Online & Distance Education Stories & News

Teacher working in the classroom

Teaching endorsements, certificates, or degrees: Which path is right for you?

Check out some of the top options for professional development for teachers from UNI if you're interested in advancing your career!
student studying independently

UNI expands cybersecurity, business and engineering programs with new online and hybrid offerings

UNI is expanding several high‑demand programs by adding new online and hybrid options, including the Business Teaching BA, Cybersecurity & System Administration BS and the Applied Engineering: Applied Systems Engineering Management MS. These flexible pathways give working and place‑bound students greater access to UNI’s high‑quality instruction.
Geography students

University of Northern Iowa launches online non-thesis Master of Arts in Geography

The University of Northern Iowa is expanding access to graduate education with the launch of a new online, non-thesis Master of Arts in Geography program designed for working professionals seeking advanced knowledge and career growth.
Joni Armstrong

UNI's Purple Pathway for School Administrators guides veteran teachers to educational leadership

Joni Armstrong is among the first graduates of the Purple Pathway for School Administrators, a partnership between UNI and Des Moines Public Schools.
UNI student conducting data analysis

University of Northern Iowa launches curriculum on artificial intelligence

The University of Northern Iowa is launching new academic programs designed to prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing and most transformative areas of today’s workforce, artificial intelligence.
Student teacher in classroom

Interested in an elementary education degree? There’s more than one way to make it happen!

Whether you’re interested in an accelerated teaching degree or an online elementary education program, you can be confident you’re in good hands at UNI.
UNI online master's in education programs make top 20% of programs

U.S. News & World Report ranks UNI among 2026 Best Online Programs

The University of Northern Iowa is among the 2026 Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Map of Iowa with UNI@IACC student locations

UNI’s partnership with community colleges delivers bachelor’s degrees statewide

UNI partners with every community college in the state of Iowa to offer bachelor's degrees in high-demand workforce areas.
PE teacher working with student

10 reasons to become a teacher

There are so many benefits of being a teacher! Read from real current and future teachers about why they chose to enter the profession.
UNI grad student reading book to her young students in the classroom

UNI makes a grad degree more accessible than ever

From application to graduation, you will find the support you need to accomplish your continuing your education goals and completing your master's degree.