Graduate Studies
Answering the growing demand
Our highly regarded academics, groundbreaking research, and supportive environment makes Iowa State’s Department of Computer Science an exceptional place to pursue an advanced degree with immediate career applications.
Iowa State University is a top-tier, Carnegie R1 research institution, and our Department of Computer Science boasts over $16 million in active research grants. Our world-class faculty includes ACM Distinguished Scientists, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Fellows, and Fulbright Scholars.
Our graduates are well-equipped to tackle some of the toughest problems companies present to them. Iowa State graduates go on to careers at the world’s leading companies such as Microsoft, Walt Disney, Google, Kingland, John Deere, LinkedIn, and many others.
Ready to join the Department of Computer Science?
Review the application requirements to get started.
Graduate programs
Computer Science: Ph.D.
Computer Science Doctoral Overview
Students will learn from globally recognized faculty who teach and conduct research in computer science, computer engineering, data science, and many other areas. Our 5-year program provides research-based training leading to a Ph.D. in Computer Science.
Artificial Intelligence: M.S.
This program is for graduate-level students with strong quantitative backgrounds who are interested in learning AI and machine-learning techniques.
Computer Science: Graduate Bridge Program
The Bridge Program is for students with no computing related Bachelors degree. Students begin with an intensive, tailored set of courses that equip them with the foundational skills necessary to excel in our advanced master's-level coursework. They will earn their MS in Computer Science degree in just two and a half years.
Computer Science: Graduate Minor
Students pursing graduate degrees outside of the Department of Computer Science can obtain a graduate minor in Computer Science by completing a minimum of 12 credits.
Artificial Intelligence: Graduate Minor
Students pursing graduate degrees outside of the Department of Computer Science can obtain a graduate minor in Artificial Intelligence by completing a minimum of 15 credits.
Interdepartmental programs
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology: Ph.D.
The BCB Graduate Program provides an interdisciplinary research environment where successful collaborations between life science researchers and computational scientists have developed over its ten year history. Choose PhD study in ISU's BCB Graduate program and enter a vibrant learning community supported by world class resources.
Cybersecurity
Help infrastructure security keep better pace with the growth of information in cyberspace. Learn detection and counter-measure strategies to thwart computer hackers.
Human-Computer Interaction: M.S., Ph.D.
The HCI Graduate Program promotes a flexible curriculum that encourages students to develop a program of study specific to their research interests. With only three core courses for the MS and four for the PhD, the program leaves room for students to take electives from a multitude of disciplines to enhance their research. The Graduate Program is also closely related to ongoing research.
Concurrent and co-major graduate degrees
Student News
Graduate program virtual visits
To learn more and speak with our staff, register for our weekly virtual information session. We keep these sessions small so you can ask questions and be sure our university is the best fit!