our mission
Extending the University of Northern Iowa since 1913
As an integral part of its total responsibility to the state, the University of Northern Iowa has a legislative charge to provide public services to assist in the cultural, economic and social development of Iowa residents.
As the University pursues the multiple missions of teaching, research and public service, Continuing Education provides the leadership and support services that enable the University to fulfill its rapidly expanding service role. Continuing education and lifelong learning characterize one of the University's oldest and strongest traditions of access and opportunity.
Distance Learning/Credit Programs
Plans, coordinates and provides logistical and administrative support for credit courses and degree programs that fall outside of "traditional" on-campus offerings, including Guided Independent Study and Bachelor of Liberal Studies programs
Iowa Communications Network (ICN)
Schedules, maintains and provides financial support for the ICN, a statewide interactive fiber-optic educational television system with more than 750 sites around the state. UNI houses eight ICN rooms on campus. In a typical semester, UNI offers more than 30 courses via the ICN, most of them broadcast weeknights between 6:00 and 10:00 pm to serve as a convenient alternative for working adults who are not available to take courses during the day.
Individual Studies
Provides programs which may appeal to students interested in educational experiences that differ from the norm, including the General Studies major, Individual Studies major and National Student Exchange
UNI Museums
Manages a primarily natural history museum — containing more than 100,000 objects covering biology, geology, anthropology and UNI-related collections — and the Marshall Center One-Room School located on the UNI campus