Frequently Asked Questions

• Convenient delivery. Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. We offer a variety of entirely online, hybrid and in-person formats to meet your needs.
• Dedicated faculty. Our programs are taught by the same on-campus, experienced faculty members. No matter where you are, our courses connect you with content experts and opportunities for professional networking. 
• Flexible learning. While the time commitment per class is the same as on-campus courses, distance education students enjoy greater flexibility with when and where they complete their coursework. Students can expect to spend six hours a week on coursework for every credit hour.  For the Master of Social Work program, students can expect to complete a minimum of 36 study hours per week 
• Proven reputation. Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in education. UNI is consistently ranked as one of the best Midwest universities and a top school for online programs.

Additionally, you will have access to student support services at UNI such as: tutoring from The Learning Center, resources from the Rod Library, personalized academic advising, assistance from Student Accessibility Services and technical support assistance.  

• Online courses: These are taken entirely at a distance. Online courses are delivered via Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, a dynamic learning management system. 
• Hybrid courses: Hybrid courses include both online components and limited in-person meetings.
• Guided Independent Study (GIS): GIS courses are completed entirely at a distance. Students can enroll in any time and have up to nine months to complete the coursework. 

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance learning course.

• Self-motivated and independent learner - The most successful distance education students are those who are able to start and work on tasks on their own and are self-disciplined to follow the class schedule and meet deadlines.
• Strong reading and writing skills - Written resources (textbooks and written lectures) comprise a substantial component of most courses. Students communicate through such text-based tools as email, discussion forums and chat sessions. Reading and writing skills are a critical component for success.
• Time management - While distance learners are exempt from the boundaries of a brick-and-mortar classroom, they are encouraged to set aside sufficient time for study. Students should plan to spend at least as much time working on the assignments and studying as they would with a traditional course.
• Basic computer literacy - Students need to have a working knowledge of computer and Internet skills in order to be successful in a distance education course. This includes the ability to perform basic computer operations, Internet skills such as accessing the web and using search engines, and the ability to use online communication tools such as email, discussion forums and chat.

Still have questions? Our distance education staff is here to help!

*Tuition and fees may be adjusted by the Iowa Board of Regents and are typically announced in the spring with increases occurring in the fall. Non-resident and supplemental tuition may be assessed for online courses and internships. Students may incur additional fees for some courses offered primarily to on-campus students (i.e. course sections that do not begin with '6'). More information about on-campus tuition and fees for these courses can be found at tuition.uni.edu 

UNI strives to make earning a degree an affordable investment. You may qualify for financial aid if you have:

• Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Been admitted to UNI for a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
• Enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
• Met satisfactory academic progress standards

Visit the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information. In addition, students enrolled in the fall 2021 semester may be eligible for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III funding. This funding will be distributed to our students with exceptional need, which will be identified by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information, visit finaid.uni.edu/HEERF-III. 

After applying, your application will be reviewed by the department. If you would like to inquire about your admissions status, please contact online@uni.edu.

• Degree-seeking students: If you have been admitted to one of our degree programs, your enrollment contact will reach out to you prior to the beginning of each semester with course details and specific enrollment instructions. Be sure to check your UNI email regularly for details. 
• Endorsements & workshops: If you are pursuing an endorsement or would like to register for a single course or workshop, you can register for the courses you need by completing our Enrollment Form.
• Guided Independent Study: After selecting the course you would like to take, register at any time through our online GIS Enrollment Form.