Iowa State University

Ames, IA
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Iowa State University
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Iowa State University Review

4.1346
Based on 52 Reviews
Ames, IA, 3410 Beardshear Hall
College Review
Iowa State University Logo
Career Preparation B+
Students and Culture A-
Facilities A
Activities and Groups A-
A-
Excellent

Iowa State University is a large, public, four-year university enrolling 35,714 students and offering 306 degrees in Ames, IA.

Study Areas, Degree Popularity

Check out the most popular majors and specific degrees students have earned at Iowa State University.

*Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Data may vary depending on school and academic year.
1
Engineering
1,754 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/space Engineering
104
10
3
5
Architecture
77
24
Biomedical Sciences
27
0
Chemical Engineering
108
7
12
City/urban, Community and Regional Planning
20
16
Civil Engineering
141
56
1
9
Computer Engineering
95
26
1
8
Computer Software Engineering
40
Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
2
10
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
128
23
0
13
Engineering/industrial Management
67
2
Engineering Mechanics
45
21
Environmental Science
62
4
5
Environmental Studies
32
Geographic Information Science and Cartography
7
Industrial and Product Design
37
9
Industrial Engineering
80
12
0
3
Landscape Architecture
33
3
Materials Engineering
46
Mechanical Engineering
316
Occupational Safety and Health Technology/technician
4
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
2
Business
1,147 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Accounting
172
20
Advertising
61
Business Administration and Management
57
5
Business/managerial Economics
11
Economics
44
6
8
Entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial Studies
3
Family and Consumer Sciences/human Sciences
16
11
5
Finance
191
International Business
18
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management
142
Management Science
143
Marketing/marketing Management
234
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
3
Agriculture
1,022 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Agricultural Business Operations
123
Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding
6
2
Agricultural Animal Breeding
3
2
Agricultural Engineering
37
10
7
Agricultural Mechanization
71
Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
16
4
Agronomy and Crop Science
88
21
3
Animal Sciences
164
6
0
Crop Production
2
1
Dairy Science
20
Ecology
89
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
3
11
Farm and Ranch Management
122
5
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
1
0
Food Science
48
8
3
2
Forest Sciences and Biology
26
Forestry
4
0
Horticultural Science
45
7
1
International Agriculture
33
Livestock Management
3
1
Soil Science and Agronomy
5
1
Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology
3
2
Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology
0
2
Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health
6
1
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management
3
1
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
4
Human and Social Sciences
871 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Anthropology
26
2
Area Studies
22
Family and Community Services
135
Family Resource Management Studies
12
History
96
3
0
Human Development and Family Studies
12
13
4
Linguistics
18
Multi-/interdisciplinary Studies
125
8
Philosophy
11
Political Science
71
5
Psychology
156
4
6
7
Public Administration
10
0
30
Religion/religious Studies
7
Sociology
68
8
6
Women's Studies
6
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
5
Education and Liberal Arts
775 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Agricultural Teacher Education
36
14
3
Applied Mathematics
1
5
Creative Writing
3
Curriculum and Instruction
25
0
2
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
32
Education
3
2
1
Educational Assessment, Testing, and Measurement
0
3
Educational Leadership and Administration
10
1
19
Elementary Education and Teaching
183
English Language and Literature
70
6
Higher Education/higher Education Administration
58
5
Liberal Arts
76
Mathematics Teacher Education
13
Music Teacher Education
19
Reading Teacher Education
9
Rhetoric and Composition
6
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
48
Science Teacher Education/general Science Teacher Education
11
Special Education and Teaching
1
0
Speech Communication and Rhetoric
92
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
3
Teaching English As a Second or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor
10
1
4
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
6
Healthcare
694 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Animal Physiology
1
0
Athletic Training/trainer
17
Dietetics/dietitian
62
160
Human Nutrition
4
8
Immunology
1
2
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
236
6
1
Medical Illustration/medical Illustrator
13
Nutrition Sciences
26
7
Toxicology
0
3
Veterinary Medicine
147
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
7
Mathematics and Science
602 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Analytical Chemistry
8
Astrophysics
0
1
Biochemistry
24
2
6
Bioinformatics
2
1
6
Biology
176
Biophysics
2
1
0
Biotechnology
4
1
4
Cellular and Molecular Biology
1
4
Chemistry
22
3
10
Elementary Particle Physics
0
2
Entomology
0
4
2
Genetics
32
6
11
Geology/earth Science
20
1
1
Inorganic Chemistry
1
4
Mathematics
70
3
5
Meteorology
11
6
1
Microbiology
29
4
1
Nuclear Physics
0
1
Organic Chemistry
1
14
Physical Chemistry
0
4
Physics
15
1
Plant Pathology/phytopathology
5
2
Plant Physiology
1
5
Statistics
25
22
14
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
8
Computer Technology
297 recent grads, 4 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Computer and Information Systems Security/information Assurance
12
5
Computer Science
39
15
4
Human Computer Interaction
33
15
10
Information Technology
11
Management Information Systems
124
Systems Engineering
24
5
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
9
Communication and Media
190 recent grads, 2 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Design and Visual Communications
65
1
Journalism
90
13
Public Relations/image Management
21
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
10
Art and Design
175 recent grads, 3 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Fashion/apparel Design
2
Graphic Design
72
9
Interior Design
60
3
Music
6
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing
3
5
Visual and Performing Arts
7
8
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
11
Trades and Careers
164 recent grads, 3 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Apparel and Textiles
90
8
6
Construction Engineering
60
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
12
Hospitality
129 recent grads, 3 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Hospitality Management
32
6
3
Meeting and Event Planning
88
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
13
Legal and Law
1 recent grads, 1 study levels
Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Forensic Science and Technology
1
*Number of people in 2015 that graduated with this degree and study level.
Private Loan Options
Online Programs

Check out the online programs offered at Iowa State University.

Degree Name
Associates
Bachelor's
Master's
Certificate
Doctoral
Agricultural Teacher Education
Agronomy and Crop Science
Computer and Information Systems Security/information Assurance
Computer Engineering
Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Leadership and Administration
Family and Consumer Sciences/human Sciences
Food Science
Mathematics Teacher Education
Teaching English As a Second or Foreign Language/esl Language Instructor
*Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Data may vary depending on school and academic year.
School Accreditation Information
This institution is accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission
Specialized institution accreditations:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Dietetics (DIETI) - Dietetic Internship
Didactic Program in Dietetics American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation Professional Psychology (IPSY) - Predoctoral internship programs (Student Counseling Service)
Counseling Psychology (COPSY) - PhD Doctoral programs American Veterinary Medical Association, Council on Education Veterinary Medicine (VET) - Programs leading to a D.V.M. or D.M.V. degree (College of Veterinary Medicine)
National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation Art and Design (ART) - Degree-granting schools and departments and non-degree-granting programs National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation Music (MUS) - Institutions and units within institutions offering degree-granting and/or non-degree-granting programs
*Source data obtained from U.S. Department of Education's Office of Post-secondary Education (OPE)
Alumni & Student Reviews
B+ Great
Career Preparation
What letter grade would you give your school on how well it prepares students for a career in the real world?
Based on 13 Reviews
Alumni
Marketing , Class of 2010
We had a career fair, and the business school provides mock interviewing, resume building, and career counseling. However, most students don't utilize these as much as they should, and it is never impressed on you how much it will help you when you start looking for a career.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Mechanical Engineering and Spanish , Class of 2012
Career fairs, career websites connecting with employers, alumni networks, etc. In addition, the curriculum is very focused on getting students out into the workforce as opposed to graduate school.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Management Information Systems, Business , Class of 1991
Many employers come to campus to interview for jobs after graduation or for summer internships. This makes it easier for the student since they don't have to travel long distances for interviews.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Construction Engineering , Class of 1981
Good cross section of technical and business classes. Many case studies and simulations of projects.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Graphic design , Class of 1981
Now there are computers. However like my class, students can not use them til they know fundamentals of design
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Bachelor of Fine Arts , Class of 1994
I didn't feel like they really providing anything for my major while I was there.
Rated January 2016
A- Excellent
Students and Culture
What letter grade would you give the students/culture at your school?
Based on 13 Reviews
Alumni
Marketing , Class of 2010
Ames is pretty much just a college town, so the entire community is rallied around the school. The school spirit is high, and there are a lot of ways to be involved (sporting events, greek life, intramurals, on campus clubs, etc.) The people are generally very nice and friendly, which comes with the Midwest territory. Since it is a great school for engineering, veterinary, and design, there is a wide range of student personalities. I had friends from different states, countries, and nationalities, and it's easy to find your place on campus.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Mechanical Engineering and Spanish , Class of 2012
Pretty typically Iowan: friendly, nice, ethnically homogeneous. The overall culture is also typical of a large public school with parties, tailgating, and what have you, but the school is large enough to accommodate every subculture that you're interested in.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Management Information Systems, Business , Class of 1991
They are very involved and culturally diverse. There are many opportunities to be involved in clubs or organizations. I personally met many people from many different countries.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Construction Engineering , Class of 1981
No idea at this point
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Agronomy , Class of 1981
It was diversified when I was there, but with a slight leaning toward farm town and white.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
B.B.A. Transportation / Logistics , Class of 1984
Within the college of business , very nice friendly co-horts, outside of this college no real effort by the university to have the different colleges socialize or interact
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Graphic design , Class of 1981
We had an active culture crossing many disciplines, not just one clique
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Bachelor of Fine Arts , Class of 1994
there was a very wide range. you could easily find collaboration, or not, as you wished as well.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Political Science , Class of 1997
Very homogenous; far too little diversity
Rated January 2016
A Excellent
Facilities
What letter grade would you give the facilities at your school.
Based on 13 Reviews
Alumni
Marketing , Class of 2010
The dorms are pretty old, but they still have everything you need. After visiting a few other colleges, they still seem much larger than average, especially Friley Hall. The dining halls have so much good food, and a great variety. I ate there for a year straight and never got sick of it. The all you can eat soft-serve does not help with the Freshman 15 though. All the facilities I used for the business school were top notch. Huge computer lab with free printing, really nice classrooms with the latest projector and computer technology. Some majors didn't have quite as nice of facilities, but they have already built so many new buildings since I graduated, so I'm sure everyone will be upgraded soon if not already.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Mechanical Engineering and Spanish , Class of 2012
The engineering computer labs are top notch. Dorms are hit or miss with some of them being super nice with others which are horrendous. Dining halls are pretty good, especially compared with some other schools' I've seen. Classrooms are acceptable. The campus itself is gorgeous. Also, there are two gyms on campus which are pretty great.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Management Information Systems, Business , Class of 1991
They have a variety of options for dining and the computer labs are kept up to date. Classrooms are roomy and student can easily see the instructor or board. Dorms are little over crowded right now- but they are building more dorms soon.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Agronomy , Class of 1981
Don't know what it is now. Was: nice forms with dining halls, home made food! No computers then.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
B.B.A. Transportation / Logistics , Class of 1984
I haven't been on the campus since I graduated in 1984, so I do not have recent experiences with the above mentioned areas
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Graphic design , Class of 1981
State of the art. Always adapting.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Bachelor of Fine Arts , Class of 1994
At the time, they were o.k. As I understand it, they have advanced that greatly now.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Journalism and Mass Communications , Class of 1988
All of these, greek system, different student living styles
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Business management , Class of 2011
Nice, but some dorms needed to be torn down
Rated January 2016
A- Excellent
Activities and Groups
What overall letter grade would you give the activities/groups at your school?
Based on 13 Reviews
Alumni
Marketing , Class of 2010
I was in athletics, so I spent most of my time with other athletes practicing, competing, or attending sporting events. Football games are always popular, and basketball games are extremely fun since we've had a good team the last few years. Outside of sports, I know the intramural circuit offers many different options, like broomball and ultimate frisbee. It's a really big community, and I think it gets pretty competitive. Greek life is also pretty big on campus, with many events including Yell like Hell and homecoming floats. Other than that, there are many clubs and groups that you can find for almost any interest.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Mechanical Engineering and Spanish , Class of 2012
The S&M club is pretty unique, I'd say, though it's not a particularly large crowd. The engineering clubs are quite active and popular as well as the agricultural clubs. Dancing is a pretty popular pass time as well. The club fair at the beginning of the semester will help you find whatever kind of club you're looking for.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Agronomy , Class of 1981
I did not participate, so don't know
Rated January 2016
Alumni
B.B.A. Transportation / Logistics , Class of 1984
A club within my specific major in the college of business
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Graphic design , Class of 1981
Strong Greek system and strong social fraternity to keep students involved.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Bachelor of Fine Arts , Class of 1994
unsure...was too involved with schoolwork to really take part.
Rated January 2016
Alumni
Journalism and Mass Communications , Class of 1988
Greek system, club sports, basketball and football
Rated January 2016
CURRICULUM FOCUS
Iowa State University Agriculture Program
UDC Contributor

Those who come to Iowa State University to major in agricultural disciplines should think of themselves not only as students but also as active participants in the future of farming and related areas. The institution’s commitment to training tomorrow’s leaders is exemplified in a senior-level capstone course fondly known as Ag450 Farm. Students get to manage the operations of the university’s 1,400-acre farm complete with corn, soybeans and pigs—oh my! Talk about putting the problem solving, decision-making, and communication skills learned in class to use. As a land-grant institution, the university focuses much of its agricultural research efforts on advances that will help the people of Iowa. However, Iowa State is also quite active on the global level and encourages studying abroad. More than 400 students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) traveled last year, doing everything from studying soil and crops in Costa Rica to examining agricultural world markets in Spain. The combination of thorough classroom training and hands-on experience prepares Iowa State agricultural students for post-graduation success. Nearly 98 percent of CALS graduates reported they were working, continuing their education, or serving in the military within six months of receiving their diplomas. The annual Agriculture and Life Sciences Fall Career Day brings more than 250 employers directly to campus, making the event one of the largest of its kind in the nation.

Featured Alumni Review
Drew
Agricultural Business major, Class of 2016

U I have been able to explore classes within several different departments and programs in Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, including agricultural business, economics, animal science, and meat science. Each time I have been impressed by the willingness of the faculty to keep students actively engaged and challenged. Also, meeting students from all parts of Iowa and beyond has been a highlight. The opportunity to travel and study abroad is a major strength of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Another is how students are prepared for their careers after school through internships and co-ops. High placement rates equal high levels of preparedness and professionalism.

Featured Alumni Review
Haley
Agricultural and Life Sciences Education major, Class of 2015

U Iowa State University has truly been a home away from home. Nestled on a beautiful and spacious campus, Iowa State offers a unique learning environment that is comfortable, yet challenges students to be better scholars and problem solvers. This real-world experience has been instrumental in helping me prepare for a future career and has played a major role in encouraging me to reach higher goals, such as advancing to graduate school. While Iowa State University has become my home, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has provided me with a sense of community. The college faculty, staff, students, and alumni within the agriculture program made me feel welcome and have served as my mentors throughout my four years at Iowa State.

Questions and Answers about Iowa State University

Do you have questions about furthering your education with Iowa State University? People are listening and are ready to help. Plus, we're pretty sure others have the same question you do!

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