2025-26 Academic Catalog
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Undergraduate Information and Degree Requirements

This section contains the following information:

The University of Northern Iowa offers degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Graduate information is provided in the Graduate Degree Requirements, and specific graduate major program requirements are listed within the Program Requirements section by department. At the undergraduate level, the University of Northern Iowa offers six traditional baccalaureate degrees: the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Music, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and the Bachelor of Social Work. The university also offers two additional baccalaureate degrees: the external degree of Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) which provides a unique path to a four-year degree; and the the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) which offers educational opportunities to those students who have completed an A.A.S. degree and are now seeking to complete a four-year degree. Details for both of these degree programs are provided in this University Catalog. These students are often place-bound and need to take online classes while remaining a full-time employee. Major goals in the programs leading to these degrees are the advancement of humane learning and the preparation of all students to cope intelligently, effectively, and reasonably with the complex and changing conditions of life in modern society. To attain these goals, while at the university, students are expected to make significant progress toward:

1.        understanding themselves and the society in which they live,
2.        developing the ability to read, write, and speak their own language well and to appreciate its literature,
3.        gaining an acquaintance with the literature of another language and the culture of its people, preferably in the original, but certainly through the study of translations,
4.        securing a thorough grounding in the history and cultural traditions of the modern world with a special sympathetic understanding for the economic, social, and political problems of our time,
5.        acquiring an understanding of the principles and methods of the natural sciences and mathematics and the part they play in modern society,
6.        developing the ability to perceive the values of the arts and derive an enjoyment from them,
7.        acquiring a knowledge of how to care for their own health and physical environment and to take an intelligent interest in the health and welfare of the community in which they live, and
8.        growing in the desire to secure knowledge.

To achieve these ends, students are obliged to take a variety of courses drawn from among the arts, humanities, philosophy, mathematics, and language, and from among the biological, physical, and social sciences. Concentration in a major field enables students to engage in intensive study, to think for themselves, and to exercise discriminating judgment. It prepares the student for more advanced work if they decide to go on to graduate school, or for immediate employment. This emphasis on the academic program is not to exclude the contributions made by other parts of the university life to the substantial development of a student's personality - social and athletic activities, public speaking and dramatic arts, music, art, public affairs, or other programs.

The desired result of these degree programs is not an individual who conforms to society as it is or sees their own vocation within the narrow confines of the day-to-day occupation, but rather a person enriched in mind and spirit and so stimulated that this person will seek with eagerness to contribute to the benefit of the world in which they live. Such a program is desirable for all students whatever their future professions may be.

All credit hours stated in this catalog, for a program, assume students have appropriate preparatory course work. If a student's preparation is inadequate, additional course work may be necessary and may extend the length of the program and the time required to complete graduation requirements.

For those who plan to become teachers, additional work is required in professional education. This work seeks to enhance the student's interest in and commitment to teaching, to instill loyalty toward the profession, and to encourage the desire for continuous professional growth. The student acquires the skills, techniques, and understanding necessary to good teaching by studying current knowledge concerning the physical, emotional, and mental growth of children and youth, the ways that they learn, and methods for guiding them to reach full potential. As part of her/his preparation, the student explores the mutual relationships and responsibilities of the teacher, the school, and the community.

The prospective teacher must also spend a significant part of her/his time in the area of learning chosen for concentration. The student's mastery of the subject matter of this area, its closely-related fields, and the skills and professional dispositions needed to present it effectively are essential aspects of successful teaching.

Declaration of Major

Academic Advisement Report

The choice of major should be made as early as possible in the student's university career in order to complete the program and fulfill requirements for graduation. The major requirements for degree completion are tied to the catalog year the major is declared. The student is assigned an advisor at orientation based on the major indicated at that time. Those students who are pre-majors, and students adding or changing a major, indicate this to the major department on a Declaration of Curriculum form and a new advisor is assigned. The form is filed with the Office of the Registrar.

Degree-seeking, first baccalaureate students are eligible for an Academic Advisement Report. This is prepared by the Office of the Registrar and made available to the student in their Student Center. Changes in the student's declared major or minor are reflected on the Academic Advisement Report upon processing.

Undergraduate Curricula

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Two programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree are available.

A. Bachelor of Arts - Teaching Program - 120 semester hours

Note: Programs requiring more than 120 semester hours to graduate (see major requirements) are identified and may include up to 144 semester hours.

On this program students are prepared as:

  1. Secondary teachers of art, business, biology, chemistry, communications, earth science, english, industrial arts, mathematics, music, physical education, physics, science, social science subjects (economics, history, etc.), spanish, and speech.
  2. Special teachers of art, industrial arts, music, physical education, special education, and speech.
  3. Early childhood and elementary teachers (kindergarten through sixth grade).
  4. Middle level education teachers in various areas of instruction.

B. Bachelor of Arts - 120 semester hours

Note: Programs requiring more than 120 semester hours (see major requirements) are identified.

On this program students are prepared in the following areas:

1. Liberal Arts - accounting, applied human sciences, art, biology, business, chemistry and biochemistry, communications, computer science, criminology, economics, English, finance, health, leisure services, management, marketing, mathematics, music, philosophy, physical education, physics, psychology, spanish, speech, social science, social work, science, technology, and theatre.

2. Program for Registered Nurses

A student certified or licensed as a registered nurse (R.N.) may be recommended for a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in General Studies in accordance with the following provisions:

  1. A student who has taken the work required for certification or licensure, including the successful completion of required agency examinations, will have 34-45 semester hours accepted for transfer to apply on the bachelor's degree. Such work may have been earned in a two-year associate degree program or in an approved hospital diploma program.
    These hours of transfer work may be affected by a general university requirement that a maximum of 65 semester hours may be accepted from a two-year institution. The 34-45 semester hours of transfer credit for R.N. certification is considered part of this limit. Thus, a student who has earned more than 20 semester hours of other two-year college credit may not be able to use all of the nursing credits for graduation requirements. Such individuals should consult the Director of Admissions concerning the application of this requirement in their situation.
  2. Eleven of the total number of units accepted as advanced standing for R.N. certification are applied to UNIFI/General Education requirements. Students will be held to courses required in the remaining UNIFI categories.
  3. The student shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of upper-level courses from each of two of the four colleges for a total of 30 hours. The student's program will be planned in consultation with the Individual Studies Coordinator.
     As an alternative to item 3, the student may complete the requirements for a major offered by any department and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in the chosen major.
  4. A student may not earn duplicate credit for courses taken at another institution and judged to be equivalent.
  5. The student shall earn enough credit in elective courses to have a total of 120 hours of academic credit.
  6. This program is under the jurisdiction and general supervision of Individual Studies. Students entering this program will confer with the Individual Studies Coordinator.
    This degree program is not recommended for students intending to work in nursing education at the collegiate level, in such areas as public health, or psychiatric nursing, nor those for whom the primary intention is graduate work in nursing.

​3. Joint Program

  • Chiropractic
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences
  • Nursing 3+1
  • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

Students interested in one of the following professional programs may complete the basic work on the University of Northern Iowa campus and transfer back to UNI a year's credit from the professional school to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology at UNI:

For more information, see the Department of Biology.

C. Other Programs

1. Pre-professional 

Guide sheets are available to assist a student with considering courses at UNI in preparation for pursing further schooling in the areas of chiropractic, dentistry, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and other pre-professional areas. These program guides may be requested from the Office of Admissions or by visiting the website https://chas.uni.edu/biology and clicking on Pre-health Programs. Please note that these are recommendations only. A student should contact an institution directly or visit their web site for complete and current course and/or admission requirements.

2. Cooperative Programs

1. The University of Northern Iowa offers prerequisite coursework for students planning to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Allen College, Waterloo, IA or at other nursing programs.  Allen College has a cooperative agreement with UNI for students admitted into the nursing program. 

2.  Dual degree program in Nursing in cooperation with Allen College in Waterloo, IA.  The first three-years of required coursework in sciences and liberal arts are completed at UNI.  The student then will complete nursing courses through the accelerated program at Allen College.  When finished, a student will have a Bachelor of Nursing from Allen College and either a bachelor’s degree in Biology or in Individual Studies – Health Sciences.

3. The University of Northern Iowa offers prerequisite coursework for students planning to apply for allied health programs at Allen College, Waterloo, IA in Diagnostic Medical Sonography  and Medical Laboratory Science. In addition, Allen College has a cooperative agreement with UNI for students admitted into the radiography program.

4. Dual degree program in Medical laboratory Sciences in cooperation with Allen College in Waterloo, IA. The first three-years of required coursework in sciences and liberal arts are completed at UNI. During the fourth year, medical technology courses are finished at Allen College. When finished, Allen College students will earn a bachelor's degree from UNI and a bachelor's degree of Health Sciences from Allen College.

5. Dual degree program in chiropractic medicine with Logan College of Chiropractic, Chesterfield, MO; Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA; Cleveland University – Chiropractic & Health Sciences, Overland Park KS; and Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Bloomington, MN. The first three-years of required coursework in liberal arts and sciences are completed at UNI.  After one-year of satisfactory completion of chiropractic coursework at the cooperating institution, UNI will award a bachelor’s degree in Biology.  The student will then complete the three additional years of required chiropractic coursework to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) from the cooperating program.

6. Dual degree program in podiatric medicine with Des Moines University (DMU) in Des Moines, IA. The first three-years of required coursework in liberal arts and sciences are completed at UNI. After one-year of satisfactory completion of coursework at DMU, UNI will award a bachelor's degree in Biology. The student will then complete the required podiatric coursework to earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) at DMU.

7. Dual degree program in chiropractic medicine with Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA; Palmer College of Chiropractic, Port Orange, FL; and Cleveland University – Chiropractic & Health Sciences. The first three-years of required coursework in liberal arts and sciences are completed at UNI. The student will then complete the three and a half additional years of required chiropractic coursework to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) from the cooperating program. After one-year of satisfactory completion of chiropractic coursework at the cooperating institution, UNI will award a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. 

8. Dual-degree program in physics and engineering in cooperation with Iowa State University (ISU). The first three years of coursework in general education and physics are completed at UNI. During the fourth and fifth years, engineering courses are completed at ISU.  When finished, a student will have a bachelor’s degree in Physics from UNI and bachelor’s degree in Engineering from ISU. 

Residence requirements for students in approved Cooperative Programs, which result in dual degrees, differ from non-Cooperative Programs. For Cooperative programs, students must earn a minimum of 32 credit hours from UNI with a minimum of 15 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.

A student who expects to transfer to another institution should declare their special interest at the time of admission. The student will be assigned to an advisor who is familiar with the type of program being sought.

Before seeing their advisor for the first time, the student should secure a current copy of the catalog of the school to which the transfer is planned.

3. Community College Partnerships

Several statewide partnerships exist. An Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from any accredited institution of higher education shall be accepted to meet all of UNI's UNIFI/General Education program requirements. The reverse credit transfer agreement allows students to complete their A.A. or A.S. degrees after transferring by using UNI courses to complete the A.A. or A.S. degrees.

The Transfer Connection Program provides students enrolled at the community college an adviser from UNI to help plan a course of study at the community college. In addition, other partnerships, known as articulation agreements, have been developed between UNI and all Iowa community colleges for specific UNI baccalaureate degree programs. These agreements show specific courses that need to be taken at each school to complete a program. If available, an articulation agreement typically results in the quickest route to graduation for a transfer student.

UNI has developed numerous articulation agreements between Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) programs at the community colleges and majors in the Department of Applied Engineering at UNI, which allows for a greater number of Career-Technical credits to transfer. Additionally, UNI has developed an online Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education Online Transfer Program. Students in this program can earn an A.A. or A.S. degree from an Iowa community college, or have completed a similar set of courses at another institution. The UNI course schedule for the online programs are offered through our Online and Distance Education Department. The Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education Online Transfer Program offers B.A. degrees in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education or Elementary/Middle Level Education dual majors. For more information contact the UNI Office of Admissions, Cedar Falls, IA; Phone 319-273-2281.

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

1.The Four-Year Program
The Army ROTC Four-Year Program consists of two parts: the Basic Course and the Advanced Course. 

The Basic Course is usually taken during the freshman and sophomore years. Students taking a Basic Course class do not incur a military service obligation (except for scholarship students). The Basic Course teaches the student leadership, oral and written communication skills, team building, survival skills, and basic soldier skills. There is no prerequisite that the basic courses be taken in sequence; however, a student must complete the basic course or the equivalent (see paragraph 2. below), before progressing into the advanced course.
The Advanced Course is usually taken during the junior and senior years. Students must sign an ROTC contract before enrolling in Advanced Course classes. Students enrolled and contracted in the Advanced Course will incur a military obligation (either active or reserve). The Advanced Course teaches the student about small unit tactics, leadership, ethics, management of military organizations and resources, as well as military law. The Department of the Army will pay all contracted cadets up to $4,200 a year during the last two years of the program.

2. Alternatives to the Basic Course Program
The alternatives to the Basic Course are designed specifically to fill the needs of the students who did not take Army ROTC during the first two years. Placement credit for the basic course may be obtained in several ways. The most common methods are prior military service, enlisted basic training, or successful completion of the four-week summer ROTC Basic Camp. With credit gained through an alternative to the basic course, students must have two academic years remaining in order to complete the Advanced Course. 

3. ROTC Scholarships
U.S. Army ROTC has two-, three- and four-year merit based scholarships available to qualified cadets. They pay 100% of tuition and required fees at UNI or a $10,000 year room and board allowance.  These scholarships also provide $600 per semester for textbooks, supplies, and equipment and a subsistence allowance of up to $4,200 for each school year that the scholarships are in effect. Winning and accepting an ROTC scholarship does not preclude accepting other scholarships. Additional ROTC scholarship information is contained in this University Catalog.

4. The Simultaneous Membership Program
The Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP) allows contracted cadets to be members of the Iowa Army National Guard or the Army Reserve and Army ROTC simultaneously.
ROTC SMP cadets are paid at the rate of a Sergeant (E-5) for their one weekend a month training assemblies. They also can receive up to $4,200 a year subsistence allowance from the ROTC Advanced Course and may also qualify for VA educational assistance benefits. SMP cadets can also compete for two and three year scholarships available specifically for them. 

5. Advanced Leadership Techniques Minor
The Military Science Department offers a minor in Advanced Leadership Techniques. Requirements for the minor are 33-39 hours and include Military Science courses as well as elective courses. More information is contained in this University Catalog.

6. Additional Information
Additional information regarding the U.S. Army ROTC program is contained under the section titled Military Science in this University Catalog. The specific courses offered by the Department of Military Science are listed under the Department of Military Science in the course description section. For additional information, write to the University of Northern Iowa, Department of Military Science, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0142; come in person to Nielsen Field House 273, UNI campus; or call the student advisor at 319-273-7648 or 319-273-6225. Please visit our website https://csbs.uni.edu/military-science.

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts Curricula

A minimum of 120 semester hours is required to complete the B.A. Liberal Arts degree. All candidates on this program will complete the following pattern:

UNIFI/General Education (minimum 37 hours) *37
Major, minor, foreign language, electives83
Total Hours120
*

Programs requiring more than 120 hours are identified (see specific major requirements).

Not later than the beginning of the sophomore year, each student enrolled in this program will choose one major from the list below. A knowledge of a foreign language is required or recommended for several majors. Specific information regarding the foreign language requirements will be found with the departmental listings. It is recommended that the student include in their electives a course in the literature of some language or languages other than English (in translation if not in the original).

Bachelor of Arts - Teaching Program Curricula

The minimum total hours to graduate with a B.A. Teaching degree is 120 hours. Majors requiring more than 120 semester hours to graduate are identified (see specific major requirements).

A. Preparation for teaching in the secondary school or in special subjects.

UNIFI/General Education (minimum 37 hours)37
Educator Essentials Requirement *18
Major, minor, electives **65-76
Total Hours120-131

B. Preparation for teaching in the elementary school (kindergarten and grades 1-6).

UNIFI/General Education (minimum 37 hours) ***37
Educator Essentials Requirement *18
Major, minor, electives **65
Total Hours120

C. Preparation for teaching in early childhood education (birth through grade 3).

UNIFI/General Education (minimum 37 hours)37
Educator Essentials Requirement *18
Major, minor, electives **65
Total Hours120
*

Some Educator Essentials courses can also count toward the requirements for UNIFI/General Education.

**

Number of hours determined by declared program area. See appropriate major within Program Requirements section of this catalog for specific requirements.

***

UNIFI/General Education courses will fulfill a 12-hour area of specialization required by the State for Elementary Education majors.

Educator Essentials Requirements

All candidates selecting a Bachelor of Arts-Teaching program are required to complete the Educator Essentials requirements.

Educator Essentials

Required: *
Select one of the following in each category:
Category 1: The Learner3
Reflections on Learning
Development and Learning in Sociocultural Contexts
Creativity and Higher Order Thinking in the Classroom
Rethinking the Learning Society: Education and Its Future(s)
Category 2: Social Contexts of Learning3
Social & Cultural Foundations of Education
A Modern History of Education in the United States
Education Policy and Politics of Education
Language Today
Category 3: Education for All3
Adapted Physical Education
Education, Power, and Change
Social Movements and Education
Interdisciplinary and Intersectional Study of Education for All
Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners in Classrooms
Content Area Strategies for English Language Learners
Category 4: The Classroom Environment3
Deeper Motivation and the Highly Engaged Classroom
Level Up: Gamified Learning Environments
Early Childhood Curriculum Development and Organization
Playful Learning and Project-Based Experiences: Techniques for Ed and Recreational Environments
Critical Perspectives on Technology and Education
Category 5: Effective Pedagogy3
Expressive Learning Assessment
Technology, Pedagogy, and Learning in the Digital Age
Assessment for Learning
Effective Teaching through Differentiation, Technology and Assessment
Category 6: The Professional Educator3
Child, Family, School and Community Relationships
Teacher Leadership & Educational Change
Collaborative Partnerships for Educators
Total Hours18
*

A grade of C (2.00) or higher is required in each Educator Essentials course.

Program admission and completion may include requirements and evaluations/assessments prescribed by the major, the Teacher Education Program, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and/or the Iowa Department of Education. Changes resulting from decisions made by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and/or the Iowa Department of Education can occur at any time and be binding upon both current and incoming students.

Admission to the Teacher Education Program

To be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, a student must fulfill the following requirements prior to registration for Professional Experience courses:

  1. declare a teaching major;
  2. have at least a 2.50 cumulative GPA;
  3. file an acceptable Application for Admission to Teacher Education;
  4. completion of 10 clinical experience hours in a school. This requirement can be completed through TEACHING 2020 Introduction to Teaching: Exploring Options or the equivalent. Any questions on the fulfillment of this requirement should be directed to teachereducation@uni.edu;
  5. demonstrate acceptable dispositions (absence of any Teacher Education Referral);
  6. fulfill any additional requirements as prescribed by the Teacher Education Program, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, or the Iowa Department of Education.

All teacher education candidates are strongly encouraged to pursue additional opportunities for experience working with children and adolescents throughout their teacher education program through paid employment and/or volunteer activities.

Admission to the Program is not guaranteed to all who apply. Students may appeal the decision to deny admittance to the Teacher Education Program or the decision to place them on academic probation in the Teacher Education Program when the decision is based on extreme circumstances over which the student has no control. In such cases, the student should contact teachereducation@uni.edu to set up an appointment to begin the appeal process.

UNI Teacher Education majors are expected to keep an active e-mail account, using their uni.edu address.

Information concerning fee payments for tests, registration procedures, and test dates are available by contacting:

CATS Office
151 Schindler Education Center (SEC)
teachereducation@uni.edu
319-273-2265

Professional Experiences

Student involvement in all clinical experiences in teacher education is vital to the preparation of the prospective teacher. Methods coursework that provides instruction on how to teach is equally important. These experiences are provided through specific Professional Experience courses that use an EDUC prefix and are taught by individual departments offering teaching majors. See major requirements for additional details.

All students must complete a background check through the CATS Office (319-273-2265; https://teachered.uni.edu/) prior to entering PK-12 school buildings to work with pupils. Teacher candidates will be issued a certificate indicating completion of this background check process that can be accessed in MyUNIverse.

Required:
EDUC 2300Teaching Methods l: (Topic)2-3
EDUC 2400Teaching Internship l: (Topic)2-3
EDUC 3500/5500Teaching Methods ll: (Topic)1-3
EDUC 3600/5600Teaching Internship ll: (Topic)2-3

Student Teaching

Student teaching is a period of guided teaching which is up to a full semester in length. During this time, the student assumes increasing responsibility for the teaching-learning activities in the classroom. The student receives twelve (12) semester hours of credit for student teaching, evaluated on a credit/no-credit grading basis. 

One year in advance of the time a student plans to enroll in student teaching, the student will be invited to attend a Student Teaching Orientation during which the student will complete the necessary steps to apply to student teach and to receive a student teaching assignment. To be eligible for assignment to a student teaching placement, the student must have completed the following requirements:

  1. FULL admission to the teacher education program;
  2. a certificate in High Risk Behaviors/Substance Abuse;
  3. a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher on work at all colleges and universities;
  4. a UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher;
  5. a 2.50 GPA in the appropriate academic department or department approval;
  6. a grade of C (2.00) or higher in each Educator Essentials course;
  7. completion of all professional experiences courses, besides student teaching, with a grade of C (2.00) or higher as well as other departmental requirements;
  8. second background check within 6 months of starting student teaching;
  9. demonstrate acceptable dispositions (absence of any Teacher Education Referral);
  10. Health Education and Physical Education majors and minors are required to have current First Aid and CPR certification prior to student teaching.

The final student teacher placement is based upon fulfillment of all established requirements stated above, successful completion of EDUC Internship l and EDUC Internship ll (and a minimum of 80-100 contact hours in PK-12 schools), no open Teacher Education Referrals, and availability of placement.

For the completion of any undergraduate curriculum the student must earn four (4) to twelve (12) semester hours of credit in student teaching at this university. Not more than twelve (12) hours of credit in student teaching may be used toward the hours required for graduation.

Exit Requirements

To be recommended for teaching licensure in Iowa, a student who graduates from the UNI Teacher Education Program must satisfactorily complete all courses in the major and/or minor and the teacher education requirements, have an overall GPA of 2.50 and a cumulative UNI GPA of 2.50, demonstrate acceptable dispositions via the absence of any Teacher Education Referrals, complete High Risk Behaviors training, and pass additional exit requirements as prescribed by the major, the Teacher Education Program, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and/or the Iowa Department of Education. A student not meeting these requirements may graduate but will not receive recommendation for licensure.

Iowa law requires that all teacher education students pursuing endorsements in 102 K-6 Teacher Elementary Classroom, 1001 Birth-Grade 3 Inclusive Settings, 148 K-8 Reading, 260 K-8 Instructional Strategist l, or 103 PK-K Teacher Pre Kindergarten-Kindergarten must complete the Foundations of Reading test administered by Pearson.

If the student plans to teach in another state, the student will need to check with that state for any additional exit examination requirements and procedures.

Progressing Through the Teacher Education Program

This section provides an overview of practices that may delay a student from progressing through the Teacher Education Program in a timely fashion.

Four Decision Points are established to mark progression through the Teacher Education Program:

  1. admission to the university,
  2. admission to the Teacher Education Program,
  3. admission to student teaching, and
  4. recommendation for licensure.

Professional Education Faculty members, staff, and/or administrators may delay a student in moving through the Decision Points if a student demonstrates deficiencies in meeting course or Program Standards. Teacher Education Referrals may be filed by faculty, staff, and/or administrators, which can prevent a student form being recommended for licensure. Correcting the Teacher Education Referral may allow the student to move forward in the Program and be recommended for a teaching license.

Suspension from the Teacher Education Program

Any student who has one or more unresolved Teacher Education Referrals indicating significant deficiencies in meeting the standards for the UNI Teacher Education Program may be considered for suspension from the Program. Suspension from the Program is determined by the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee and is for a minimum of one calendar year. Only the most extreme circumstances would warrant consideration for re-admission before one calendar year has elapsed. At the time of suspension, students are informed of the conditions and procedures for re-admission to the Program. Students may appeal their suspension from the Teacher Education Program to the appropriate Teacher Education Senate. Should a student believe the Senate made a procedural error during the appeal process, the student may appeal to the Teacher Education Executive Council. Contact the CATS Office, 319-273-2265 for more information.

Emergency Suspension: Any student may be suspended immediately by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Teacher Education for extreme, unforeseen circumstances such as endangerment of students, disruption of schools/classes, felonious behaviors, or ethical violations. Such suspensions will be referred to university officials and may become permanent.

Re-admission to the Teacher Education Program

Students wishing to be re-admitted to the Teacher Education Program should seek probationary re-admission. Contact the CATS Office, 319-273-2265 for more information.

The decision to re-admit students on a probationary status will be made by the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee. Conditions for probationary re-admission are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Committee and in accordance with conditions determined at the time of suspension. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, the Teacher Candidate Professional Review Committee determines conditions for full re-admission. 

Suspension for a second time is considered permanent. Only the most extreme circumstances would warrant consideration for re-admission a second time. Consideration of readmission following a second suspension from the teacher education program is determined by the Teacher Education Executive Council.

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree Program

The purpose of the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree is to offer educational opportunities to those students who have completed an A.A.S degree and are now seeking to complete a four-year degree.  These students are often place-bound and need to take online classes while remaining a full-time employee.

Admission to the Program

Each student entering the program must have earned:

1.      an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited institution; and

2.      a minimum 2.00 grade point average; and

3.      two years of relevant work experience.

Total Credit Requirements

A total of at least 120 semester hours of credit, including applicable transferable credit earned, is required for graduation. The total must fulfill the following specifications:

1.      24 hours of UNIFI/General Education classes (or 23-24 hours of Liberal Arts Core), as outlined below, of which 9 hours can be transferred in as the Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Reasoning UNIFI categories (or LAC 1A, 1B, and 1C if on the Liberal Arts Core);

2.      6 hours of Professional Communication, as outlined below;

3.      21-30 hours of Major coursework, from one of the majors listed below;

4.      0-19 hours of elective credit, for a total of 60 semester hours of credit taken at the University of Northern Iowa.

UNIFI/General Education Requirements for B.A.S. Degree

Students must meet the following undergraduate UNIFI/General Education requirements as specified below.

Summary:
Written Communication *3
Oral Communication *3
Quantitative Reasoning *3
*BAS Students are permitted to transfer in courses equivalent to the Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Reasoning UNIFI categories. No other classes can be applied to fulfill the UNIFI portion of the BAS degree.
Human Condition - Global3
Human Condition - Domestic3
Scientific Reasoning (lab not required)3
Human Expression3
Responsibility3
Total Hours24

Liberal Arts Core Requirements for B.A.S. Degree:

Students must meet the following undergraduate Liberal Arts Core requirements as specified below.

Summary:
Category 1: Core Competencies in Categories 1A (writing), 1B (speaking), and 1C (math) or transfer equivalencies* 9
*BAS students are permitted to transfer in courses equivalent to Categories 1A, 1B, & 1C. No other classes can be applied to fulfill the LAC portion of the BAS degree.
Category 2: Civilizations & Cultures (1 course from Category 2A or 2B)3
Category 3: Fine Arts, Literature, Philosophy & Religion (1 course from Category 3A or 3B)3
Category 4: Natural Science & Technology (1 course from Category 4A or 4B)3
Category 5: Social Science (1 course from Category 5A, 5B, or 5C)3
Category 6: Capstone Experience (1 course)(2-3hours or 1 additional course from BAS LAC Category 2, 3, 4, or 5)2-3
Total Hours23-24

Professional Communication Required Courses for B.A.S. Degree

Required:
COMM 3155Professional and Public Communication3
ENGLISH 3770Technical Writing in Applied Sciences3
Total Hours6

Majors

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is generally recognized as the professional undergraduate degree in the visual arts. Students are required to pass a portfolio review for admission to the B.F.A. program in the Department of Art and Graphic Design. Once admitted, students opt for an emphasis in one of the following studio areas in the Department of Art and Graphic Design: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, jewelry design and metalsmithing, painting, performance art, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. During their senior year, candidates for this degree are required to present an exhibition of their creative works demonstrating competency in the studio arts. (See Department of Art and Graphic Design for detailed information about this program.)

A minimum of 122 semester hours is required to complete the B.F.A. degree. This degree does not provide for licensure to teach; additional hours are necessary to meet licensure requirements.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Curricula

Candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree will complete the following pattern of work:

Art Major
UNIFI/General Education37
Major Requirements/electives85
B.F.A. Senior Exhibition0
Total Hours122

Bachelor of Music Degree

Majors in this degree program have the choice of an educational major or two professional majors. The Music Education major carries licensure to teach music in grades K-8 and 5-12. The Performance major with emphases in voice, piano, organ, and band-orchestral instruments, and the Composition-Theory major are professional programs designed to prepare students for careers as artist-performers or composers, or for entrance to graduate schools where further excellence in a performance area might be pursued. Students earning the Bachelor of Music degree are prepared as performers, college teachers, and in all areas where a high degree of music or performing skill is required.

Bachelor of Music Degree Curricula

All candidates for the Bachelor of Music degree will complete a pattern similar to the following. A minimum of 120 semester hours is required for the Bachelor of Music degree. However, total hours to graduate may range from 120-148 depending on the major chosen (refer to School of Music in this University Catalog for specific major requirements).

UNIFI/General Education37
Music requirements (applied, theory, history and literature, conducting, ensembles, recital, composition, electives)66-80
General electives/Educator Essentials *0-36
*

Music Education majors must also complete the Educator Essentials Requirements. The minimum semester-hour requirements vary with the specialization chosen. The Music Education major carries licensure to teach in grades K-8 and 5-12.

The approval of the faculty, and the Associate Director of Undergraduate Music Programs of the School of Music must be secured before a student is admitted formally to this degree program. All students who have been admitted to the school and wish to pursue a music major curriculum must undertake a common core of required courses during the freshman year. During the second semester of the freshman year, an extensive evaluation of each music major will be conducted. In addition to the entrance audition required of all students who intend to major in music, transfer students are required to take a placement exam in music theory or start with level l in Theory, Aural Training, and Sight Singing. The music faculty will evaluate the performance in these areas to determine School of Music admissibility for each transfer student.

Participation in a Large Ensemble such as band, chorus, orchestra, and other ensembles, is required of all degree students every semester in residence.

(Refer to the School of Music in this University Catalog for additional information.)

Bachelor of Science Degree Curricula

The Bachelor of Science degree should be elected by those students who are preparing for careers in areas where effective application of knowledge and training requires a higher degree of concentration in advanced-level course work.

Effective with the 2023-24 catalog, a minimum of 120 semester hours is a graduation requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree.

Requirements include:

  1. A minimum of 56 hours in the program, including at least 36 hours in the subject area;
  2. The completion of an undergraduate research course carrying a minimum of 1 semester hour of credit. This course will result in the completion of a written report, conference presentation, or other scholarly product;
  3. Completion of all other University requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

Graduates of the University of Northern Iowa's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program emerge as clinically focused and practice-ready nurses who demonstrate proficiency in situational awareness, clinical judgment, and clinical reasoning in the care of patients and families. They will be collaborative members of interprofessional teams and will be leaders in promoting the four spheres of care for diverse populations. Graduates are prepared with a personal and professional plan for long-term resilience, self-care, lifelong learning, and ethical leadership in diverse nursing settings. The undergraduate nursing program is pursuing candidacy status for accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Students will complete a total of 412.5 hours of clinical and simulation with 112.5 laboratory hours, which will provide students with the competence to care for patients across the lifespan.

A minimum of 120 semester hours is required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Admission to Nursing Program

  1. Students must be admitted to the University of Northern Iowa based on standard admissions criteria found in UNI’s catalog - https://catalog.uni.edu/generalinformation/admissionrequirements
     
  2. Complete the application form for the major. Prior to filing out the application the student must have completed or be completing prerequisite coursework or equivalent coursework:  STAT 1772 Introduction to Statistical Methods OR SOC SCI 2020 Social Sciences Statistics; CHEM 1010 Principles of Chemistry; BIOL 1101 Principles of Anatomy & Physiology I; BIOL 1102 Principles of Anatomy & Physiology II; PH 2160 Medical Terminology, Short Course ; PSYCH 2202 Developmental Psychology OR FAM SERV 1055 Human Growth and Development.
     
  3. Achieve a minimum extracted grade point average in pre-requisite courses of 3.00 based on a 4.00 scale.  Students not meeting the GPA requirement may be admitted on probation at the discretion of the nursing admissions committee.
     
  4.  Prerequisite coursework must be completed in the term preceding entry into the major unless approved by the department or faculty representative. The student may be provisionally admitted to the program as long as the student is enrolled in the third semester courses and making strong progress in the enrolled courses.
     
  5. Admissions decisions to the major are made by the nursing committee.  For applicants who meet the minimum requirements, the nursing admissions committee will select the applicants who, in its judgment, are best qualified to meet the expectations of prospective members of the nursing profession.

Progression Policy

A C+ (2.33) or better grade is required in nursing coursework (courses with a NUR prefix) to pass a course. Failure in three nursing courses will result in dismissal from the program. For courses with both theory and clinical components, grades of C+ or above are considered passing in the nursing program.

Dismissal from Nursing Program

Students are subject to dismissal from the BSN Program for academic or professional reasons under any of the following conditions:

  • Being placed on clinical probation for a second time.
  • Course failure (a grade less than a C+ (2.33) in two nursing courses. 
  • A failing grade in pathophysiology and microbiology courses. 
  • Consistently exhibiting unprofessional behavior is considered unacceptable for both study and a career in nursing.
  • Failure to remove or successfully resolve clinical probation status.
  • Acts of dishonesty or unethical behavior.
  • Providing unsafe care

The Chief Academic Nurse administrator will notify students dismissed from the BSN program via their UNI email. Students dismissed from the BSN Program may apply to transfer to another UNI program. They are subject to the transferring department's rules and regulations.

Re-admission to Nursing Program

Students can appeal the dismissal to the Nursing Admissions and Progression Committee. The decisions of the Committee are final. See Nursing & Public Health Department for further details.

Bachelor of Social Work Degree

The Bachelor of Social Work degree requires a minimum of 120 hours. The Social Work Department at the University of Northern Iowa is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The undergraduate social work major prepares students for beginning level professional social work practice. The program defines the generalist perspective on practice as "Multidimensional theory, knowledge, and skills used to understand and intervene into diverse human systems in keeping with social work values and ethics." The program contributes to the liberal arts, general education of university students who are not social work majors. Finally, it affords social work students the opportunity to explore advanced methodologies and fields of practice within social work through occasional advanced elective offerings. Practical experience is an important emphasis in this department. Every senior does an internship in a social agency working with clients and supervised by a practicing social worker.

Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree

The Bachelor of Liberal Studies (B.L.S.) program is offered by the three Iowa Regents’ Universities: University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa. The purpose of the B.L.S. is to offer educational opportunities to those students who are unable to attend college as full-time, on-campus students. Students often use self-paced and other distance learning opportunities to earn credit. This major may not be declared with any other major.

Admission to the Program

Each student entering the program must have earned:

  1. an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited, two-year college, or at least 24 semester hours of college credit acceptable toward graduation at UNI;
  2. a minimum 2.00 grade point average.

Total Credit Requirements

A total of at least 120 semester hours of credit, including transferable credit earned, is required for graduation. The total must fulfill the following specifications:

  1. 45 semester hours of credit earned at four-year colleges in courses defined as upper-level at the colleges in which courses are taken. At the University of Northern Iowa, upper-level courses are those numbered 3000/4000-level and above;
  2. at least 30 hours of credit earned in the junior and/or senior years in courses at UNI. This total may include nonresidence credit.

UNIFI/General Education Requirements

Students must meet the basic undergraduate core requirements as specified and determined by the policies of the degree-granting institution.

Program Distribution Requirements

To ensure sufficient breadth of study, each student's program must include, in addition to the credit used to fulfill the UNIFI/General Education requirements previously stated, a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit in each of the three (3) areas selected from the following list. Of the total 36 semester hours of credit applied to fulfill this requirement, 24 semester hours must be in upper-level credits as defined by the institution in which the courses are taken, with at least 6 semester hours of upper-level credits in each of the three areas chosen.

  1. Humanities
  2. Communications and Arts
  3. Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  4. Social Sciences
  5. Professional fields (such as business, applied human sciences, social work, and education)

Information and details regarding admission to the B.L.S. program, evaluation of prior academic work, program advising, and declaration of major may be obtained from:

Online and Distance Education
HPC 106

Students may also call the B.L.S. advisor at 1-800-772-1746 or 319-273-2504.

Students are also encouraged to visit the B.L.S. website online.uni.edu/bls.

Change of Degree Program

Students who change from one degree program to another will be held for all specific requirements of the program on which they expect to graduate. There will be little difficulty in making such a change if it is made not later than the beginning of the junior year. However, if the change is made later than that, there is no assurance that the student will be able to complete the work required for graduation within a four-year period.

University of Northern Iowa Foundational Inquiry (UNIFI)/General Education

Students admitted to the University for the Summer 2022 term or later will follow the UNI Foundational Inquiry (UNIFI)/General Education requirements.

The university’s mission affirms that a general or liberal arts education is an essential component of every undergraduate’s experience at UNI. In keeping with the tradition of liberal learning, the UNI Foundational Inquiry (UNIFI) program emphasizes skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that prepare students for success in an uncertain future, laying a firm foundation so that they can lead fulfilling personal, professional, and civic lives. 

UNIFI is designed to be a flexible program that evolves over time to address the issues we face in a complex and ever-changing world, but its foundational principles are firmly rooted in liberal education. As the Association of American Colleges and Universities explains, “A liberal education is a liberating education in that it frees the mind to seek after the truth unencumbered by dogma, ideology, or preconceived notions. A liberally educated person can think for himself or herself, is both broad- and open-minded, and is, therefore, less susceptible to manipulation or prejudice.” UNI approaches liberal learning with this understanding in mind. By developing intellectual and practical skills of inquiry and analysis, critical and creative thinking, written and oral communication, collaboration and problem solving, ethical and scientific reasoning, students are prepared to play a role in shaping our shared world through democratic processes, to make responsible choices, and to understand that individual goals are always pursued in the context of the human and natural worlds in which we are embedded and on which we all depend for meaning and sustenance. 

(AACU, “What Liberal Education Looks Like: What It Is, Who It’s For, & Where It Happens,” 2020)

Requirements of UNIFI/General Education

(For all Bachelor's degrees - for UNIFI/General Education minimum hours and requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree, refer to Bachelor of Applied Science degree in this section.)

Summary (minimum 36 hours for all students, with the exception of those pursuing B.A.S. degree).

Written Communication3
Oral Communication3
Quantitative Reasoning3
Human Condition-Domestic3
Human Condition-Global3
Scientific Reasoning (with lab)3-4
Human Expression3
Responsibility3
Connect *12
Total Hours36-37
*

Students have the option to pursue a nine-twelve hour Multidisciplinary Certificate, listed below, to satisfy the Connect requirement. Students must still earn 12 hours to satisfy the Connect requirement.

Engage (Skills)

Written Communication

Courses in the Written Communication learning area are designed to enhance foundational communication skills and habits of mind necessary for success at UNI and beyond. In addition to the processes of reading, researching, writing, and revising, written communication courses enable students to develop critical thinking skills. 

Select one of the following3
College Writing and Research
Introduction to Writing Studies
Critical Writing About Literature
The Art of Critical Thinking and Writing
First-Year Cornerstone: Integrated Communication I
and First-Year Cornerstone: Integrated Communication II (Both UNIV 1000 & UNIV 1010 must be taken to meet UNIFI Written and Oral Communication requirements)

Oral Communication

Courses in the Oral Communication learning area are designed to enhance foundational communication skills and knowledge necessary for success at UNI and beyond. Oral communication courses also teach active listening, as well as how to engage in civil discourse, especially in diverse groups.

Select one of the following3
Oral Communication
ENGLISH 1059: Let's Talk About: (Topic)
First-Year Cornerstone: Integrated Communication I
and First-Year Cornerstone: Integrated Communication II (Both UNIV 1000 & UNIV 1010 must be taken to meet UNIFI Written and Oral Communication requirements)

Quantitative Reasoning

Courses in the Quantitative Reasoning learning area encompass any discipline that uses quantitative methods or formal logic, with an emphasis on courses that demonstrate how such methods can be used to explain reality and achieve meaning. Because these courses address both quantitative reasoning and critical thinking, they locate mathematical skills and reasoning in a context of explaining or solving complex problems.

Select one of the following3
Introduction to Business Economics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Financial Skills for Smart Living
Mathematics in Decision Making
Calling Hogwash: Mathematics for Critical Thinking
Mathematical Reasoning
Calculus I
Elementary Logic
Social Sciences Statistics
Introduction to Statistical Methods

Discover (Knowledge) 

Human Condition-Domestic

Courses in the Human Condition-Domestic learning area enlarge students’ understanding of the many possible meanings of being human by urging them to branch out beyond their own specific background, enabling them to think about their experience from that broadened perspective. This learning area includes courses from a very wide range of disciplines with a focus on the United States.

Select one of the following3
People of the Great Lakes
Communication and Popular Culture
Media and Power
Crime and Community
Dynamics of Human Development
Development and Learning in Sociocultural Contexts
Survey of American Literature
Multicultural Literature
Human Identity and Relationships
Family Relationships
Exploring Family Diversity
United States History to the Civil War and Emancipation
United States History since the Civil War and Emancipation
America's Military Past
Maternal and Infant Health
Power & Politics in the U.S.
Political Problems in the U.S.: (topic)
Introduction to Psychology
American Religious Diversity
Introduction to Sociology
Social Problems
The Self in Social Context
American Racial and Minoritized Populations
Language Today

Human Condition-Global

Courses in the Human Condition-Global learning area enlarge students’ understanding of the many possible meanings of being human by urging them to branch out beyond their own specific background, enabling them to think about their experience from that broadened perspective. This learning area includes courses from a very wide range of disciplines with global or international focus.

Select one of the following3
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
World Prehistory and the Rise of Civilizations
Climate Change, Human Migration and Conflict
Slavery and Human Trafficking
Survey of Art History I
Survey of Art History II
Global Skills: (topic)
Survey of English Literature I: Beginnings to Early Modernity
Survey of English Literature II: Romantics to Post-Colonialism
The Holocaust in Literature and Film
Ireland: Literature, Culture, History
Francophone Cross-Cultural Bridges
Global Geography
Peoples, Cultures, and Environments
Making the Modern World
Problems & Perspectives in Global History: (Topic)
Constructing Cross-Cultural Bridges
World Philosophies
Perspectives on Death and Dying
International Relations
Global Challenges: (Topic)
Religions of the World
Introduction to Human Rights
Social Movements
Perspectives on Education
Global Social Work
Intercultural Perspectives
Study Abroad: (Topic)
Women's and Gender Studies: Introduction
Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
Masculine Cultures

Scientific Reasoning (with Lab)

Courses in the Scientific Reasoning learning area focus on discerning basic principles that explain natural phenomena through observation and analysis of the world. Students learn how scientists rely on theory and experimentation to test and refine understandings of our human minds and bodies, life on earth, and the physical universe. Laboratory courses unite hands-on scientific experimentation, inductive reasoning, and deductive analysis with the study of basic principles. After completing a course in this learning area, students will be able to critique claims using the tools of scientific inquiry.

Select one of the following3-4
Bones & Stones: The Science of Human Origins
and Bones & Stones: The Science of Human Origins Laboratory
Archaeology for Beginners
and Archaeology for Beginners Laboratory
Life: The Natural World
and Life: The Natural World - Lab
Life: Continuity and Change
and Life: Continuity and Change - Lab
General Biology: Organismal Diversity
General Biology: Cell Structure and Function
Principles of Chemistry
Chemical Technology
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I-II
Astronomy
and Astronomy Laboratory
Elements of Weather
and Elements of Weather Laboratory
Introduction to Geology
Introduction to Environmental Earth Science
Planet Earth
and Planet Earth Laboratory
Physics in Everyday Life
and Physics in Everyday Life Laboratory
General Physics I
Physics I for Science and Engineering
Inquiry into Earth and Space Science
Inquiry into Life Science
Inquiry into Physical Science

Human Expression

Courses in the Human Expression learning area include the creation as well as the analysis or interpretation of creative works in the arts. Students engage in a creative process to produce artistic work, and interpret creative works and ideas as expressions of meaning and purpose.

Select one of the following3
Visual Inventions
Visual Perceptions
Introduction to Chinese Literature
Creativity, Storytelling and Identity
Start a Podcast
Literature: (topic)
Elements of Creative Writing
Writing & Healing
The Creative Experience
Introduction to Literature in French
Engaging Sources: (Topic)
Children's Literature
Soundscapes: Music in Culture
Modern Band and Creative Music Making
The Power of Myth: (Topic)
Introduction to Hispanic Literature
Theatre in Our World
Acting for Non-Majors

Responsibility

Courses in the Responsibility learning area give students the opportunity to develop skills in ethical reasoning, gaining a greater understanding of their personal responsibilities and their roles as citizens. The learning area aims to enable students to move beyond ideological reactions to questions that require careful normative judgment. It does not aim to instill in students a particular moral code, but to help them develop the habits of reasoning based on consistent principles, and judging based on evidence and logic, which they will need as citizens in charge of creating our shared world.

Select one of the following3
Biological Diversity and Conservation
BUSINESS 3159: The Ethics of Global Leadership, Cross-Cultural Negotiations, and Sustainability
Matter Matters
Ethics in Communication
CRIM 3159: Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
Natural Resources and Civilizations
Global Water Environment
Economics of Social Issues
Law and Literature
Overview of Entrepreneurship
Health in History: (Topic)
Conflict and Justice in History: (Topic)
Conflict and Justice Study Abroad: (Topic)
Introduction to Public Health
Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives
Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE)
Bio-Medical Ethics
PHIL/RELS 1059: Ethics for Professional Life
Becoming Global Citizens
Introduction to Political Theory: Freedom, Justice and Power
Religion and Ethics
Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector
Democracy and Education in the 21st Century
Analyzing Ethics, Personal Decision-Making, and Social Responsibility
Introduction to Sustainability

Connect

Connect

Select 12 hours from any Engage or Discover UNIFI category *12
*

Students have the option to pursue a nine-twelve hour Multidisciplinary Certificate, listed below, to satisfy the Connect requirement. Students must still earn 12 hours to satisfy the Connect requirement.

Recognizing the value of Study Abroad as a High Impact Practice for our students in an increasingly globalized world, the UNIFI program will accept any short-term, faculty-led UNI Study Abroad course as a Connect Elective. Only one Study Abroad course will count toward the requirements in the Connect tier unless one of these courses has also been individually approved as a UNIFI course in a specific learning area. 

UNIFI Multidisciplinary Certificates

The following certificates are available to any UNI student, and can be used to satisfy the Connect requirement of the UNIFI/General Education program. Students must still earn 12 hours to satisfy the Connect requirement.

Career Success in Organizations Certificate

No matter their major, all UNI students will work within some form of an organization during their careers. Whether a for-purpose, for-profit, or governmental entity, knowledge of factors that influence how organizations operate helps employees more effectively contribute to the mission of the organization. The purpose of this certificate is to provide a broad understanding of organizations including factors that influence decision making, levels of responsibility, data and written/unwritten rules that govern operations, and professional expectations for communicating and interacting within the organization.

Decision-making in Organizations
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Business Economics
Principles of Macroeconomics
Introduction to Public Administration
Leadership and Management in Public Service
Work Psychology: Well-Being
Work Psychology: Performance
Responsibility in Organizations
Complete one of the following:3
Economics of Social Issues
Financial Skills for Smart Living
Overview of Entrepreneurship
Public Budgeting
Numbers in Organizations
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Information Systems
Modern Tools for Exploring Data
Principles of Financial Accounting
Communication in Organizations
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Workplace Writing
Business Communication
Total Hours12

Civic Literacy, Engagement, and the Humanities

This interdisciplinary certificate emphasizes training in civic literacy and the humanities that address how to contribute to the flourishing of a democratic society. It will introduce students to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions associated with civic literacy and the humanities disciplines that prepare them for a life of meaningful engagement with democratic processes at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

Civic Knowledge
Complete one of the following:3
Survey of American Literature
United States History to the Civil War and Emancipation
United States History since the Civil War and Emancipation
Power & Politics in the U.S.
International Relations
American Religious Diversity
Religion and the Public Schools
Civic Values
Complete one of the following:3
Democracy and Education in the 21st Century
Argumentation and Debate
Law and Literature
Introduction to Political Theory: Freedom, Justice and Power
Civic Skills
Complete one of the following:3
Religion and Politics: (Topics)
Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives
Introduction to Writing Studies
Introduction to Public Administration
Making the Modern World
Total Hours9
*

Only two courses from the same academic department can count toward this certificate.

Creative Expression and Meaning Certificate

Complete one of the following:3
Soundscapes: Music in Culture
Modern Band and Creative Music Making
Complete one of the following:3
Visual Perceptions
Visual Inventions
Complete one of the following:3
Literature: (topic)
Elements of Creative Writing
Writing & Healing
Complete one of the following:3
Theatre in Our World
Acting for Non-Majors
Total Hours12

Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Certificate

Complete one of the following:3
Psychology of Science and Pseudoscience
Character, Wisdom, and Mind: Philosophical Perspectives
Complete one of the following:3
Calling Hogwash: Mathematics for Critical Thinking
Elementary Logic
Complete one of the following:3
Who's Controlling (Y)our Information?: Access, Authority, and Technology
B.S. Detection
Total Hours9

Data Science Certificate

This certificate provide students with the necessary skills to be able to appropriately identify data, analyze and visualize data, and communicate conclusions in quantitative and qualitative domains.

Applied Tools
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Data Science
Introductory Programming for Data Science
Social Issues
Complete one of the following:3
Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE)
Exploring Social Justice Issues through Mathematics
Information Literacy
Complete one of the following:3
B.S. Detection
Who's Controlling (Y)our Information?: Access, Authority, and Technology
Statistics
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Statistical Methods
Social Sciences Statistics
Total Hours12

Developmental Considerations Certificate

Required:
Foundations
Complete one of the following:3
Language Acquisition in Children: Birth to 5 Years
Dynamics of Human Development
Lifespan Development
Developmental Psychology
Movement and Physical Growth
Complete one of the following:3
Motor Learning and Development
Developmental Trends in Physical Activity & Sport
Systems and Health
Complete one of the following:3
Maternal and Infant Health
Child Welfare Policy and Practice
Total Hours9

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate

The purpose of this certificate is for students to explore topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from a variety of different content areas. Students will get an opportunity to critique complex social issues from a variety of lenses; including mathematics/science, gender, religion, history, communication, and/or politics. Students will develop a deeper understanding of a variety of perspectives related to DEI, including critically analyzing social justice issues; debating and understanding the values and ethics related to diverse groups, perspectives, and/or societies; learning about and discussing their own and/or others’ identities; and delve into more global sociocultural issues related to different aspects of culture.

Critical Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Complete one of the following:3
Natural Resources and Civilizations
Exploring Social Justice Issues through Mathematics
International Relations
Power & Politics in the U.S.
Religions of the World
American Religious Diversity
Women's and Gender Studies: Introduction
Ethical Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Complete one of the following:3
Economics of Social Issues
Justice and the Good Life: Philosophical Perspectives
Ethics in Communication
Conflict and Justice in History: (Topic)
Perspectives on Identity
Complete one of the following:3
Maternal and Infant Health
Creativity, Storytelling and Identity
Introduction to LGBTQ Studies
Multicultural Literature
Masculine Cultures
Sociocultural Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Peoples, Cultures, and Environments
United States History to the Civil War and Emancipation
United States History since the Civil War and Emancipation
Problems & Perspectives in Global History: (Topic)
Global Social Work
Total Hours12

East Asia Certificate

Emphasizing primarily China and Japan but with some coverage of Korea and Vietnam, the East Asia Certificate introduces material to students from the perspective of four very different academic disciplines, with an emphasis on both East Asian diversity and cultural commonalities

Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Chinese Literature
Problems & Perspectives in Global History: (Topic) (Identity, Diversity, and Commonality in East Asia)
Complete one of the following:3
Problems & Perspectives in Global History: (Topic) (Becoming Familiar with East Asia - Japan as Example and Exception)
Problems & Perspectives in Global History: (Topic) (One Thousand Years of Samurai)
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Chinese Culture: (Topic)
Confucianism, Daoism, and Zen
Total Hours9

Innovation in Leadership Certificate

The Innovation in Leadership Certificate focuses on the intersection of business, nonprofit, and government to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each, leading to creating shared value partnerships to develop innovative responses to solving complex system problems.

Entrepreneurial Fundamentals
Required:3
Financials for the Entrepreneurial Enterprise
Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector
Required:3
Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector
Current and Emerging Issues in Public Administration
Complete one of the following:3
Introduction to Public Administration
Leadership and Management in Public Service
Nonprofit Leadership
Required:3
Nonprofit Leadership Practicum, Level I
Total Hours12

Sustainability Certificate

Required:
TECH CM 1015Introduction to Sustainability3
Complete one of the following:3-4
Life: The Natural World
and Life: The Natural World - Lab
General Biology: Organismal Diversity
Introduction to Environmental Earth Science
Nature-Society Relations
Physics in Everyday Life
Complete one of the following:3
Natural Resources and Civilizations
Economics of Social Issues
Conflict and Justice in History: (Topic)
Science, Technology, and Ethics (STE)
Total Hours9-10

THRIVE! Certificate

Required:
Physical Domain
Complete one of the following:3
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Introduction to Public Health
Social Domain
Complete one of the following:3
Economics of Social Issues
Human Identity and Relationships
Mental Domain
Complete one of the following:3
The Science and Experience of Human Flourishing
Self-Care and Stress Management in Helping Professions
Financial Domain
Complete one of the following:3
Financials for the Entrepreneurial Enterprise
Financial Skills for Smart Living
Total Hours12

United States Studies Certificate

Students taking the United States Studies Certificate will analyze the diverse experiences and values of the people of the United States and investigate solutions to over-arching problems such as climate change and social inequities.

Complete one of the following:3
American Religious Diversity
Power & Politics in the U.S.
Complete one of the following:3
Survey of American Literature
United States History to the Civil War and Emancipation
United States History since the Civil War and Emancipation
Complete one of the following:3
Multicultural Literature
America's Military Past
Total Hours9

Administrative Policies:

  1. UNIFI/General Education courses may be used to satisfy requirements for both the UNIFI program and the major, minor, and program emphases.
  2. Departments offering a UNIFI/General Education course may preclude their major or minor students from taking that particular course to satisfy the requirements for UNIFI/General Education, the major, or the minor.
  3. UNIFI/General Education requirements can be met through CLEP examinations, departmental examinations, and the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board.
  4. No UNIFI/General Education course may be taken for graduate credit.
  5. No UNIFI/General Education course may have a prerequisite with the exception of demonstrated language or math proficiency for placement purposes.
  6. All courses taken to meet UNIFI/General Education requirements must be taken for graded credit.
  7. An Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree from any accredited institution of higher education shall be accepted to meet all UNIFI/General Education program requirements.
  8. The UNIFI/General Education requirements apply to all undergraduate degree programs.
  9. Regents Articulation Agreement:

​The University of Northern Iowa, the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Iowa, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Iowa State University agree to accept fulfillment of general education at any one of them as equivalent to completion of general education requirements at another, with the following stipulations:

  1. This agreement does not apply to those students who transfer without having fully completed general education prior to transfer.
  2. Validation of fulfillment of general education requirements requires that a student transferring must have met the transfer requirements of the receiving institution with respect to semester hours and grade point average.
  3. When a foreign language proficiency is required, whether within or in addition to general education, a student may meet this requirement at either institution regardless of the institution whose general education requirements the student fulfills.
  4. General education validation is the responsibility of the student transferring and will be completed upon request to the Registrar of the institution from which the student is transferring.
 

Program Certificates

The University of Northern Iowa makes available, in addition to traditional programs, the opportunity for students to earn program certificates. Program certificates provide an alternative to programs leading to a degree, a major, or a minor; they certify that an individual has completed a program approved by the university. Students pursuing a certificate on a non-degree seeking basis must have completed all certificate requirements at UNI. For further information concerning requirements for these certificates see specific departmental listings, or consult with the department listed or the Office of the Registrar, which serves as the centralized registry. Some of the certificates are interdisciplinary and involve several departments; however, only one department or college has been listed as the contact.

Requirements for Graduation

In addition to the completion of one of the baccalaureate degree programs, there are other specific requirements for graduation which apply to all undergraduate students seeking any bachelor's degree, other than the Bachelor of Liberal Studies and Cooperative Programs. These are listed below. The acceptance and use of transfer credit are subject to limitations in accordance with existing educational policies of the University of Northern Iowa - refer to Transfer Credit Practices listed in the Admission Requirements section of this catalog. Refer to Graduate Degree Requirements for graduation requirements for a graduate degree program.

A. Residence

  1. At least 32 hours of credit earned in the junior and senior years in courses at this university.

B. Scholarship

  1. A student seeking the bachelor's degree with licensure to teach must successfully complete student teaching and achieve a cumulative grade index in all course work attempted, at this university and elsewhere, of at least 2.50 to be recommended for graduation. The student must also achieve a cumulative grade index of 2.50 on all work attempted at the University of Northern Iowa.
  2. A student seeking the bachelor's degree (without licensure) must achieve a cumulative grade index in all work attempted, at this university and elsewhere, of at least 2.00 to be recommended for graduation; the student must also achieve a cumulative grade index of 2.00 on all work attempted at the University of Northern Iowa.

Note: A student may be held by their academic department to specific grade point requirements, for the major work and/or graduation, which are higher than the grade point requirements for all university students. Students are advised to refer to the requirements for their specific major.

C. Communication

Competence in reading, speaking, and writing is required of all candidates seeking degrees or university recommendations for licensure. All students who enter UNI with or after the Fall 1988 semester who are candidates for baccalaureate degrees are required to demonstrate competence in writing by passing the UNIFI/General Education writing course and meeting the writing requirements for their academic major.

D. Foreign Language Competency Requirement

Students entering UNI who graduated from high school in 1989 or later are required to demonstrate a level of competence in a foreign language (classical or modern) equivalent to the second semester at the college level. One year of foreign language in high school is considered to be equivalent to one semester of foreign language at the university.

The foreign language competency requirement can be satisfied using credit in the following ways:

  1. satisfactory* completion of two years of high school study in one foreign language;
  2. satisfactory* completion of a combination of high school and college credit in one language equivalent to the second semester at the college level;
  3. satisfactory performance in an achievement examination measuring proficiency equivalent to the second semester of college study in one foreign language.
  4. satisfactory* completion of either two years of high school study or one year of college credit or the combined equivalent in American Sign Language (ASL). Study in any other language and culture for the hearing impaired will not automatically satisfy this graduation requirement.
*

Satisfactory completion means a minimum grade of C- in the last course taken to meet this requirement.

The following UNI course sequences will satisfy the foreign language competency requirement:

Additional language credit options may be offered, or be transferred to meet this UNI requirement. 

E. Advanced Courses

At least 10 hours of work in a major in courses numbered 3000/4000-level and taken at this university.

F. Maximum Credit by Examination

A maximum of 32 semester hours of credit earned by examination or by open credit is applicable toward degree requirements. This includes credit earned by CLEP, by departmental examination, by Advanced Placement, and credit established by examination of other colleges and universities.

G. Listing of Candidates for Graduation

A student may be listed as a candidate for graduation at the end of a semester if the completion of work for which the student is registered would meet all the requirements for graduation exclusive of grade points, and if the grade points to be earned do not exceed the number which could be earned for the hours for which the student is registered.

H. Application for Graduation

A student who expects to be graduated at the end of a semester must complete a graduation application at the opening of that semester. This application can be accessed through MyUniverse-Student Center and upon completion is filed with the Office of the Registrar.

I. Second Baccalaureate Degree (After First Baccalaureate Conferred)

A student may pursue a second baccalaureate degree after a first baccalaureate degree has been conferred. To receive a second baccalaureate degree after first baccalaureate degree has been conferred, a student must meet the requirements for the second degree (including A. Residence, B. Scholarship, E. Advanced Courses, F. Maximum Credit by Examination, G. Listing of Candidates for Graduation, and H. Application for Graduation  designated above), and earning a minimum of 32 hours of "new" credit at UNI.

For example: After evaluation of college transcript, student still needs 20 specified hours of coursework in the major to meet the requirements for that major. Student will need to earn from UNI, the 20 hours for the major (including 10 hours of upper level coursework), plus an additional 12 hours of new credit to meet the minimum 32 hours of credit required for a second baccalaureate degree.

J. Subsequent Baccalaureate Major, Minor, or Certificate

A student may pursue a subsequent major on a non-degree seeking basis after an initial Baccalaureate degree has been conferred from UNI. Approval of the department of the additional major is needed before starting classes. Minors or certificates may be pursued on a non-degree seeking basis regardless of prior baccalaureate degree, with all minor or certificate coursework being taken at UNI.

All requirements for a subsequent program must be completed (required coursework, GPA requirements, etc.). A student will be classified as undergraduate, non-degree seeking status during the time to complete a subsequent program. At the completion of the program, a notation will be made on the student's transcript, but no additional diploma will be granted, nor will a change be made on the diploma received at the time of graduation for the first Baccalaureate degree.

If 32 or more hours are needed to complete the subsequent major, or if it would lead to a different degree (i.e. Bachelor of Science), the student must apply as a second Baccalaureate degree (see Second Baccalaureate Degree).

K. Two Concurrent Degrees

A student may pursue two different baccalaureate degrees concurrently. To receive two different degrees concurrently (i.e., B.A/B.S., B.A./B.Music), a student must meet all the requirements for both degrees, (including A. Residence, B. Scholarship, C. Communication, D. Foreign Language Requirement, E. Advanced Courses, F. Maximum Credit by Examination, G. Listing of Candidates for Graduation, and H. Application for Graduation designated above).

A student may have a double major, however the university does not grant two of the same degrees concurrently.

Teaching Licensure

Teaching licenses are issued by state departments of education and are valid only in the state of issue. A college or university recommendation is required for issuance of a license.

Students in the UNI Teacher Education program must meet requirements for an Iowa teaching license if they are to be recommended for licensure from the University of Northern Iowa. At graduation they are eligible for the Initial License, valid for a period of two years for the kind of service indicated by the endorsement on the license; e.g., elementary and early childhood teaching, secondary teaching in content areas, or teaching in a special area such as art or music. The student usually can secure appropriate licensure in other states by making proper application and fulfilling any additional requirements.

In addition to holding a license valid for a specific teaching level, the secondary teacher must also have endorsement in each subject to be taught. Endorsements are issued by the Iowa Department of Education on the recommendation of an institution. To secure the recommendation of the University of Northern Iowa, the student must meet the requirements for a teaching program (or equivalent) in the subject. Exceptions are made only with the authorization of the university department offering the program.

This university may recommend for licensure those graduates of other colleges or universities who complete the requirements of a Teacher Education program at UNI. 

Program completion may include evaluations/assessments prescribed by the major, the Teacher Education Program, the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, and/or the Iowa Department of Education.

For additional information, contact: 

Office of the Registrar
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0006

Students will need to work directly with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE) for an evaluation, sending transcripts, and recommendation for any endorsement where UNI does not offer an approved program in this catalog for. 

Board of Educational Examiners
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0147
Website: www.boee.iowa.gov

Hours of Credit Needed to Renew or Reinstate a License

Renewal and reinstatement requirements are established by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and are subject to change by that body at any time. Information concerning the renewal or reinstatement requirements may be obtained from the:

Board of Educational Examiners
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th St.
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0147
Website: www.boee.iowa.gov