STB Program Overview

The STB program, delivered entirely online, is focused on preparing students for seed-related management roles. The MS curriculum consists of fifteen courses that are developed and delivered by faculty members from Iowa State University and seed industry professionals. Business courses highlight seed-related issues, while the science and technology courses focus on practical applications. Courses emphasize interactivity with fellow students and faculty. You will be encouraged to share your work experiences with other members of the group. Please refer to our STB Course Descriptions. All courses are required unless the student can show that he or she has had previous equivalent instruction.

Your course instructors will provide you a syllabus with structured due dates and weekly lessons to review. Your courses will typically consist of a combination of pre-recorded lectures, homework, threaded discussions, short papers, and examinations. Most importantly—you will have the freedom to study when and where your schedule permits.

Program at a Glance

  • Designed especially for professionals working in the seed sector
  • A rigorous, integrated curriculum offered entirely online
  • Fresh perspectives on how seed delivers value to users and society
  • Emphasizes the development of superior problem-solving and analytic skills

Admission to the STB Program

Potential students interested in the STB master’s degree program often come from very diverse backgrounds. Generally, students who have completed a 4-year degree from a regionally-accredited institution in business, agriculture or a biology-related discipline will have the necessary coursework to be successful.  Admission Information

Students need to apply online and complete the standard Iowa State University graduate admission process. To complete the admission process, students will need  to submit:

  • The online application
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Academic transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
  • A personal essay
  • A professional resume/CV

Course Requirements

The STB program requires 36 credits for the full master’s (MS) degree, 19 credits for the Seed Science and Technology Graduate Certificate and 16 credits for the Seed Business Management Graduate Certificate. Our courses are offered on a cyclical basis so that you may complete the MS degree in as little as three years. Please refer to our STB Course Schedule.

STB Program Handbook

For more detail information about the STB Program, please refer to specific pages on this website and the STB Program Handbook.