Which elementary education pathway is right for me?

Are you seeking an elementary education teaching license in the state of Iowa?
Are you currently working as a paraeducator in a K-6 building?
Are you seeking licensure to teach middle level or secondary in Iowa?
Highest degree earned
Type of Associate's degree earned or pursuing

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

It has not been determined if UNI's program meets the educational requirements in each state. Please see our Professional Licensure Information page for more information.

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

Based on your responses, we would encourage you to explore one of our on-campus programs, or please check back after earning your associate's degree to join one of our degree completion programs. Learn more about on-campus programs.

Based on your responses, we would encourage you to explore one of our on-campus programs, or please check back after earning your associate's degree to join one of our degree completion programs. Learn more about on-campus programs.

Based on your responses, we would encourage you to explore one of our on-campus programs, or please check back after earning your associate's degree to join one of our degree completion programs. Learn more about on-campus programs.

Based on your responses, the Purple Pathway for Paraeducators may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the Purple Pathway for Paraeducators program.

Based on your responses, the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program may be a good online option to earn your teaching license. Learn more about the RAPIL program.

Young smiling student listening to teacher in classroom

Features

Entirely Online | 51 Credits | 2 Years
  • Designed for those pursuing and/or have an AA or AS degree or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Build a lifelong network of teachers and study with the same group of adult learners throughout the program
  • Options to add a double major in Elementary & Middle Level Education or add a minor in Early Childhood Education, Literacy Education, or Social and Emotional Learning

Admission Requirements

To be admitted, students must: 

  • complete the UNI application for admission
  • send official transcripts to the Office of Admissions
  • have (or completing) an Associate of Arts (AA) degree OR an Associate of Science (AS) degree

*AAS graduates can also apply and will need to work with a 2+2 advisor to determine their remaining general education requirements.

Students must have prerequisite courses: EDPSYCH 2030, LITED 1044, and TEACHING 2017 (or equivalent) completed before beginning the program. Complete an interest form (on the right) to learn more.

Students are required to apply to the Teacher Education Program by the end of their first term in the program.

Erin Conlan

Erin Conlan
Advisor & Student Support Specialist
erin.conlan@uni.edu
515-248-7502

 

Mike Tate

Mike Tate
Academic Advisor
mike.tate@uni.edu
319-273-5481

 

Carolina Wilson

 

Carolina Wilson
Enrollment Contact
carolina.wilson@uni.edu
319-273-2121

Request Information





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Delivered entirely online

Courses are offered entirely online using a combination of Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, a learning management system that will enhance your learning experience and provide a sense of community with fellow classmates. In addition to the online courses, some optional in-person classes may be available at a central location.

In-school field experiences and student teaching are required. 

‌Summer 2024 sequence

Summer 2023 sequence

Smiling student with laptop looking at camera
A flexible online pathway for non-traditional students 

​Designed for those who are:

  • Seeking an elementary or middle-level teaching degree
  • Looking to change jobs or careers and may wish to stay in their home community
  • Ready to build upon current roles, such as paraeducators or child care workers
  • Need flexibility due to family/work obligations or other life circumstances
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
Individualized support services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

Smiling students sitting outside with staff member
Delivered entirely online

Courses are offered entirely online using a combination of Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, a learning management system that will enhance your learning experience and provide a sense of community with fellow classmates. In addition to the online courses, some optional in-person classes may be available at a central location.

In-school field experiences and student teaching are required. 

‌Summer 2024 sequence

Summer 2023 sequence

Smiling student with laptop looking at camera
A flexible online pathway for non-traditional students 

​Designed for those who are:

  • Seeking an elementary or middle-level teaching degree
  • Looking to change jobs or careers and may wish to stay in their home community
  • Ready to build upon current roles, such as paraeducators or child care workers
  • Need flexibility due to family/work obligations or other life circumstances
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
Individualized support services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

Smiling students sitting outside with staff member
425+

Job openings in Iowa

According to Future Ready Iowa, more than 425 elementary education teaching jobs are available in the state each year.

$57k

Median salary

of elementary school teachers in central Iowa, according to Future Ready Iowa.

25+

years of history

Since 1995, more than 300 teachers have graduated from our program and have excelled in their teaching careers.

Future Ready Scholarships available

Through the UNI at Iowa Community Colleges (UNI@IACC) initiative, students in the 2+2 Elementary Education BA program may qualify to receive a scholarship covering the difference between community college and UNI tuition. To be eligible, you must complete the FAFSA and meet income and academic eligibility criteria.  Scholarship requirements include:

  • an associate's degree or 24+ credits from an Iowa Community College
  • a GPA of 2.0 or higher and be admissible to UNI
  • submitting the FAFSA, demonstrating financial need, as defined by the American Rescue Plan

Completing the FAFSA will allow UNI to potentially reduce or eliminate a student's remaining balance through other forms of financial aid, based on availability.

Next Steps


Express Interest

Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!


Submit Your Application

To be admitted, students must:

  • have an Associate of Arts (AA)  or an Associate of Science (AS) degree or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • submit unofficial transcripts, sent directly to the Office of Admissions

Students are also required to apply to the Teacher Education Program by the end of their first term in the program.


Contact Us

Our team of support staff is available to help you throughout your UNI journey.

Contact us at 319-273-7206 or online@uni.edu for assistance!

 

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

This program meets the licensure requirements for the state of Iowa. UNI has not determined if the program meets the licensure requirements in any other state. For further information about whether or not this program meets the licensing requirements in your state, please contact your state board (a list of state agencies can be found at https://publish.smartsheet.com/d695a9d784c2433bb0594885ea36f485).