Find out more about Iowa State University

The online Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree completion program from Iowa State University provides students the flexibility to choose courses based on personal interests and goals. Students complete coursework in three of the following areas of distribution:

• Humanities
• Communications & Art
• Natural Sciences & Mathematics
• Professional Fields
• Social Sciences

Iowa State University offers the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics online degree.  This program helps students understand and work with data.  Students begin with building a foundation in business analytics and then go on to concentrate on skills that match their needs and interests.  Key topics covered are:

• Data management
• Business analytics
• Modeling
• Communication through data visualization

While this online business analytics degree can be earned alone, it can also be earned before, after, or concurrently with a master’s or doctoral degree.  Nine of the 12 required credits can count toward further graduate study.

The online Graduate Certificate in Construction Management from Iowa State University teaches students to successfully manage construction projects. Students may join the program at the beginning of any semester and take graduate courses in any order at a pace that suits their schedule. Classes are delivered online by digital video streaming.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Construction designs
• Risk assessment
• Cost Estimating

Students may take up to 9 credits as non-degree-seeking students, so it is possible to begin studies before formal admittance into the program. Whether or not students have an engineering undergraduate degree, this certificate can help students get an advanced construction management education. With the knowledge and skills learned in this online program, graduates will possess a lifelong career in the constantly changing technical and managerial environment of the construction industry.

Launch your next venture with the Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation.  This 100% online entrepreneurship degree focuses on the strategies and resources needed for success, including:

• How to secure financing, investors, and customers 
• Marketing and growth strategy 
• How to address risk 
• Legal requirements and recommendations for new ventures

The flexible scheduling allows students to study when and where it is convenient.  For further flexibility students will complete two specialized tracks that meet their interests and goals.

This online entrepreneurship can stand alone, but it can also be taken before, after, or concurrently with a master’s or doctorate degree.  Nine of the credits earned can be applied to a master’s degree at Iowa State University.

The online post-baccalaureate financial counseling certificate focuses on financial planning, real estate, investing, retirement planning, taxation and more. This certificate prepares professionals to sit for the AFC exam through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE).

This program is offered through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a partnership of regionally accredited schools that provides students with online opportunities. Students apply to their school of choice.

The online post-baccalaureate financial planning certificate focuses on investments, insurance, and estate and retirement planning for families. This program is offered through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a partnership of regionally accredited schools that provides students with online opportunities. Students apply to their school of choice.

The Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management from Iowa State University is an online operations management degree.  This degree allows you to dig deeper into supply chain management without entering a full graduate degree program.  However, nine of the 12 courses can be used as credits toward earning a master’s degree.  

The program covers the foundational concepts and applied technical skills that will allow students to effectively manage a global supply chain.  Topics covered include:

• Strategic process analysis and improvement
• Strategic logistics management
• Purchasing and supply management

Allowing students to study when and where it best suits them, this flexible, 100% online operations management degree will help you advance in your professional career without interrupting your current life.

The Graduate Certificate in Computer Networking from Iowa State University is an online network administration degree.  This certificate provides the advanced knowledge and skills in computer networking that large information technology companies are looking for.  If you are already a professional in the field, this program acts as continuing education that helps to keep you current in the rapidly evolving field or can be used as a stepping-stone into the Master of Engineering programs.  Topics covered include:

• high-performance networks
• optical networks
• network performance modeling
• wireless networks
• wireless sensor networks
• ad hoc networks

Students also benefit from enhanced competitiveness, technical knowledge, and working efficiency.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Computer Interaction from Iowa State University is an online computer science degree.  If you are interested in integrating new technologies into our lifestyle in a way that maximizes usefulness and usability while minimizing intrusiveness, this program may be for you.  You will gain an in-depth understanding of the interactions between humans and computers as you explore ways to achieve this goal.  Offering an interdisciplinary perspective, courses help you understand, utilize, and apply new technological solutions to solve human-centered problems.    

This is an interdisciplinary educational experience, providing advanced training in information technology that is designed to support professional development through an online-education medium.

The Master of Science in Human Computer Interaction from Iowa State University is an online web development degree.  There is an increasing need in business and industry for professionals trained in the Human Computer Interaction field.  This flexible program was created to help meet this need.  You will take four required courses in the categories of:

• Design
• Implementation
• Phenomena
• Evaluation

The remainder of the courses consist of electives chosen by the student, allowing you to take this degree in the direction that best suits you.  Possible courses include Introduction to the 3D Visualization of Scientific Data, Computational Implementation and Prototyping, Developmental Robotics, Models and Theories in Human Computer Interaction, and Organizational Applications of Collaborative Technologies and Social Media.

The online Graduate Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing from Iowa State University offers students an opportunity to address crucial local and national needs in the industry. Advanced manufacturing focuses on improving the performance of the manufacturing industry through systems innovation. For students who have strong science, technology, mathematics, or engineering backgrounds, the online graduate certificate in advanced manufacturing provides additional education in advanced manufacturing. This online certificate also serves as a stepping stone into the professional coursework-only Master of Engineering programs.

Earning the online graduate certificate in Advanced Manufacturing enhances:

• Technical knowledge
• Competitiveness
• Work efficiency

There are many online resources available to students. Experienced faculty are dedicated to the academic success of each student. Graduates will be prepared to tackle challenges in the modern manufacturing field.

The online Graduate Certificate in Energy Systems Engineering program prepares students to help provide sustainable energy for a growing world population. The curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to energy system design, evaluation, construction, and management that professionals in the field need to be aware of. Students also learn about dealing with environmental constraints as they develop new sources of energy while preventing or reversing the degradation of the environment.

Critical structures like bridges, nuclear power plants, airplanes, and other life-critical systems have components that are essential, and failures would cause hazards to the humans involved. Through the online Graduate Certificate in Nondestructive Evaluation from Iowa State University, students study methods that allow them to evaluate these systems without causing structural damage. The online NDE graduate certificate is ideal for students who have a background in engineering or physical sciences.

Students must have a strong understanding of:

• Differential equations
• Numerical computer programming
• Three-dimensional vector calculus

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or physical science. They also must satisfy the prerequisites for the individual courses that comprise the certificate. Graduates of the online graduate certificate in Nondestructive Evaluation can test the structural integrity of the materials in life-critical systems while keeping them intact to improve communities.

By obtaining the online Graduate Certificate in Power Systems Engineering from Iowa State University, graduates are ready to work as successful systems engineers. Graduates of this online certificate will be able to provide expertise in public policies, and perform power system engineering tasks related to operating electric power generation. Students can apply credits from the graduate certificate to a Master of Engineering degree.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Modeling
• Theory
• Tools of engineering

Professional faculty are dedicated to the success of each student. Time for completion is flexible, which is ideal for busy, working students. Graduates will have the skills necessary to thrive in the field of systems engineering.

The online Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering program provides resources for any engineers responsible for the oversight, creation, or operation of complex systems, extending their abilities to work across disciplinary boundaries and to develop engineering management capabilities. The curriculum focuses on learning opportunities for systems engineers, design engineers, lead engineers, software systems engineers, project managers, and others seeking to increase their professional knowledge and advance their careers. The program teaches students to ensure that a system will satisfy its requirements throughout the entire system life cycle and enables engineers to develop the analytical abilities needed to design, evaluate, and manage complex systems involving many components and demanding specifications.

If your job features management responsibilities but you are not planning on a career as a safety professional, this online occupational health and safety degree can help you get started.  Companies must have occupational safety so this certificate can give graduates a leg up in the job market, providing formal recognition in this specialized field of study.  You will gain knowledge and skills that will allow you to improve a company’s ability to protect their workers from injuries and illnesses.  

Core courses likely include:

• Principles of Injury Prevention 
• Occupational Safety Management 
• Occupational Safety 
• Legal Aspects of Occupational Safety and Health 
• Industrial Hygiene: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Hazards

Unlike many undergraduate degrees, students must have a bachelor’s degree or be currently working on one for admission to this program.

An online Gerontology graduate certificate allows you to earn valuable credentials to build your resume without committing to a full degree program. This can be especially beneficial if you are already working in a health or human services organization or need added skills to begin a new career path. Complete core courses that focus on adult development and gerontology perspectives, and then customize your program through elective options. Choose from topics, such as:

• Creativity and aging
• Nutrition
• Cognitive health

This program is offered through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a partnership of regionally accredited schools that provides students with online opportunities. Students apply to their school of choice.

The online Graduate Certificate in Agronomy from Iowa State University teaches students to produce food and fuel more efficiently and economically. The online Graduate Certificate in Agronomy is designed for professionals working in the industry. For a comprehensive learning environment online, students interact with other students and faculty. Graduate certificate coursework can transfer to the MS Agronomy program.

Discussion topics include: 

• Climatology
• Soil management
• Crop physiology

Experienced faculty are dedicated to the academic success of students. The time required to complete the online graduate certificate is flexible, so most students enroll in one or two courses per semester while working full-time. There is no thesis or creative component to this certificate.

The online Graduate Certificate in Biochemistry from Iowa State University enables students to help advance physical, chemical, and biological sciences. Built-in flexibility allows students to complete courses on their own while not ignoring other commitments. Due to the smaller class size for graduate courses, students develop working, collaborative relationships with faculty members who are often national and international leaders in their fields.

Advantages of the online graduate certificate program include:

• Small class sizes
• Flexibility
• Engaging classroom discussions

There are many online resources available to students at Iowa State University. Experienced faculty are dedicated to the academic success of each student. Graduates will be prepared to enter successful, life-long careers in biochemistry. 

The online Graduate Certificate in Breeding for Organic Crops from Iowa State University helps students comprehend factors that influence the genetic improvement of organic crops. The curriculum integrates knowledge in organic crop production with basic concepts in genetics and decision-making in plant breeding. Program credits from the graduate certificate may be transferred to meet some online master’s in plant breeding requirements. 

This online certificate program is ideal for: 

• Undergraduates in agronomy-related programs
• Organic farmers
• Individuals working in agriculture

There are many online resources available to students at Iowa State University. Experienced faculty are dedicated to the academic success of each student. Graduates will be prepared to enter successful, rewarding careers in organic crop breeding. 

The online Graduate Certificate in Education and Outreach in Agricultural and Natural Resources is designed for working individuals who wish to improve their skills in non-formal outreach and education. Emphasis is placed on the transfer of learning, evaluation, needs assessment, and instruction. Students have the opportunity to work with both adult and youth learners.

Some of the courses include:

• Technology transfer for agriculture and extension education
• Qualitative interviews and analysis
• A survey of leadership theories

Students will gain new insights into land-grant history, study digital surveys, and improve natural resource systems. Helpful faculty and staff bring practical lessons for students to apply in their jobs. This online graduate certificate enables graduates to help others boost decision-making and knowledge in agriculture.

The Certificate in Food Safety & Defense program is designed to complement a graduate degree or provide working professionals in the food industry with the tools needed to advance their careers and protect the human food supply. The curriculum covers topics like food microbiology, foodborne toxicants, food laws, and rapid food microbiological methods. 

This program is offered through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a partnership of regionally accredited schools that provides students with online opportunities. Students apply to their school of choice.

The online Graduate Certificate in Meat Science from Iowa State University gives students a formal and in-depth training on the scientific principles behind fresh and processed meats, including microbiology and food safety. This 12-credit online graduate certificate program provides students with up-to-date knowledge and skills that will enable them to add value to their organizations and further their career growth. The online graduate certificate in Meat Science allows students the flexibility to pursue specialized training at their own pace wherever it is convenient.

This online program offers:

• Experienced faculty
• Online resources
• Flexibility

For students who are professionals in the meat and food industry who desire training in meat science, this is a perfect opportunity to expand and update basic meat science knowledge. When graduates certify in meat and food industry personnel training and education, they become an important part of a complex, rapidly-growing industry. Meat science certification gives graduates the skills from food safety to microbiology basics, and more.

The online Graduate Certificate in Seed Business Management program provides students with core graduate-level management and leadership skills. The curriculum enables students to better serve seed and agricultural biotechnology businesses and regulatory agencies, their customers, and their stakeholders by teaching business analytical procedures, the creation of seed value in market economies, and how government regulation impacts the delivery of value to customers. Students will also understand the appropriate scope of effective regulation and various ethical approaches to regulation.

The online Graduate Certificate in Seed Science & Technology program provides graduate level study in the science and technology used in the seed energy and is oriented toward those with a business background who want to understand the technical side of their industry. The curriculum helps students understand the technical side so that they can better apply their knowledge, skills, and experience. Areas of study include:

• Seed production and use
• Plant breeding
• Plant biotechnology

The online Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Preventive Medicine from Iowa State University offers a first look at animal disease prevention. This online graduate certificate offers teamwork with the USDA, industry partners, commodity groups, and other associations. Curriculum includes the topics of epidemiology, population health, and the design and implementation of field trials.

The graduate certificate in Veterinary Preventive Medicine also offers:

• Tailored advising
• Research opportunities
• Individual attention

The research opportunities at Iowa State University frequently have interdisciplinary, collaborative approaches. Faculty are involved in all areas of livestock health, welfare and production. Many also serve producers, veterinarians, industry groups, and government agencies. Graduates of the online Veterinary Preventive Medicine graduate program have a competitive edge in the workforce from the education received at Iowa State University.

Are you a human services professional looking for the latest trends in research?  Are you an undergraduate who wants to continue your education and work for a nonprofit?  This online graduate Certificate in Developmental & Family Sciences Advanced Research Design & Methods could be an ideal tool for you.  You’ll gain a foundation in the best methods and analytic strategies.  With rolling admissions, you can start your studies whenever you’re ready.  Courses usually include:

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Program Evaluation
• Multi-level Modeling

With the world becoming more diverse and intertwined, learning to balance cultures within our communities is playing an increasingly important role in society.  This online graduate Certificate in Family Well-Being in Diverse Society can help human service professionals better serve their communities.  Topics center around diversity in:  gender, sexual orientation, economic factors, culture, education and more.  Iowa State offers rolling admissions, so you can begin your graduate studies whenever you’re ready.  Curriculum usually entails:

• Family Theory
• Cross-cultural Perspectives about Families & Children
• Aging in the Family Setting

If you’ve ever wanted to provide support to new parents, work as a preschool teacher, or learn about child development to implement community programs, consider this online graduate Certificate in Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health.  Offered through Iowa State, this program can be completed entirely through distance learning. This, coupled with a rolling admission process, means that you can also start your studies whenever you’re ready.  Curriculum revolves around the social and emotional factors that influence child behavior, with courses such as:

• Theories of Human Development
• Infant Mental Health
• Current Issues and Research in Early Childhood Development

Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Consider this online graduate certificate to become a Youth Development Specialist. You’ll gain insight to the latest trends and issues that affect youth development, helping you become more effective in your role. Best practices are studied, as you learn how to lend social, emotional and cognitive support to adolescents on their road to success. The contemporary skills and knowledge base acquired through this program, offered by Iowa State and other partners of IDEA, can be used by human services, social workers, counselors and other professionals. Coursework likely offered within this unique online certificate, includes:

• Youth Policy
• Community Youth Development
• Adolescents and Their Families

This program is offered through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a partnership of regionally accredited schools that provides students with online opportunities. Students apply to their school of choice.

For today’s youth to develop into successful adults, they need structure and direction. This online graduate Certificate in Youth Program Management & Evaluation will give you the knowledge to create, manage and sustain a myriad of programs specifically designed for adolescents. You’ll be providing today’s youth with a metaphorical compass of sorts. Through such programs, kids will gain all-important social, emotional and cognitive tools. This advanced coursework is offered at Iowa State and partner schools, where online classes will likely include:

• Youth Professionals as Consumers of Research
• Administration and Program Management
• Program Design, Evaluation and Implementation

This program is offered through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a partnership of regionally accredited schools that provides students with online opportunities. Students apply to their school of choice.