Middle Level Education Dual Major
When middle school is the right fit
Fifth through eighth graders are a special bunch. If that’s a challenge you’d love, consider the middle level dual teaching major. This highly flexible teaching degree — the only one of its kind in Iowa — will prepare you to work with and better understand students in grades 5-8 in addition to K-6 or 7-12. Choose at least two concentration areas (math, science, English or social studies) as you learn how to teach and create a curriculum for young adolescents.
As a dual major, this pairs with an elementary or secondary education major. Middle school principals look for this endorsement. They value the extra level of knowledge and preparation you gain for leading middle level and junior high classrooms.
Career Placement
Post-graduation, 97.8% of College of Education teaching graduates either found jobs or chose to pursue further education.
Teachers in Iowa
Since 1938, UNI has prepared more than 1,700 teachers specially focused on educating young adolescents.
Specialty Areas
UNI is the only Iowa Regents' university that offers specialization in two subject areas for middle level dual majors. Choose from English, math, science and social studies.
Interested in Majoring?
Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with a degree in middle level education from the University of Northern Iowa College of Education.
Contact us directly at:
Middle Level Education
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
SEC 613
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0606
Phone: (319) 273-2167
Email: curr.inst@uni.edu
Courses & Careers
Courses
As a middle level dual major, you’ll only add nine additional credit hours to your elementary teaching degree or 15 credit hours if you're preparing for a secondary teaching degree. Here are some core courses you’ll take in addition to your content-specific courses, depending on your areas of specialization. See the course catalog for a full listing.
- Development of the Middle School-Aged Child
- Middle Level Curriculum
- Middle Level Instruction, Differentiation, Assessment
Careers
Below are some careers options you will be prepared to jump into or build toward after obtaining your dual degree in middle level education.
- Teacher
- Coach
- Instructional coach
- Learning technology specialist
- Tech integrationist
- Teacher leader
- Curriculum design
- Assessment specialist
- Teacher librarian
- Informal education specialist (museums, historical sites, etc.)
- Afterschool programs
- Edu-business
- Edutainment
Minors and Endorsements
Literacy and special education lead the way among the minors most UNI students choose. With 20+ teaching majors and related minors, UNI gives you the advantage of choice. And when completed, you'll qualify for a teaching endorsement in these areas as well. Here are a few of the leading minors you might choose.
Beyond the Classroom
Get Connected.
Join a student organization or an honors society to get connected with other students who share your interests!
Student organizations:
- Student Elementary and Early Childhood Association
- Student Literacy Association
- America Reads
Honor societies:
- Kappa Delta Pi
- Alpha Upsilon Alpha, Alpha Chapter
Apply Your Knowledge.
Here at UNI, we make sure you are ready to jump into your career with professional clinical experience opportunities beginning early and often. The middle level dual major requires that you complete at least 30 field hours working with middle school students in addition to your elementary or secondary field experience.
These experiences in the field are central to your success as they allow you to:
- apply theory to practice,
- receive constructive feedback,
- participate in meaningful reflection, and
- have ownership in your growth.
Be Recognized.
Annually we recognize UNI incoming and current students for their hard work and accomplishments through awards and scholarships, with more than 100 donor-funded scholarships specifically for students in curriculum and instruction, the department which oversees the middle level dual major.
There are two middle level scholarships offered to current middle level majors:
- R. Paul Brimm Recognition scholarship, selected by the Iowa Association of Middle Level Education
- Beth Lindner Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Each provides up to $1,000/year for the student selected. For most scholarships, all you need to do is fill out one form, and you'll be considered for UNI and College of Education-based scholarships for incoming and current students.
Get Connected.
Join a student organization or an honors society to get connected with other students who share your interests!
Student organizations:
- Student Elementary and Early Childhood Association
- Student Literacy Association
- America Reads
Honor societies:
- Kappa Delta Pi
- Alpha Upsilon Alpha, Alpha Chapter
Apply Your Knowledge.
Here at UNI, we make sure you are ready to jump into your career with professional clinical experience opportunities beginning early and often. The middle level dual major requires that you complete at least 30 field hours working with middle school students in addition to your elementary or secondary field experience.
These experiences in the field are central to your success as they allow you to:
- apply theory to practice,
- receive constructive feedback,
- participate in meaningful reflection, and
- have ownership in your growth.
Be Recognized.
Annually we recognize UNI incoming and current students for their hard work and accomplishments through awards and scholarships, with more than 100 donor-funded scholarships specifically for students in curriculum and instruction, the department which oversees the middle level dual major.
There are two middle level scholarships offered to current middle level majors:
- R. Paul Brimm Recognition scholarship, selected by the Iowa Association of Middle Level Education
- Beth Lindner Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Each provides up to $1,000/year for the student selected. For most scholarships, all you need to do is fill out one form, and you'll be considered for UNI and College of Education-based scholarships for incoming and current students.
A non-traditional path
"When I decided to go back to school and complete my degree, I wanted to move out of my current job and find a new job I was passionate about. Teaching was always there waiting for me, and completing this degree reinforces that it is never too late to follow your true passion."