Immunobiology

The Bachelor of Science in Immunobiology at Iowa State University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the immune system and its critical role in health and disease. This interdisciplinary program combines principles from biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics to provide a solid foundation in immunological concepts, laboratory techniques, and research methodologies. Students will explore how the immune system defends the body against pathogens, the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, and the development of vaccines and immunotherapies. The program prepares graduates for careers in biomedical research, healthcare, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries, where knowledge of immunological processes is essential. Through a combination of coursework, laboratory experience, and research projects, students gain practical skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling graduates to contribute to advancements in disease prevention and treatment. Students have opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of faculty members who are leaders in immunobiology research. The program also offers pathways for students interested in pursuing graduate studies or professional degrees in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities at Iowa State University, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in rapidly evolving biomedical fields. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to scientific understanding and health-related innovations. This program is ideal for students passionate about science and dedicated to improving human health through immunological research and application.

PhD candidates majoring in Immunobiology must take at least 72 graduate credits.  These 72 credits include the core course requirements (below) and applicable research credits earned.  Credits taken during a student's MS program in Immunobiology at Iowa State University may count towards their PhD in IMBIO.

Additional coursework for both PhD and MS degrees may be selected by the student in consultation with his/her Program of Study (POS) Committee to meet departmental requirements and to satisfactorily prepare the student for their research project.

Graduate credits of B or better earned at another institution may be transferred at the discretion of the POS Committee and with the approval of the Immunobiology Program and the ISU Graduate College.

Immunobiology PhD Core Curriculum requirements include:

TOTAL CORE CURRICULUM CREDITS                          **19-20 credits

**Exclusive of seminar, workshop, and research credits.

Non-native English speakers must pass the English Requirement as established by the university.  Depending on the results of this exam additional courses may be required to meet English proficiency standards. 

Immunobiology graduate students need to teach one semester as part of their training for an advanced degree.   Students whose first language is not English must take and pass the Oral English Certification Test (OECT) to be eligible to teach.

A four-year university degree (the equivalent of a bachelor's degree) is required. Applicants should have an undergraduate or advanced degree in one of the basic or applied sciences. Typical program disciplines include majors in biochemistry, biology, human medicine, immunology, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, veterinary medicine, or zoology. Appropriate undergraduate coursework includes mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biological sciences.

The program accepts applications for graduate study year-round; however, most assistantship and fellowship decisions are made by the end of April. To have the best chance of qualifying for financial support, your complete application (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) must be received by January 1 for fall admission.

1. Complete and submit the Immunobiology Program application online.  There is no application fee associated with this submission.
2. In addition, please submit the following materials in ONE packet and mail to the address provided below.
   • Official academic records/transcripts from each previous institution attended, regardless of whether or not a degree was earned.  Official transcripts should be in sealed envelopes from the individual college or university.  Transcript data must be in English. Iowa State transcripts will be provided at no cost.
   • Three letters of recommendation.  Letters should include the signature of the recommender and be provided in sealed envelopes with the recommender's signature across the seal. The following confidential report form (pdf) needs to accompany each letter of recommendation.  You as the applicant need to complete parts 1-3 of this form and then provide this to each of your recommenders for their evaluation.  At this time we do NOT accept electronic letters of recommendation.
   • Examination Results.  Please include a photocopy of each examination result in your pre-application packet. Exam results should include both raw scores and percentile information. If an offer is made to you, official test scores will need to be sent directly from ETS to Iowa State, but only if an offer is made. It is of note that photocopies are still requested even if you have sent official scores to ISU. The exams required are:
     • Graduate Records Examination (GRE).  Subject tests are not required but can be submitted if desired.
     • English Proficiency Exam Scores for non-native English speakers only.  Acceptable exams include:
       • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or
       • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
   • Statement of Purpose, Goals, and Research Interests
   • Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Scholarships

Immunobiology students receive a stipend to help cover living expenses.  Depending on the degree track, and provided that the student remains in good academic standing, the assistantship provides partial or full tuition scholarship.  Graduate students receiving an assistantship will also receive paid single coverage health insurance.  Additional information about student health insurance can be found on the Students & Scholar Health Insurance Program (SSHIP) website. 

Assistantships

Current IMBIO graduate students are supported by graduate assistantships.  Graduate assistantships can be research, teaching or a combination of the two.  Annual stipend rates typically range from $22,800 to $25,000 depending on the assistantship or fellowship received.  IMBIO first year, PhD students who enter via rotation receive the first several months of support from the program.  The current rotation assistantship provides a stipend of $1,900 per month.  It is expected that rotation students will choose a Major Professor who will pick up their financial assistantship by the end of their initial graduate assistantship award.  Thereafter financial support continues through the research grant(s) of the Major Professor and may vary in amount from that during rotations.  MS students or PhD students who are admitted directly are supported by their Major Professor from the start.  When choosing rotations and a major professor it is important to discuss available funding.  

Fellowships

Additional fellowship opportunities are available to Immunobiology applicants.  Applicants are automatically considered for the following competitive Iowa State University fellowships.  Each awarding office has its own selection and eligibility criteria. It is of note that the program must nominate those who qualify and applicants are not able to nominate themselves.  

• Diane Brandt Fellowship for Women: Provides one year of $5,000 in stipend support to an outstanding female graduate student.  Nomination eligibility is limited to women enrolled as a first semester, full-time student in a PhD program in science, mathematics, agriculture, or engineering. 
• Graduate College Miller Fellowship: This is a multi-year fellowship awarded on a competitive basis to doctoral graduate students without regard to the area of research interest.  Domestic and international applicants may qualify for this award.
• Graduate Disability Assistantship Program (GDAP): GDAP offers financial assistance to disabled graduate students who are pursuing either a MS or PhD degree within any discipline.  Nominees must have a disability (physical or mental disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities) under the Americans with Disabilities Act and confirmed through the ISU Student Disability Office.  Only students admitted as full or provisional are eligible for nomination.  Please note that you do not have disclose your specific disability to the MCDB Graduate Program.  For more information about the GDAP program and how it works, please contact Thelma Harding at (866) 478-4723 or tlhardi@iastate.edu.   
• Office of Biotechnology Graduate Student Fellowship: A competitive fellowship awarded to graduate students with research interests related to Biotechnology.  Domestic and international applicants may qualify per eligibility standards.  

The Bachelor of Science in Immunobiology at Iowa State University offers students a comprehensive education in the fundamental and applied aspects of immunology, focusing on the immune system's biology, functions, and role in health and disease. The program is designed for students interested in careers in biomedical research, healthcare, biotechnology, and related fields. It combines coursework in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics to provide a solid scientific foundation. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, internships, and laboratory work to gain practical experience. The curriculum emphasizes understanding immune responses, mechanisms of immune system disorders, vaccine development, and immunotherapy. The program prepares graduates for advanced studies in graduate or professional schools or directly for careers in industry or government agencies. Facilities and faculty at Iowa State are dedicated to advancing immunobiology research, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology and mentorship. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging university strengths in agriculture, veterinary sciences, and human medicine to give students a broad perspective on immunobiology's role in diverse biological and medical contexts. Overall, the Immunobiology program at Iowa State University aims to produce well-rounded scientists equipped with critical thinking, laboratory skills, and a deep understanding of immune system processes, preparing them for the evolving challenges and innovations in health sciences and biomedical research.