College must be provided in the application. Students with a GPA below 3.0 may be admitted in some cases, with permission of the Graduate College.
    • International (non-English speaking) students need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum scores for admission are: TOEFL Paper (PBT) – 550; TOEFL Internet (iBT) – 79; IELTS – 6.5

    Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees

    • The requirements listed for all degree programs above, plus:
    • Bachelors of Science degree in engineering, OR Bachelors of Science degree, non-engineering with:
      • Math through differential equations
      • College-level physics, chemistry, and biology
      • Documented competence in engineering sciences, for example: statics, mechanics of materials, dynamics, fluids, thermodynamics

    For applicants with a non-engineering BS degree, the ABE Graduate Programs Committee, in concert with the ABE Engineering Curriculum Committee, will review an applicant’s academic record and transcripts with respect to above requirements.

    Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering M.E. Degree

    • The requirements listed for all degree programs above, plus:
    • Bachelors of Science degree in engineering

    Industrial and Agricultural Technology M.S. and Ph.D. Degrees

    • The requirements listed for all degree programs above, plus:
    • Bachelors of Science degree in science, technology, or engineering

    The Graduate Programs Committee, which is responsible for making decisions to admit students, will examine the complete application package, including GRE scores and GPA, when evaluating applications.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 53
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    Fee Information

    Application Fee 40

    How to Apply

    1. Submit your application.

      You can apply through the University of Iowa application, the Common Application, or the Coalition Application. We make admission decisions on a rolling basis beginning in September based on college-specific admission requirements.

    2. Pay the application fee.

      The $40 application fee is non-refundable.

    3. Have your ACT or SAT scores sent by the testing agency.

      Our institution code is 1356 for the ACT; 6681 for the SAT.
       

    Earth Science
    Iowa State University
    Iowa State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Ames

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