Frequently Asked Questions

There are a few steps to becoming a Cyclone. Consult the below frequently asked questions below to guide you on your way. 

Can any of your degree programs be completed online?

• The Master of Community Development is the only fully online program in the college. All other College of Design graduate degrees and certificates have in-person delivery only.

When will an admission decision be shared?

• Admission committees do not review applicants until after the priority deadline has passed and will not review incomplete applications. Please allow up to six weeks from your program’s priority deadline, or the date you apply post-deadline, to receive a status update.

May I obtain an admission application fee waiver?

• Application fee vouchers are not available. A financial contribution at the application phase indicates a seriousness about gaining admission to our program. The expectation is that prospective students will be able to cover the cost of their graduate studies from their own financial resources for the duration of the program. A limited number of highly competitive assistantships are available each academic year that cannot be guaranteed to anyone in advance of reviewing the full application pool. Additionally, it is important to understand that assistantships do not provide 100% tuition and living expenses. It is important that you feel prepared to cover the full cost of your studies.

What English proficiency exams and scores do you accept?

• International applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit English proficiency examination scores. You can find accepted exams and necessary scores here. DuoLingo is being accepted through Spring 2023. The TOEFL Home Edition is accepted. Your score should be sent electronically to our school code, 6306. 

Should I contact professors with whom I would like to study?

• No. Questions regarding graduate programs or how to apply should be sent to Jennifer Anderson. Individual faculty members do not make admission or assistantship decisions. Instead, admission and financial assistance is determined by a committee. You may name faculty or research interests in your statement of purpose when applying.

 How long will it take to receive my offer of admission and/or I-20?

• Getting here is a process. Domestic applicants should expect to receive their official offer of admission up to three weeks after learning their status from their DOGE. International students will not receive an official offer but will be contacted regarding necessary additional documents two to three weeks after the DOGE processes the admission recommendation. Please wait at least three weeks after submitting your financial statement and passport scan for your I20 and official offer of admission to be produced. These documents will be sent via email to the address used to apply for admission.

Do you require the GRE for admission?

• None of the graduate programs offered by the College of Design at Iowa State require the GRE. You may view admission requirements for your program of interest here.

Do you offer any PhD programs?

• The College of Design does not have any PhD programs but we do offer terminal degrees in many of our fields.

How can I be considered for financial assistance?

• You will automatically be considered for a departmental assistantship or scholarship upon applying for admission if you apply by your program’s priority deadline. Applying for admission after the deadline has passed reduces the likelihood of receiving funding. Please note that our assistantships and scholarships do not cover tuition in full. 

Do you have a question we haven’t answered? Contact Melissa Stenstrom, Recruiter I.