Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

Graduate Application for Domestic Students

The graduate application process at Iowa State is "self-managed," which means that the applicant manages his/her own application.

Financial aid is usually considered only after an applicant is admitted to Iowa State University.

Iowa State University cannot process an application until it is complete, so please make sure the university has received all the materials for your application. Keep in mind that the admissions process may take several months.

Application Deadlines

February 1 is the priority consideration date for the fall semester applications. July 1 is the priority consideration date for the spring semester applications. 

Steps to Completing Application Packet

Step 1: Print the domestic checklist (pdf) and read the office's application instructions.

Step 2: Fill out the application form and pay the fee.

Application formats:

The application fee is nonrefundable and cannot be waived. The fee is noted on the Graduate Admission’s application checklist (see Step 1).

Payment Tip: If you prefer to pay your application fee by credit card or electronic check, you must apply online. If you prefer to pay your application fee by personal check, download the application. 

ISU alumni, if you apply online, a $5 processing fee must be paid electronically, but you benefit from the ability to submit letters of recommendation online. If ISU alumni download the application and mail it in, then no application fee is charged.

Application Tip: On the Major/Program line enter "Civil Engineering." Then on the "List research/study interests" line, identify your specific area of specialization so we can correctly route your application.

The CCEE department offers the following areas of specialization:

Step 2: Obtain official academic records from each academic institution attended using Form 1-A (pdf). If institutions will not send transcripts to you directly, ask them to be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office at Iowa State University (address below).

Step 3: Get three letters of recommendation. The Office of Admissions offers a Web-based submission system for your letters of recommendation. Use of this option is strongly encouraged.

Students from our department can simply list the names of Iowa State University CCEE faculty who will recommend them. They don't need to provide letters.

Step 4: If required, have your GRE official test results sent to Iowa State University.

The GRE is not required for applicants with a four-year bachelor's degree or a master's degree from a U.S. ABET-accredited program.

GRE minimum scores:

  • 400 Verbal
  • 700 Quantitative
  • 4.0 Analytical Writing

Step 5: Write a Statement of Purpose, which includes the following:

  1. Clearly indicate your area of specialization or emphasis as listed on your application form and why you chose it.
  2. Give a statement of career objectives and goals.
  3. List relevant work experience.
  4. State if you have knowledge about Iowa State University Civil Engineering programs/research areas.

Step 6: Send appropriate information to the Graduate Admissions Office and the department.