Graduate students are a vital part of the College of Education community. Through your participation in academics, teaching, research, and all parts of our campus community, you advance the mission of the college and the University of Iowa. For information about important parts of your journey as graduate students, please see the links below.

The University of Iowa College of Education offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including licensure, endorsements, certificates, and online programs, many of which are regularly ranked among the nation's best. The college's vision is to be a world-class college of education: leading research, engaging communities, and preparing education and mental health professionals for innovation and impact.

For a full list of our programs, including admissions requirements and faculty contacts, please use our Program Finder to find your perfect fit.

To apply for a program, please go to the University of Iowa online application site.

General Policies about Earning Graduate Degrees

Contact Info

The most important source of funding for most graduate students is your own graduate program. Please contact your advisor or your program’s graduate coordinator for information about funding opportunities within the department.

Graduate Assistantships

Assistantships provide valuable experience, open new career paths, and help finance your graduate education. In addition to a monthly salary, assistantships frequently provide a fee waiver for the out-of-state portion of tuition.

Policies for Current Graduate Assistants

Research and Travel Grants and Other Funding

“Internal Funding” means grants and funding provided by the University of Iowa. “External Funding” means grants and funding provided by groups outside of the University of Iowa. Please consult with your advisor before applying.


 

 

The University of Iowa has resources to help students in multiple ways, including both academic and non-academic capacities. Some key links are shared below.

Academic Support

Non-Academic Support

International Students

Online and Distance Students

Offices in the College of Education

Enrichment Opportunities for Graduate Students on Campus

Graduate Student Executive Committee (GSEC)

The Graduate Student Executive Committee (GSEC) supports and advocates for graduate students across the College of Education. They also provide valuable input to college administration on many issues including orientation for new students entering the college.

Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG)

GPSG is the student government for graduate and professional students at the University of Iowa. They represent UI's nearly 10,000 graduate and professional students and advocate on their behalf to university administrators, the Board of Regents, and state and federal legislators.

Graduate Student Senate (GSS)

The Graduate Student Senate is the primary representative, administrative, and service organization for graduate students at the University of Iowa and the senators of GSS are the core of the graduate student voice on campus. The Graduate Student Senate also functions as a conduit for information between the Graduate College and the general graduate student population.

Some key resources for all college and university policies for graduate students are:

Below, some policies and forms are provided that respond to frequently asked questions from graduate students in the College. Note that policies about graduate assistantships and graduate exams are provided in their respective sections on this page.

Academic Policies

Forms


 

 

Doctoral Comprehensive Exams (PhD students)

These exams are offered by most programs during fall and spring semesters, and by some programs during summer session. Program coordinators or advisors should be contacted regarding availability of exams during summer session. Comprehensive exam sessions are scheduled twice each semester over two consecutive days. Applications must be submitted by the established deadlines and at least two weeks prior to the exam date.

Non-Doctoral Final Exam (Non-Thesis) (MAT, MA, MS, EdS students)

The student and their faculty committee schedule non-doctoral final examinations (non-thesis option). Exam dates must be officially declared in the Office of Student Services at least two weeks before the oral defense and by the established deadlines. Students preparing for the non-doctoral final exam must have satisfied all coursework submitted on the Graduate College Plan of Study form.

Non-Doctoral Final Exam (Thesis Defense) (MAT, MA, MS, EdS students)

The student and their faculty committee schedule non-doctoral final examinations (thesis defense). Exam dates must be officially declared in the Office of Student Services at least two weeks before the oral defense and by the established deadlines. Students preparing for thesis defense must have satisfied all coursework submitted on the Graduate College Plan of Study form.

PhD Thesis/Dissertation Defense (Final Exam) (PhD students)

The student and their faculty committee schedule PhD final examinations (thesis/dissertation defense). Exam dates must be officially declared in the Office of Student Services at least two weeks before the oral defense and by the established deadlines. Students preparing for thesis defense must have satisfied all coursework submitted on the Graduate College Plan of Study form.

Additional Information