We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions below. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, please email us at seedgrad@iastate.edu.

How will my online learning courses be delivered to me?
Our online courses are delivered mainly through our delivery system called CANVAS. Students receive the material through recorded lectures, textbook readings, case studies, story problems, etc. Each online course is facilitated a little differently so it is important to review the syllabus in detail at the beginning of your class. We also upload most lectures to a course site in Vimeo so students have the option of downloading the lectures and viewing them offline if necessary.

Are the Seed Technology and Business online graduate courses accredited?
Yes. The online courses are taught by the same instructors as our on-campus offerings. Iowa State is an international, prestigious university with a friendly welcoming personality. More than 36,000 students choose from 100 majors, study with world-class scholars and hone their leadership skills in more than 800 student organizations. It is a Research I Land Grant University which is fully accredited.

What student support is available to me once I start the program?
The online STB program has several staff members who can answer your questions as you work your way through the program. You can reach them at seedgrad@iastate.edu.

You can also take part in informative programs and events offered through the ISU Graduate College, Center for Communication Excellence https://cce.grad-college.iastate.edu/events/scheduled-events

How much will this program cost?
The STB program tuition and deliver fees are assessed per credit hour. There is also a technology fee assessed each semester which adds minimal expense and textbook costs which vary depending on the course(s) you’re taking.  For more detailed information about the current costs of theSTB program, see our tuition and fees page.

What is required for admission?
We require students to submit the following for consideration for admission to the program: application of admission, 3 letters of reference, academic transcripts from all college-level work, a personal essay and a current resume. For more information about our requirements see admission information.

Can I still be considered for the program if my undergraduate GPA is below a 3.00?
The Iowa State University Graduate College has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.00. However, students with an undergraduate GPA less than 3.00 may be admitted on a restricted basis if their other qualifications are acceptable.  When students are admitted on a restricted basis they are required to earn a 3.00 (B) or better on their first 9 credits in the program. Once they have successfully completed those credits, they can then be moved over to full admission. They take the same courses and earn the same credit as fully admitted students. For more questions or concerns about GPA requirements please email us at seedgrad@iastate.edu.

Are there scholarships available for online graduate students?
The STB program has a small amount of scholarship funds that may be available to international students whose tuition is not supported by their employer. There are very few external scholarships available for online students. However, we keep our eye out for good options. You can refer to our scholarships resource page or email us at seedgrad@iastate.edu if you would like to check to see if you qualify for any scholarships. Many employers will partially or wholly support tuition and fees for their employees’ participation in graduate education. Please check with your employer for reimbursement programs for tuition and fees.

Can I complete the program at my own pace?
The MS in Seed Technology & Business can be completed in 36 months. Career demands can sometimes cause delays in the completion of the program; in those cases, our Graduate College rules and regulations state that students have 8-10 years to complete their Master of Science degree. You should have plenty of time to take the required coursework and complete your creative component within that time frame.

How flexible are the courses and instructors?
Our instructors understand that the vast majority of our students are full-time employees carrying out many different life roles. We work hard to make these online courses as flexible as possible while still maintaining the academic rigor of the program.

English is not my first language. How does this affect my application for admission to the program?
Students will need to meet the University’s minimum English proficiency requirements before taking classes. You will need to submit proof of one of the following to the admissions office with your application. TOEFL exam results of TOEFL Paper (PBT) 560, TOEFL Internet (iBT) 83, IELTS 6.5, or a bachelor’s or master’s degree statement from a university in the US or a country in which English is the official language are acceptable.