Iowa State University

3305 70th St, Des Moines, IA

Iowa State University (ISU) is a top ranking university in Ames, Iowa, which is considered one of the best places to live in America. The school's central campus is known for its beauty and historic landmarks, and is notable for its landscape architecture.

ISU offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in nearly 200 fields of study. At the undergraduate level, Iowa State University earns high marks for its academic programs in agriculture technology, sciences and arts. At the graduate level, ISU earns high marks for its programs in chemistry, statistics, physics, agricultural sciences, electrical engineering and economics.

The university also offers a variety of study abroad, service-learning, and work abroad programs. ISU attracts a diverse student population from all 50 states in the U.S. and more than 110 countries worldwide.

History

Iowa State University was one of the first land-grant universities established in the United States, after President Lincoln signed the law to establish colleges and universities throughout the country that would offer accessible higher education to all citizens, teach practical classes and share knowledge beyond the campus borders.

ISU was established in 1858 on a farm as "Iowa Agricultural College and Model Farm." The school's first campus building, "The Farm House," was completed in 1861. The first students enrolled in 1869, and graduated in 1872. Iowa Agricultural College was considered a leader in agriculture, engineering, and home economics, among other practical subjects.

An increasing focus on technology led to the development of the world's first electronic digital computer near the end of the 1930s. Due to expansion into more technological areas of study, the school changed its name to "Iowa State University of Science and Technology" in 1959. This name was later shortened to "Iowa State University." Over the years, Iowa State University further developed its offerings and continued to achieve academic excellence in its expanding and top-ranking programs in agriculture, technology, science and art.

Academics

The academic calendar of Iowa State University follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Business
• College of Design
• College of Engineering
• College of Human Sciences
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• College of Veterinary Medicine
• Graduate College

Student Life

According to the Student Activities Center, there are hundreds of student clubs and organizations available for participation at ISU, and students will find them listed under categories such as Media Production, Music/Performing Arts, Multicultural, Honoraries, Fraternities, Sororities, and Special Interest, among others.  The Center offers information and resources to students who wish to start their own club or organization on campus.

There are also many groups, venues, facilities, workshops and events available for arts, entertainment and recreation.  ISU students can choose from live music performances, leadership activities or multi-media courses through The Union Workspace, such as pottery-making classes, photography workshops, and carpentry workshops. Other activities available include ballroom dance and rotating art exhibits.  There is a student group called "ISU After Dark" that plans late night events throughout the year.

Several different options for on-campus housing and on-campus dining are available.

Traditions

ISU school colors are cardinal (red) and gold, and its mascot is a cardinal (bird) named "Cy."

Iowa State University's teams were nicknamed the "Cyclones" by a news reporter who covered their football games in the 1890s. The school's athletic department eventually adopted the nickname as their official name for all of Iowa State's sports teams.

Athletics

The Iowa State "Cyclones" compete in 18 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Indoor Track and Field
• Outdoor Track and Field
• Wrestling

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Indoor Track and Field
• Outdoor Track and Field
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Volleyball

Community Life

As a state, Iowa is known as an area of friendly people, small towns and close-knit communities. It is also known for good schools and nice cities, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in its many parks, as well as shopping and entertainment.

Ames, 30 minutes from Des Moines, is one of Iowa's nicest small towns. Due in part to the presence of Iowa State University, Ames draws top performers such as Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney, international symphonies, Broadway musical tours, and more.