Responding to a growing demand for flexible academic pathways, UNI is expanding several of its traditionally residential programs into online and hybrid formats. These new options give students greater access to high‑growth career fields while allowing them to balance continuing education with work and life commitments. 

The expanded offerings include bachelor's programs in Business Teaching and Cybersecurity & System Administration and a master’s degree in Applied Engineering: Applied Systems Engineering Management. 

“Expanding these programs into online and hybrid formats demonstrates UNI’s dedication to meeting students where they are—geographically, professionally and personally,” said Stephanie Huffman, associate vice president for strategic initiatives and dean of the College of Graduate, Research & Online Education. “Learners can pursue degrees that align with their goals while accessing the same high‑quality instruction and support that define our UNI experience. The university remains committed to helping every student take the next step in their future.”

Grounded in UNI’s long‑standing reputation for excellence in teacher preparation, the fully online Business Teaching Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree equips future educators to teach business at the secondary level. The program supports both traditional students and working professionals pursuing licensure through flexible online delivery and field experiences arranged in locations that fit students’ needs.

Blending business fundamentals with effective teaching practices, the curriculum includes coursework in entrepreneurship, business communication, financial skills, instructional methods and curriculum design. Students graduate with the knowledge and practical skills needed to create engaging, career‑relevant learning experiences – preparing them for high-demand career opportunities with a 100% placement rate from UNI.

UNI’s online undergraduate option in Cybersecurity & System Administration Bachelor of Science (BS) degree will begin in August, placing students at the forefront of the rapidly evolving information technology landscape. The program combines a strong computer science foundation with in‑demand skills in networking, operating systems, system security, digital forensics and system administration. Designed for part‑time and full-time learners, the program emphasizes applied learning through opportunities to design and maintain secure systems while participating in real-world labs, simulations and undergraduate research.

With national demand for cybersecurity professionals continuing to rise, UNI graduates are well‑prepared for high‑growth careers across both public and private sectors.

For professionals seeking to advance into engineering leadership roles, UNI’s new online and hybrid Applied Engineering: Applied Systems Engineering Management Master of Science (MS) emphasis is a project-based master’s degree designed for engineers and technical professionals working with complex systems. The curriculum emphasizes applied systems engineering methods, lifecycle thinking and integrated technical and managerial decision making.

The program can be completed fully online or through a hybrid format that pairs online coursework with optional hands-on, in‑person learning. Students typically take one to two courses per term and finish in two to four years.

As the program is designed to build organizational capacity, employer financial sponsorship and three years of industry experience are required.  

For more information about these or the other 50+ online bachelor’s, master’s, endorsement or certificate programs, visit online.uni.edu/programs.