Programs
Leaders in teacher education
The Department of Elementary and Middle Level Education is known for its innovation, whether that’s creating three pathways to elementary education for on-campus or online transfer students and working paraeducators, or a new master’s degree and certificate strengthening the leadership of teachers within the classroom. These areas of focus include:
- Elementary education
- Middle level education
- Transformative education
In addition, we coordinate a specialized academic focus in curriculum and instruction, part of the Doctor of Education (EdD) program.
Academic Areas of Focus
Elementary Education
Among the thousands of UNI teaching alumni in classrooms across Iowa and beyond, the majority were elementary education majors. They chose UNI for the same reasons you will: a tradition of quality, faculty who help you learn the how and why of teaching, a richness of clinical experience and access to minors including social studies (K-8) that add to your career readiness. As a graduate student, you'll benefit from quality online programs recognized as among the best by U.S. News and World Report as you strengthen your skills and knowledge.
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Minor (Social Studies K-8)
Bachelor of Arts
Elementary Education
Elementary Education: Online Transfer Program
Elementary Education: Purple Pathway for Paraeducators
Master of Arts in Education
Middle Level Education
As the only higher education institute in Iowa offering a dual major with middle level education, UNI has led the way in preparing nearly 2,000 teachers since 1938 to specifically teach young adolescents in grades 5-8. Our focus gives you the coursework to qualify for a middle school endorsement-only option and adds to your skill base in a minimum of two areas among math, science, social studies or language arts. Paired with an elementary, secondary or K-12 teaching degree, you’ll have the additional expertise that school districts value.
MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION (Dual Major)
Bachelor of Arts
Transformative Education
This online program brings innovation and leadership to the classroom with an approach grounded in educating all students as well as social and emotional learning. Coursework supports teamwork, strategic conversation and solutions for practicing teachers to personalize learning and provide various pathways to knowledge and skill development while positioning teachers as partners in robust and engaging curriculum design, inclusive policy development and student-centered change. A core transformative education certificate serves as a stackable foundation for the degree.
TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION
Master of Arts in Education
Graduate Certificate