Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

International Application

Please read the information about how to apply to Iowa State University at the Graduate Admissions Web site.

Step 1: Print the international applicant checklist (pdf) from the Graduate Admissions Office and read the Office's application instructions.

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

Application format:

• online (create an account first; this is the preferred method)
• pdf
  
• Word

The application fee is nonrefundable fee and cannot be waived. The fee is noted in the international applicant checklist (see Step 1).

Payment tip: If you prefer to pay your application fee by credit card or electronic check (U.S. banks only), you must apply online.

If you prefer to pay your application fee by personal check, you may still complete the online application, but you'll need to print it off and attach your check. (See How to Apply for more details.)

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:

• Civil Engineering Materials
• Construction Engineering and Management
  
• Environmental Engineering and Water Resources
  
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering

Step 3: Obtain official academic records from each 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). Read the Admissions Office information on official academic records (p. 2, pdf).

Step 4: 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.

If you are using the downloadable application, the recommenders may use the Graduate College Letter of Recommendation forms that are included in the application packet. After completion, these forms should be returned to you in sealed envelopes and sent unopened to the department. 

If your recommender prefers, he/she can send the Graduate College’s Letter of Recommendation form directly to the department at:

Civil, Construction, and Envir. Engineering
Iowa State University
394 Town Engineering Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3232

Step 5: Have your entrance examination official test results sent to Iowa State University.

GRE minimum scores are the following:

• 400 Verbal
• 700 Quantitative
• 4.0 Analytical Writing

TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be waived for those who have earned a four-year bachelor's or a master's degree from a country where English is the only official language.

Our TOEFL application requirement is

• TOEFL-iBT 82
• TOEFL-CBT 213
• TOEFL-PBT 550

Take your TOEFL exam at least three months before you apply.  If you take the IELTS instead of the TOEFL, the application requirement is 6.5.

Step 6: Fill out the Graduate Financial Statement (pdf).

Step 7: Write a Statement of Purpose, which includes the following:

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

Step 8: Send appropriate information to the Graduate Admissions Office and the department.