Program Information for B.A. Elementary Education

at Des Moines Area Community College - Carroll Campus

Students in the UNI/DMACC/Carroll 2+2 program earn a B.A. teaching degree in elementary education. This is the original 2+2 program designed to provide access to higher education for place-bound Iowans who cannot travel to an Iowa Regent’s institution.  It provides teachers to rural parts of the state.  This 2+2 program features the use of technology in the instructional delivery system using the Iowa Communications Network, Web-based courses, and courses taught onsite by UNI faculty. In this program, students are organized into cohort groups for all semesters.

Program Goals

• Provide a quality elementary education teacher preparation program for place-bound students in west central Iowa;
  

• Develop a "model program" for the delivery of a professional sequence that clearly illustrates the values of institutional collaboration.
  

• Demonstrate how technology can be an integral part of a distance learning delivery system.

2+2 Elementary Education Program Highlights

• Since 1995, 62 students have graduated and 90% are employed in education in central Iowa, a region not directly served by a Regent’s institution. This program is now self-sustaining.
  

• Most candidates are educating themselves for a second career.
  

• Community College staff members may provide support services including academic advising for communti college coursework, career counseling, financial aid, and all facilities.

• Qualified, degree-holding 2+2 graduates stay in their community and work in area jobs, thereby contributing to the economic development of the region.

What Students Say About UNI’s 2+2

The most important reason I enrolled in the UNI 2+2 program is I’d like to stay in this geographic area (Carroll, Iowa). This program is very high quality and I have found that I would really love to get a job in the area of special education because of my teaching in this setting.  The UNI program allowed me to find a great school to work with.

Jenny

I chose to attend the UNI/DMACC elementary education program because it was convenient.  The campus was near my home … and the courses were basically scheduled in the evenings so I could stay at home with my daughter during the day and have family baby-sit at night. 

Mistaya

I am a non-traditional student who worked as a school librarian and found my true love – helping children find a love in reading.  But I also realized I was missing the education that teachers have.  I became a member of UNI/DMACC Cohort V and learned most importantly that the friends I have made in this journey are forever. Thank you UNI and DMACC-Carroll for an enriching education that has given me the knowledge and confidence to continue on this lifelong learning path.

Debbie

The UNI/Carroll program has opened many doors for me.  Because I am part of a small town family business, going to a university seemed like a pretty dim prospect. However, this program allowed me the option of receiving a four-year degree.

Nicki