Early Childhood Education Online Transfer Program
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Earn your teaching degree online and prepare for a meaningful and fulfilling career working with young children.
- Delivery: Online
- Endorsement: Iowa Birth-Grade 3 Inclusive Settings (#1001)
- Next Cohort: Summer 2026
- Application opening soon!
Features
Entirely Online | 2 Years
- For those who have earned or will earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Learn how to create learning environments and classroom procedures that promote positive social interaction, active engagement and high expectations for learning.
- Discover how young children learn and develop through a focused sequence of courses and hands-on classroom experiences.
- Earn the Iowa Birth-Grade 3 Inclusive Settings #1001 endorsement as part of the curriculum.
Prerequisites for Admission:
- Have (or completing) an Associate of Arts (AA) degree, an Associate of Science (AS) degree, OR Bachelor degree. Related Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees may also be accepted in consultation with an advisor.
- EDPSYCH 2068: Development and Learning in Sociocultural Contexts
- LITED 1044: Children's Literature
- TEACHING 2020: Introduction to Teaching (or equivalent)
- Recommended: 2.5 GPA from prior coursework
Here to Help:
As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Academic Advisor to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence, preparing for graduation, and much more.
Mike Tate
Department of Elementary and Middle Level Education
Academic Advisor (Student Last Names A-L)
mike.tate@uni.edu
319-273-5481
Danielle Jennings
Department of Elementary and Middle Level Education
Academic Advisor (Student Last Names M-Z)
danielle.jennings@uni.edu
319-273-7363
Request Information
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered entirely online using a combination of synchronous, evening video conferencing and asynchronous coursework utilizing Blackboard, a learning management system. This format allows for flexibility while still providing a sense of community with fellow classmates.
In-school clinical experiences and student teaching are required.
The program can be completed in a minimum of two years with full-time semesters. Part-time options also available - contact Mike Tate or Danielle Jennings for details.
A flexible online pathway to become a teacher
Designed for those who are:
- Seeking an early childhood 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
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:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered entirely online using a combination of synchronous, evening video conferencing and asynchronous coursework utilizing Blackboard, a learning management system. This format allows for flexibility while still providing a sense of community with fellow classmates.
In-school clinical experiences and student teaching are required.
The program can be completed in a minimum of two years with full-time semesters. Part-time options also available - contact Mike Tate or Danielle Jennings for details.
A flexible online pathway to become a teacher
Designed for those who are:
- Seeking an early childhood 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
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:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Scholarships available
Future Ready Scholarships
Through the UNI at Iowa Community Colleges (UNI@IACC) initiative, students in the Early Childhood Education Online Transfer 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.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships
Students may also qualify for the T.E.A.C.H. program which is a comprehensive scholarship program which may support tuition, release time and textbooks.
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply Now
When applying, you'll need to:
have your unofficial transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
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. For all other states and U.S. territories, please review our Professional Licensure Information page to determine if this program does or does not meet your state's licensure requirements.