Online & Distance Education Stories & News

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.
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.
Student writing at the UNI Rod Library

Beyond academics: Practical graduate writing tips for busy people like you

Are you a grad student? This might be the article you need. Here are some tips to start strengthening your academic writing.
Michelle Barnell in her classroom

New UNI teachers ready to enter classrooms for the 2025-26 school year

First-year teachers Benjamin Buseman and Michelle Barnell are readying their classrooms for students. Both teachers graduated from UNI.
UNI recognized as a top business school for nearly two decades

UNI recognized as a top business school for nearly two decades

The Princeton Review has named the David W. Wilson College of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) program as one of the Best Business Schools for 2025. UNI is one of only 213 institutions nationwide to earn this prestigious recognition — an honor the program has consistently held for 19 years.
Sheritta Stokes shaking President Nook's hand at graduation

She’s a teacher and a single mom, but “It’s never too late to learn”

Sheritta Stokes has overcome a lot to return to UNI. It’s been nearly three decades since she first got her undergraduate degree and started teaching, but she finally earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Education this May.
Tonya Wilson-Story

Finishing what she started - a longtime teacher’s path to a master’s degree

Veteran teacher Tonya Wilson-Story returned to UNI to earn her master's degree, which has improved her teaching practices and increased her confidence.
Gayle Rhineberger

Return to UNI: Supportive faculty, flexible schedules available to finish your degree

UNI offers online programs that are made to fit your busy lifestyle. Gayle Rhineberger, a professor of criminology and criminal justice, sees how these programs help students reach their career goals firsthand.