Frequently Asked Questions

We know that choosing an online program is a big decision. To make things easier, we've included some of our frequently asked questions here to help. As always, you can also reach out to us at online@uni.edu with any questions. We would be glad to assist!

Online & Distance Education

Program Features

Why choose UNI Online?

 UNI Online focuses on providing flexible and affordable degree programs that will help you to elevate your career, meet your goals and build new skills and knowledge. Our programs offer: 

  • 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.
What support services are provided throughout the program?

From your first inquiry through graduation, you will work closely with a program coordinator and enrollment contact. A faculty member within the program, the program coordinator will assist you in navigating the program of study (or course sequence) and monitor your progress throughout the program. The designated enrollment contact will be your main point of contact and assist you with enrolling in courses, billing processes, and will help you navigate any questions you have.

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.

What are the delivery options available?
  • 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.
  • Self-Paced Online Courses: Self-Paced Online Courses are completed entirely at a distance. Students can enroll in any time and have up to nine months to complete the coursework. 
Is distance learning right for me?

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!

Admission Requirements

What are the admission requirements?

Admission requirements vary by program. We suggest reviewing the requirements listed on the specific program page. Explore all programs and admission requirements. ​

I'm interested in an education program. Do I need to have my teaching license?

​If you are interested in earning your bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, you will not need to have your teaching license prior to beginning the program. You will be able to apply for your teaching license upon completion of your bachelor's program.

However, if you are interested in earning your master's degree in education, our graduate degrees are designed for students who already hold a recognized teaching license. The following programs require a teaching license prior to beginning the program:

  • Art Education MA
  • Early Childhood Education MAE
  • Elementary Education MAE
  • Literacy Education MAE
  • Mathematics MA
  • Physical Education - Pedagogy MA
  • Principalship MAE/ASC
  • School Library Studies MA
  • Science Education MA
  • Special Education MAE

Cost & Aid*

What are the costs?

As an Online & Distance Education student at UNI, you will pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location - providing you with an affordable option to earn your degree. View the tuition and fees, as well as indirect costs here.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

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.

Courses & Transfer Credits

Can I take the courses out of sequence?

From your first inquiry through graduation, you will work closely with a program coordinator and enrollment contact. A faculty member within the program, the program coordinator will assist you in navigating the course sequence and monitor your progress throughout the program. The designated enrollment contact will be your point of contact and assist you with enrolling in courses, billing processes and helping you navigate any questions you have.

If you would like to accelerate or alter your course schedule, you will need to consult with your program coordinator to determine feasibility and availability of courses.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence

You should adhere to the designated course sequence as much as possible to ensure timely completion. However, if you do miss a course, you will need to consult with your program coordinator to discuss options.

Can I transfer credits from another institution to apply towards my UNI graduate degree?

In general, you will complete the full set of courses outlined in the program. However, it is possible to transfer a limited number of graduate credits if they meet the following criteria:

  • Be a regular graduate course with a graduate course number (not professional development or college credit through an Educational Agency or conference).
  • Taken by the student in graduate status, and the official transcript must show a grade of B or better earned.
  • Be applicable as a graduate requirement at the institution where it is taken.
  • Taught by regular graduate faculty.
  • Meet the UNI seven-year recency requirement.

Academic departments will determine whether or not they wish to accept transfer credit even if it meets the above requirements. This criteria was established to prevent credits not intended for use toward graduate degrees (i.e., Area Education Agency/professional development credits) from being used to meet UNI degree program requirements. Please check with the program coordinator about specific situations.

Next Steps

How do I get started?

After selecting your degree program, complete an online interest form on the program page and begin your application, If you have any questions, please email us at online@uni.edu or call 319-273-7206.

When should I expect to hear a decision about my application?

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.

How do I enroll?
  • 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.
  • Self-Paced Online Courses: After selecting the course you would like to take, register at any time through our online Enrollment Form.