Graduate College Stories & News

Woman on laptop

What are micro-credentials and how can they advance careers?

For practicing educators and working professionals, micro‑credentials offer a flexible way to grow your expertise without committing to a full degree. Here’s how they work and why they’re worth considering. 
Students at UNI Commencement

UNI celebrates nearly 1,500 graduates at spring commencement ceremonies

90% percent of the students are Iowa residents, representing 93 counties in the state. Nearly a third identify themselves as first-generation college graduates.
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!
Julie Lanz and Stephanine Huffman present award.

UNI Division of Graduate Studies hosts annual event celebrating excellence

The University of Northern Iowa’s Division of Graduate Studies honored outstanding graduate students, faculty and staff during the annual graduate faculty meeting, an event recognizing individuals whose leadership, service and achievements have made a significant impact on the UNI graduate education community.
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.
Grad Studies staff posing by MAGS signage holding Honorable Mention for the Excellence and Innovation in Graduate Education Award certificate.

UNI earns graduate education honors, student competes in Three Minute Thesis competition at regional conference

UNI received Honorable Mention for the Excellence and Innovation in Graduate Education Award at the 82nd Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Annual Conference. MAGS represents more than 100 institutions across 14 states, making this recognition a tremendous honor for our graduate programs and the students, faculty and staff who make them exceptional.
Speech-language pathology student working with young client

UNI Speech-Language Pathology graduate program ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools

The University of Northern Iowa has been recognized in the 2026 edition of U.S News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools, with its Master of Arts program in Speech-Language Pathology earning a place among the nation’s top programs.
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.
 Daniel Chapilliquén working on computer

From Peru to a UNI engineering degree

When Daniel Chapilliquén arrived on campus at the University of Northern Iowa, he brought with him years of engineering preparation, international perspective and the ambition to build solutions that solve real-world problems.