This catalog is published for students and other persons who want to know more about the University of Northern Iowa. Its purpose is to communicate as objectively and completely as possible what the university is and what it does. The catalog is presented in sections to give a general view of the university as well as the detailed information required for informed decision making. Further information can be obtained on the university’s homepage www.uni.edu.
The University and Its Programs
History
The university was established in 1876 by enactment of the Iowa General Assembly, and opened on September 6, 1876, as the Iowa State Normal School - A school for the special instruction and training of teachers for the common schools of the state. The university offers a broad curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Four conventional baccalaureate degrees are offered: the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Music, and the Bachelor of Science.
Also available is the Bachelor of Liberal Studies, an external degree offered in cooperation with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. On the graduate level, twelve degrees are offered: the Master of Accounting, the Master of Arts, the Master of Arts in Education, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Music, the Master of Public Policy, the Master of Science, the Master of Social Work, the Professional Science Master’s, the sixth-year Specialist in Education degree, the Doctor of Education degree, and the Doctor of Industrial Technology degree.
The University of Northern Iowa has grown from its 1876 original campus site of 40 acres with one building - Central Hall, which originally housed orphaned children of Civil War soldiers - until it now embraces 57 principal buildings on a campus of 910 acres, with a fulltime faculty of approximately 650 and a total enrollment of approximately 13,000. In addition to its physical growth, the university continues to support programs that reach into the wider community, including the UNI Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE), which is located in the heart of the urban area of Waterloo, Iowa. The internationally-known North American Review, which was established in 1815 in Boston and is the oldest periodical in the United States, is now published under the auspices of the University of Northern Iowa.
Location
The university is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, which has a population of approximately 35,000, with the Cedar Falls-Waterloo greater metropolitan area having a population of more than 110,000. Together with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University of Science and Technology, the University of Northern Iowa is governed by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.
Mission
Established as the Iowa State Normal School, the institution was renamed the Iowa State Teachers College in 1909 and under this title attained a national reputation and status as a leading institution in the field of teacher education. By enactment of the Iowa General Assembly on July 5, 1961, the name of the college was changed to the State College of Iowa and degree programs were added for those not planning to teach. The change to the University of Northern Iowa was effected on July 1, 1967, following enactment by the Iowa General Assembly on the recommendation of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa. Its current statement of mission was approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa:
The University of Northern Iowa is a comprehensive institution dedicated to providing a personalized learning environment, founded on a strong liberal arts curriculum. It is committed to being an intellectually and culturally diverse community. The University focuses both on undergraduate education, and on selected master’s, doctoral and other graduate programs. It is characterized by excellence in three areas: teaching and learning; research, scholarship, and creative work; and service. Through its varied endeavors, UNI shares its expertise with, and provides service to, individuals, communities and organizations throughout the state, the nation and the world.
Memberships and Accreditation
The University of Northern Iowa is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), and the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States. The university is accredited through the doctoral degree (Doctorate of Education and Doctorate of Industrial Technology) by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA); The Higher Learning Commission, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL, 60602-2504; telephone 312-263-0456. The programs of the university are accredited by the following professional accrediting agencies: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB - International), the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the Council on Social Work Education, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, the National Association of Industrial Technology, and the National Recreation and Park Association Council on Accreditation. Programs are also approved by the Iowa State Department of Education, the National University Extension Association, and the American Chemical Society. In addition, the University Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
The B.A. in Athletic Training major is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA), has conferred accreditation to the following program areas in the Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education at the University of Northern Iowa: Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) and School Counseling (M.A.E.).
UNI is committed to the assessment of student learning for purposes of the ongoing improvement of curriculum, programs, and services offered by the university and for accreditation processes. Assessment of academic programs is managed through the cycle of Academic Program Review, which includes both internal and external review processes. In addition to Academic Program Review, other assessment activities and the collection of data related to student learning outcomes are managed through the resources and leadership of the Office of Academic Assessment and the Office of Institutional Research.
Academic Structure
College of Business Administration
The College of Business Administration seeks to provide a high-quality professional education that will enable its graduates to meet effectively the needs of modern society. The Vision and Mission of the College of Business Administration may be found at the Web site http://www.cba.uni.edu/dbweb/pages/about/mission.cfm
Our mission emphasizes rigorous instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. All courses, with only a few exceptions, are taught by fulltime faculty members, many of whom have business experience in addition to holding advanced degrees. As a supplement to regular classroom instruction, students can enrich their educational experience by availing themselves to internships, cooperative work programs in industry and government, individual tutorials, research projects, and international internship and study opportunities.
The College of Business Administration houses five departments: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree is offered by all five departments. Teaching licensure covers accounting, business communication, business law, entrepreneurship, finance, general business, information technology and management/marketing. All teaching programs are offered through the Management Department. In addition to its undergraduate programs, the college offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree and the Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree. Finally, the College of Business Administration serves other disciplines in the university through numerous professional courses. All programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB - International).
While providing a first-class professional education is our major concern, we maintain a strong commitment to student preparation in the arts and sciences. Students are counseled to seek a broad educational experience, particularly at the undergraduate level, and to utilize the full resources of the university in their preparation for happy and productive lives.
The College of Business Administration is the academic unit responsible for providing degree programs in business and management. Degree programs offered by other colleges may not include more than 25% of the degree requirements in College of Business Administration course work, excluding Economics. In addition, non-business majors may not enroll in more than 30 hours from the College of Business Administration (920:053 and 920:054 excluded from the total) and may not complete more than one College of Business Administration minor (Economics excluded).
To graduate with a major in Accounting, Business Teaching, Finance, Economics: Business Analysis, Management, Management Information Systems, or Marketing from the College of Business Administration, a student must earn at least 50% of the business credit hours required for the major from UNI. Students must also complete at least 50% of the course work required for the degree outside the College of Business Administration.
College of Education
The College of Education includes six instructional units. Programs offered in this college lead to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.), Master of Science (M.S.), Specialist in Education (Ed.S.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).
The various units which comprise the college are described below:
Curriculum and Instruction: Early childhood education, elementary education, middle level education, literacy education, school library studies, and instructional technology. Graduate degree programs leading to a master’s degree are offered, as well as a doctoral intensive study area in curriculum and instruction. For further information, visit the Web site www.uni.edu/coe/ci.
Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education: Graduate programs at the master’s level in educational leadership, counseling, and postsecondary education. Graduate programs at the Ed.D. level in educational leadership. For further information, visit the Web site at www.uni.edu/coe/elcpe.
Educational Psychology and Foundations: Educational psychology, human development, research and evaluation, school psychology, and social foundations of education. The department is responsible for courses required of all prospective teachers. The department has two graduate degree programs at the master’s level and one graduate specialist degree program. For further information, visit the Web site www.uni.edu/coe/epf.
School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services: Graduate and undergraduate majors in athletic training; health education (teaching); health promotion; leisure, youth and human services; philanthropy and non-profit development; and physical education (teaching and non-teaching). The school also offers the liberal arts core Personal Wellness course in addition to minors and/or program certificates in coaching, dance, environmental health, global health, health education (teaching), health promotion, leisure, youth and human services, outdoor recreation, physical education (elementary teaching), school age care leadership, tourism, and youth services administration. The school operates multiple laboratory, demonstration projects, performance studios and outreach programs including: athletic training laboratory, biomechanics laboratory, biostatistics laboratory, Camp Adventure™ Youth Services, computer instructional laboratory, Early Childhood Motor Development Laboratory (Kindergym), exercise physiology laboratory, Global Health Corps, Institute for Youth Leaders, National Program for Playground Safety, Iowa Center on Health Disparities, Nutriactive Experience: Healthy Lifestyles for Young Children, Physical Activity and Nutrition Among Rural Youth (PANARY), Project PLAY, Program for Recreation Research and Service, Project EXPORT, Project HAL (Healthy Active Lifestyles), psychomotor behavior laboratory, rhythm and movement studio, Recycling and Reuse Technology Transfer Center, student computer center, Sustainable Tourism and Environment Program, wellness resources laboratory, World Leisure Secretariat, XL Sports Acceleration Program and the Youth Fitness and Obesity Institute. The school is endorsed by several accrediting bodies and organizing networks including American Humanics, Inc., Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Systems (CAAHE), and the National Recreation and Parks Association Council on Accreditation. Information on the school may be found at the Web site www.uni.edu/coe/hpels.
Special Education: Graduate majors and undergraduate minors in Instructional Strategist I, Instructional Strategist II, Early Childhood Special Education, and Visual Impairments. Graduate programs emphasize Field Specialization, Special Education Consultant, and Career/Vocational Programming and Transition. All programs emphasize field-based experiences and applied research. For further information, visit the Web site at www.uni.edu/coe/specialed.
Teaching: The Department of Teaching includes two divisions - Price Laboratory School and the Office of Student Field Experiences. Price Laboratory School is an integral part of the university’s teacher education program and serves three basic functions: provides a direct-experience laboratory for all undergraduate and graduate teacher education students; operates as a center for research, experimentation, and curriculum development; and provides leadership to the elementary and secondary schools of Iowa and the nation through publication, consultation, and a variety of in-service programs and activities. A comprehensive instructional program is offered for school pupils in nursery-kindergarten through grade 12, including programs for special education and talented/gifted students. The Office of Student Field Experiences is responsible for administering the student teaching component and other field experiences of UNI’s undergraduate teacher education program. A statewide network of cooperating school centers offers a variety of student teaching sites in urban, suburban, and rural school systems. Out-of-state student teaching placements can be requested through the out-of-state/international center. Each center is staffed with a coordinator who is a member of the UNI faculty and who is responsible for administering the student teaching program within the center and for supervising student teachers on a regular basis. Carefully-selected district-level supervisors and teachers who possess special qualities, teaching skills, and levels of competence also provide continuous classroom supervision for the student teachers.
Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. This commitment was recognized by the Iowa General Assembly in 1967 when the function of the university was redefined to include as its primary responsibility the preparation of “ . . . teachers and other educational personnel for schools, colleges, and universities . . .” It is also acknowledged by the university in organizing and defining teacher education as an all-university function.
The College of Education, however, has a particular responsibility for teacher education. The most widespread influence on teacher education is that all students seeking licensure take professional preparation in the College of Education. For undergraduate students this professional preparation consists of a required professional education core common to all teaching majors and a culminating student teaching experience in diverse settings.
The college is involved in continuing education, working closely with school and non-school personnel throughout the state on curriculum projects, surveys, and other activities, as well as sponsoring conferences and offering classes, institutes, and workshops both on and off campus. These activities illustrate the college’s commitment to service, but the college also recognizes the critical importance of such involvement for ensuring the vitality and relevance of its graduate and undergraduate programs.
Department faculty within the College of Education are engaged in writing and research activities along with their classroom instruction. The Price Laboratory School represents one area in which experimental and innovative projects are in continual operation, and these projects are open for observation and participation.
College of Humanities and Fine Arts
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts includes seven academic departments: Art, Communication Studies, Communication Sciences and Disorders, English Language and Literature, Modern Languages, Philosophy and Religion, and Theatre; the School of Music; and the two public radio stations, KUNI and KHKE, housed within Broadcasting Services.
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Students enrolled in majors in the college can graduate with the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in specialized content areas in each major department in the college. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) and Bachelor of Music (B.M.) are also offered in Art and Music respectively. In addition, the college serves students across the campus with an extensive set of liberal arts core, elective, and service courses.
College departments provide diverse major and minor programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in these areas: art, communication studies, journalism, electronic media, public relations, communicative disorders, speech-language pathology (graduate level), English, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, music, philosophy, religion, ethics, theatre, leadership studies, and an undergraduate minor and Master of Arts (M.A.) in women’s and gender studies.
Several departments in the college offer cooperative programs. For instance, the Department of English Language and Literature and the Department of Modern Languages combine in various ways comparative literature, English, modern languages, and TESOL. The School of Music has majors in Music Education and Performance, Music History, and Conducting which lead to the Master of Music (M.M.). Program certificates are available in these departments in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts: Communication Studies - Public Speaking (undergraduate) and Corporate Communication (graduate); Modern Languages - Language Studies (French, German, Hispanic and Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish), International Commerce, Spanish for Special Purposes, and Translation (French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish); Music (Artist Diploma I and II); Philosophy and Religion (Youth Development in Religious Settings).
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts also offers interdisciplinary undergraduate programs in Humanities and shares responsibility for the American Studies and European Studies majors.
Additionally, the College of Humanities and Fine Arts sponsors a wide variety of programs abroad (Eastern and Western Europe, Central and South America) and co-curricular activities for university students in all majors, for talented high school students, and for the community at large. Some examples of these activities include the art scholarship competition, the music and theatre festivals, forensics competitions and others. These activities are in addition to the recitals and ensemble performances of individuals, ensembles, and symphonies in the School of Music, the productions staged by Theatre UNI and UNI Lyric Theatre, and the art exhibitions organized by the UNI Gallery of Art.
Administratively housed in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts are UNI’s two separately programmed public radio stations. KUNI-FM serves the Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City areas at 90.9 on the dial. KUNI can also be heard at 98.7 in Dubuque, 94.5 in the Quad Cities, 96.1 in Des Moines, and 91.5 in north central Iowa via KUNY-FM in Mason City. KUNI/KUNY broadcast quality music and public affairs features each day. KHKE-FM, at 89.5 on the dial, serves the Cedar Falls/Waterloo metro area with a jazz and classical music format. KHKE is also heard at 90.7 in Mason City, and at 1010 AM in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota, via KRNI-AM in Mason City. Students majoring in Electronic Media in the Department of Communication Studies serve as interns for the two stations.
The College of Humanities and Fine Arts prepares its graduates for lifelong learning and for a productive life in a rapidly-changing society and economic environment. Undergraduate programs in Communication Studies, English, Modern Languages, World Religions and Philosophy offer a broad range of curriculum choices to prepare students for cross-cultural understanding and life in a global economy. In all of these programs students learn life-long skills in public speaking, listening, critical thinking, reflection, decision-making, and analysis. Students in English graduate with excellent skills in writing, editing, publishing, and presenting public information while graduates in modern languages are prepared for public service, work in government, international organizations and the private sector, serving as translators and/or interpreters or working for transnational business corporations. While some of our students pursue teaching careers in the arts or the humanities, other students, in Communication Sciences and Disorders, for example, look toward careers as professional therapists. A number of our majors will become professional performers as actors, artists, or musicians. Most UNI students take major components of the university’s Liberal Arts Core in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts - for instance, courses in the humanities, in literature or writing, in philosophy and world religions, in the appreciation of art, music, and theatre, in foreign languages and cultures, or in electives. For both personal and professional reasons, we believe human achievements in the liberal and fine arts are relevant and valuable studies for all the students of the university.
College of Natural Sciences
The College of Natural Sciences houses seven instructional departments: Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Industrial Technology, Mathematics, and Physics.
The mission of the College of Natural Sciences is to provide a quality education which will prepare students to live and work in an increasingly scientific and technological world. In support of this mission, the college is committed to its emphasis on quality teaching in undergraduate liberal and technical education; well-focused graduate programs, research and technology transfer; and distinguished service to our community, state, profession, and society. The college offers exemplary programs of preservice and inservice teacher preparation in the sciences, mathematics, computer science, and industrial technology. In fulfilling this mission, the college remains committed to its historical emphasis on instructional excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Such excellence is achieved by maintaining a stimulating educational environment that encourages close faculty-student interactions, scholarly research and professional service.
Majors and minors are available in all departments under both liberal arts and teaching programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, with the exception of Computer Science which does not have a teaching major. The departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Earth Science, Industrial Technology, and Physics have majors leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. In addition, students may major in science to prepare for teaching all the sciences at the secondary level. This is an interdepartmental major and is offered under the general jurisdiction and supervision of the Dean of the College.
Qualified students may pursue a dual degree program leading to a B.S. Applied Physics from the University of Northern Iowa and a B.S. Engineering degree from the University of Iowa or Iowa State University. Students who intend to study engineering may complete the two-year Pre-Engineering program at UNI before transferring to an engineering school. For details of this option, please refer to the Physics section of this catalog.
Since science education does involve the cooperation of a number of departments, a science education faculty functions in providing and promoting this education. The science education faculty is comprised of individuals from various departments. A chairperson coordinates courses and programs and signs approvals.
At the graduate level, the college offers Master of Arts degree programs in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and science education. The college also offers Master of Science degree programs in biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, environmental technology, environmental health, and technology. The major in biology is tailored to fit student interests and aspirations in biology and is designed for students seeking an extensive research experience; the major in chemistry is designed for students seeking an extensive research experience in a friendly environment featuring regular interaction with their faculty mentors - graduates of the program are well prepared for technical positions in industrial or government laboratories or for continued study in doctoral programs in chemistry; the major in computer science is designed to foster preparation for applied professional careers in computing sciences; the interdisciplinary programs in environmental science, environmental technology, and environmental health are designed for students with a discipline-based bachelor’s degree in one of the natural sciences, technology, or engineering and prepares students for positions with environmental consulting firms, government agencies, environmental departments within large companies, and companies specializing in environmental technologies. The major in technology offers technical emphases in industrial management, construction management, electrical engineering technology, graphic communication, manufacturing materials, manufacturing technology, and technology education and training. The M.S. degrees in biology, chemistry, environmental science, environmental technology, environmental health, and technology are also offered in a B.A./M.S. format, in which students begin work on the master’s degree while still completing the undergraduate degree. The college also offers the Professional Science Master’s degree programs in biotechnology, ecosystem management, applied chemistry and biochemistry, industrial mathematics, and applied physics. The P.S.M. degree combines scientific or technical training with abbreviated business training and interdisciplinary cohort building experiences. The degree of Doctor of Industrial Technology is offered by the college and is designed to develop scholars in the fields of industry and education. Program focus is on the technological systems used in industry and the potential and limitations of possible future developments in technological systems and their utilization in industry.
The career opportunities for graduates in the College of Natural Sciences are numerous and diverse. Most departments offer programs for prospective teachers in elementary and secondary schools. Departmental offices are excellent sources of information about other careers.
The College of Natural Sciences is involved in a number of interdepartmental and intercollegiate projects. CNS scholarships are awarded to high school seniors in the areas of biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, industrial technology, mathematics, and science.
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences houses seven instructional departments: Design, Textiles, Gerontology, and Family Studies; Geography; History; Political Science; Psychology; Social Work; and Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology. All programs have as their foundation the understanding of individuals, families, groups, and societies in their social, historical, and political relationships.
The college is the home of several professional programs as well as significant segments of the university’s course offerings in the liberal arts. The college is committed to the principle that all UNI students, including those in career-oriented programs, should receive the benefits of a broad, liberal education.
The Bachelor of Arts degree is awarded for studies in the liberal arts. The college also cooperates in intercollegiate/interdisciplinary programs leading to a major or minor in Asian Studies, European Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Certificate programs are offered in cartography; geographic information systems; public history; conflict resolution; skills in social research; industrial and organizational psychology; criminology; social identities, inequalities, and intersectionalities; substance abuse counseling; state and local government; and international peace and security.
The college also participates in the preparation of teachers and has programs which lead to a Bachelor of Arts-Teaching degree, the requisite degree for licensure in a discipline as a secondary school teacher. An interdisciplinary program in Social Science also leads to a teaching degree.
Graduate education is an important component of the mission and responsibilities of the college. The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is offered in Geography, History, Psychology, Criminology, Sociology, and Women’s and Gender Studies. The Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) and the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) are also offered.
The primary emphasis of the university and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is providing high-quality, diverse educational experiences. In addition to regular classroom activities, conducted in state-of-the-art classrooms, students receive individualized instruction through field experiences, internship opportunities, individual study projects, and experiential learning. Students have many opportunities to engage in research and teaching activities with faculty at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The college encourages students to participate in off-campus programs such as National Student Exchange and Study Abroad programs and provides several summer study abroad opportunities supervised by CSBS faculty.
Career opportunities for graduates exist in a broad range of positions in education, public and social service, commerce, and industry. Students interested in detailed information on careers may contact departmental offices or the university’s Career Services.
For additional information about the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, contact the Dean’s office at 319-273-2221 or any of the departmental offices. Information can also be obtained on the Web site at www.uni.edu/csbs.
Division of Continuing Education and Special Programs
The University of Northern Iowa has had an organized extension program since 1913. As an integral part of its total responsibility to the state, the university has a legislative charge to provide educational opportunities for Iowa residents who cannot attend courses on-campus. The division works cooperatively with the UNI staff in providing services to public schools, business and industry, and other community and professional groups through a variety of programs. Included in Continuing Education are distance education courses, off-campus credit courses, and workshops.
Continuing Education works with UNI academic departments in providing general Continuing Education Units (CEUs). CEUs are the nationally recognized unit for recording participation in non credit continuing education courses.
For information about off-campus credit courses, or establishment of such courses, call, e-mail, or write the Office of Continuing Education and Special Programs, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223 or call 319-273-2122 or 1-800-772-1746.
Credit Programs
Guided Independent Study: For those who find it inconvenient to attend classes on campus, opportunities to learn and earn university credit are available through the Guided Independent Study program. Over 70 courses are available via this method of delivery. Most are Web-based, some are print-based, and some are available via both mediums. Guided Independent Study courses do not follow the regular semester schedule; students can enroll at any time, work at their own pace, and have up to twelve months to complete the course. A booklet including the list of the courses and all of the program details is available by contacting the Continuing Education Credit Office located at the corner of Hudson Road and 27th Street, 319-273-2122 or 1-800-772-1746, or view the information at www.uni.edu/continuinged/gis.
Off-Campus Courses and Degree Programs: Each semester UNI offers a wide variety of courses, workshops, degree programs, and certification programs in different communities throughout Iowa using on-site delivery, the Iowa Communication Network (ICN) and semester-based online/World-Wide-Web-based courses. A majority of the courses and programs are for graduate students working in K-12 settings who are seeking advanced degrees, an additional endorsement/certification, or recertification hours. Courses and programs are also offered to business and industry employees who have specific educational needs. Those interested in off-campus courses and programs should contact the Continuing Education Credit Office at the address listed above.
Individual Studies Program
The Individual Studies Program is under the auspices of University Continuing Education and Special Programs. The following program options and course offerings are available through Individual Studies:
National Student Exchange Program
Exploratory Seminar: Self-Forming
Interdisciplinary Readings
Undergraduate Thesis
Individual Study Project
Individual Studies major
General Studies major>
General Studies for Registered Nurses
National Student Exchange Program: The University of Northern Iowa is affiliated with the National Student Exchange (NSE), a consortium of state colleges and universities throughout the country that arranges for students to study on various campuses as visiting students. The purpose of the exchange is to enable students to get better acquainted with different social and educational patterns in other areas of the United States while paying UNI tuition. NSE encourages students to experience new life and learning styles, learn more about themselves and others, and broaden their educational backgrounds through specialized courses or unique programs which may not be available at UNI. Students may exchange to one of 188+ colleges and universities such as California State University (Fresno), University of New Mexico, University of Idaho, University of Georgia, University of South Carolina, and University of Maine (Orono).
Students make exchange preparations through the Individual Studies Office. Sophomores with at least a 2.50 grade point average may take part in the program for either a semester or an entire year. Summer exchanges are also possible with some institutions. Financial aid and scholarship recipients should not be adversely affected by participation in the NSE program.
More information about the National Student Exchange is available at the Individual Studies Office, 2637 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0285. Students initiate applications there under the advisement of the NSE Coordinator. Applications must be submitted in the spring semester prior to the academic year in which an exchange is planned.
Individual Studies Courses:
Self-Forming Seminar (000:192, section 1).This course is a type of group independent study which allows students with a common interest to organize a time for study together with each member of the team often working on part of a larger problem or project. A faculty consultant must agree to evaluate the completed project at the end of the term.
Interdisciplinary Readings (000:196). This course allows the student to develop a program of readings on a topic not dealt with in the university’s regular course offerings. The reading list and the number of credit hours must be approved by a faculty member specifically chosen to supervise and aid the student in her/his work.
Undergraduate Thesis (000:197). The writing of a thesis is required of all Individual Studies majors. This six-credit project may take the form of a research paper, creative work, or application of knowledge gained from an internship or work-related experience. The thesis topic must be approved by the faculty advisor. Copies of Undergraduate Thesis Guidelines are available in the Individual Studies Office.
Individual Study Project (000:198). This course is an opportunity for research, creative work, or experience-oriented study in areas not usually covered by the university curriculum. The form of the project and the number of credit hours assigned to the project (usually 1-3) are worked out between the student and the faculty consultant selected.
Registration Procedures. All Individual Studies courses are listed in the schedule book and may be found by referring to the first page of course offerings. In addition to listing the Individual Studies course on the registration form, the filing of a prospectus is required. The prospectus is a written contract between student and faculty consultant which states what will be done, how it will be done, and what constitutes a completed project. The prospectus must be signed by the consultant and turned in during the second week of classes. Copies of Guidelines for Independent Study are available in the Individual Studies Office. This handout answers many questions about the policies and procedures to be followed by students enrolled in Individual Studies courses.
Culture and Intensive English Program
The Culture and Intensive English Program (CIEP) provides a course of instruction for non-native speakers of English that emphasizes a practical command of spoken and written English in preparation for academic studies. CIEP offers eight-week sessions beginning in August, October, January, March, and June. Each session is preceded by an orientation session for new students. For exact dates of upcoming sessions, please contact the CIEP office.
Each session provides 20 classroom hours per week of English language study and cultural orientation. Students are taught by experienced instructors in small classes. The unique needs of each student are addressed through careful testing and placement according to ability.
Courses offered within the program include Listening Comprehension, Speaking/Pronunciation, Reading Comprehension/Vocabulary Expansion, Writing/Grammar, and TOEFL Preparation (optional). This progressive approach to language study allows students to develop and retain skills more quickly. Students successfully completing the program are awarded a Certification of Completion.
For further information on any of these programs, contact the Culture and Intensive English Program, 72 Baker Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0511, call 319- 273-2182 or visit our Web site.
Office of International Programs
http://www.uni.edu/studyabroad/international/
The Office of International Programs at the University of Northern Iowa provides service and leadership in international education to UNI students, faculty and staff who wish to research or study abroad; offers services and support to international scholars and students who are guests on our campus; and serves as a resource on international education to the university, the community, and the state. These services are administered by this office through International Student and Scholar Exchange and Study Abroad.
International Student and Scholar Exchange: UNI presently has exchange agreements with over 20 universities located in Europe, Asia, and South America.
Incoming Exchange Students. A designated number of students from our exchange universities study at UNI for a semester or a year. Students may also enroll in degree-granting programs.
International Scholar Exchange.In conjunction with the formal exchange agreements, the Office of International Programs acts as host to exchange scholars from these partner universities. International scholars teach and conduct research on the UNI campus for a semester or a year. In addition, UNI faculty have the opportunity to teach and conduct research worldwide on the campuses of these universities.
These student and scholar exchanges contribute to the cultural diversity of the UNI campus, strengthen international collaborative teaching and research efforts, and increase an exchange of information across all disciplines on a global level.
For further information on any of these programs, contact the Office of International Programs, 59 Baker Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0520 or call 319-273-6807.
Study Abroad
Students may earn UNI credits while studying abroad and most programs can be designed to accommodate any academic course of study. The Study Abroad Center assists students with the transfer of credits from the foreign university to UNI, with passport and visa questions, and with any other concerns that may arise during the application process. Competitive scholarships are available and financial aid may also apply toward expenses for exchange programs.
Application materials, acceptance criteria, cost, program dates, and deadlines vary by program and are available from the Study Abroad Center and on the Web site www.uni.edu/studyabroad.
UNI Student Exchange Program. UNI undergraduate and graduate students may arrange to spend a semester or a year studying abroad at one of our official exchange universities. Each university provides a unique program. Some of these universities offer instruction in English and some instruct in the local language. Some universities provide a full curricular offering and others are more limited in the courses students may take.
Iowa Regents Program. UNI is in partnership with the Iowa Regents Institutions to offer study abroad opportunities at four universities in Europe and one university in Australia. Similar to the exchange universities, some programs are based in language study, while others offer a broad selection of instruction.
For further information on any of these programs, contact the Study Abroad Center, 59 Baker Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0520 or call 319-273-7078.
Other International Opportunities
The International Student Teaching program is administered by the Office of Student Field Experiences, Department of Teaching, in the College of Education. Students enrolled in teaching majors may apply to complete their student teaching in fully-accredited international or American schools abroad. The language of instruction is English and knowledge of a foreign language is not required. Students may apply for an international placement at the time of general application for student teaching. In some situations an eight-week student teaching assignment in Iowa is necessary to fulfill state licensure standards. Financial aid is available to qualified students. For further information call the Office of Student Field Experiences 319- 273-2806.
The University of Northern Iowa Austrian Semester is an exchange program of one faculty member and University of Northern Iowa students with a faculty person and students from the University of Klagenfurt, Austria. Each university sends its exchange group alternate semesters. UNI students will find a number of courses in various disciplines offered in English and/or German for a full semester of credit. Open to liberal arts and sciences, business, and education students.
The Summer Institute in France (for teachers of French) is a five-week program held in Angers, France. The institute program provides for six semester hours of credit and is designed for teachers who (1) need intensive training in understanding and speaking French, and (2) would like to live among the French people and make personal contacts with French families in a French community. Participants will live with French families. For information, contact Dr. Anne Lair, anne.lair@uni.edu, Department of Modern Languages, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0504, or visit our homepage at www.uni.edu/modlangs.
The UNI System of Summer Institutes for Spanish Teachers (UNISSIST), though primarily designed for teachers of Spanish, encourages non-teaching graduate students to participate. This program offers the Master of Arts in Spanish with an emphasis in Language and Literature. Each summer the following institutes are available: UNISSIST in Spain (Santiago de Compostela), UNISSIST in Mexico (Querétaro, northwest of Mexico City). These programs take place from mid-June through early August. Each has two sessions and participants may attend either or both. Students can earn up to six semester hours for one session or up to 10 semester hours for both. Housing is with local host families. UNISSIST in Cedar Falls is held in June and/or July. The number of credit hours and topics vary from summer to summer. For further information, visit our homepage at www.uni.edu/modlangs.
The Regents' Program in France is a seven-week program sponsored jointly by the three Iowa Regents’ Universities. Students will spend seven weeks in Lyon, France, where they will attend courses taught by professors from the universities in Lyon. While in Lyon, students will live with French families. The program is designed primarily for undergraduates, includes weekly excursions in the Lyon area and offers up to twelve semester hours of credit. No scholarships are available. For further information, visit our homepage at www.uni.edu/modlangs or contact anne.lair@uni.edu.
The Iowa Hispanic Institute is a six-week program sponsored jointly by the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa in cooperation with the University of Valladolid. The program is designed for undergraduates. Included are a week of independent travel and study at the University of Valladolid with excursions to neighboring cities. Students live with Spanish families while in Valladolid. For further information, visit our homepage at www.uni.edu/modlangs.
Social and Behavioral Sciences Study Abroad opportunities are sponsored by academic units within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Past and planned study tours include summer, semester-length and semester-interim programs in Europe, South America, and the Far East. Programs are conducted in cooperation with foreign universities, institutes, and business firms.
The UNI Semester in Spain (UNISIS) is held in cooperation with the Universidad de Oviedo (UO) in Asturias in northern Spain. The program is held in spring and fall and offers 12-18 credits. UNISIS is designed especially for undergraduate students who have had a minimum of two years of university-level Spanish or the equivalent. Students live with local families. For further information, visit our homepage www.uni.edu/modlangs.
Other Educational Opportunities
Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Program. Army ROTC offers scholarship opportunities during college, but the real benefits begin when you graduate and are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. ROTC opens up opportunities for positions of responsibility while teaching you valuable leadership and management skills impressive to the top employers in business and industry. ROTC also helps you grow individually, improve self-confidence, discover your capabilities, and perform to your full potential. For further information see www.uni.edu/rotc.
Community College Partnerships.The A.A. degree from all Iowa community colleges fulfills the majority of the Liberal Arts requirements at UNI. In addition, other partnerships, also known as articulation agreements, have been developed between UNI and all Iowa community colleges for some UNI baccalaureate degree programs. These agreements show specific courses that need to be taken at each school to complete a program. If available, an articulation agreement typically results in the quickest route to graduation for a transfer student.
These partnerships are often known as 2+2 programs, although the time to complete a degree may take more than four years depending on individual circumstances. Contact UNI Office of Admissions to find out if an agreement is available in a specific area of interest.
In certain instances, the UNI portion of a 2+2 program is offered at a community college. For example, several B.A. degree programs are offered on the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Carroll, Iowa for students who are place bound or career changing. These include B.A. degrees in elementary education teaching, early childhood education endorsement, and technology management/general business.
When offered on-site, the second two years are taught by UNI faculty through a mix of delivery systems including onsite classes, classes over the Iowa Communication Network, or Web-based course work. All 2+2 programs offer the same classes as programs offered on the UNI campus.
For more information contact the UNI Office of Admissions, Cedar Falls, IA; phone 319-273-2281.
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory.Iowa Lakeside Laboratory is a field station run cooperatively by the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Drake University through the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.
The laboratory was established in 1909 for the conservation and study of the rich flora and fauna of northwest Iowa, especially those of the Iowa Great Lakes region with its numerous lakes, wetlands, and prairies. Its campus is located on approximately 140 acres of restored prairie, wetland, and gallery forest along the west shore of West Okoboji Lake. Lakeside’s mission is to provide undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to get hands-on experience working with a variety of natural and human environments through its field-oriented summer courses and to provide research facilities and support for graduate students and faculty working on research projects in northwestern Iowa.
Each summer, Iowa Lakeside Laboratory offers students a unique educational experience: small, full-immersion, field-oriented courses in the natural sciences (archaeology, art, biology, ecology, environmental science, hydrology, evolution, geology, soils, taxonomy). All courses meet all day from Monday through Friday. The majority of courses run for either 3 or 4 weeks. Enrollments in most courses are limited to 8-10 students. Courses are taught at the undergraduate (sophomore and junior) and the senior/graduate level. Students obtain one credit for each week (40 hours) in class. One- and two-week courses are also available, including courses designed especially for teachers. Weather permitting, students normally spend at least part of each day doing field work, either as part of their class work or working on individual or group projects. Because there are courses offered only alternate summers, the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Web site or the University of Northern Iowa Summer Session Schedule of Classes should be consulted for the list of courses being offered in a given summer session. The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Web site also contains additional information about the laboratory and about each course being offered.
Research projects by undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty can be done either on the campus or at many nearby natural areas. Undergraduate and graduate students are strongly encouraged to do independent projects at Lakeside, and graduate students are welcome to use it as a base for their thesis and dissertation research. Laboratory space and other facilities are available for long-term or short-term research projects.
Teaching and research facilities include eight laboratory buildings, a library, and a lecture hall. Living accommodations include cottages, and motel-style units. All students are encouraged to stay at Lakeside while they are taking courses to take full advantage of its educational, professional, and social life.
Financial Aid.Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. All scholarships cover room and board. Information about how to apply for Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Scholarships may be found on the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Web site. Students should also consult the Student Financial Aid Office for other scholarships, work study, and loan programs for which they are eligible.
Registration. Students can only enroll in Iowa Lakeside Laboratory courses by submitting an Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Registration and Scholarship Form and Housing Form to the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Administrative Office. These forms are found on the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Web site (http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/lakesidelab).
Further information may be obtained from:
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Administrative Office
250 Continuing Education Facility
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-0907 Fax: 319-335-2740
Email: iowalakesidelab@www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu
Early registration is advisable. Because enrollment in Lakeside courses is limited, students should register before May 1 for the following summer session. Housing is very limited and students must apply for housing or indicate that they plan to live off campus at the time of registration.
The Iowa Space Grant Consortium is an organization sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and comprised of UNI, the other Iowa Regents’ universities, and Drake University. The consortium is committed to establishing a national network of universities interested in space-related fields; encouraging cooperation among industry, governments, and universities in technical career programs; organizing educational programs, and research involving scientists from different areas; and recruiting and training professionals - especially women and minorities - for careers in aerospace technology and related fields, thereby promoting a strong math and science education base from kindergarten through college. Through a program of scholarships and fellowships, the consortium provides undergraduate and graduate students with opportunities to pursue interdisciplinary research in space-related fields. For further information visit http://www.ia.spacegrant.org.
Regents' Universities Student Exchange Program.University of Northern Iowa students may take courses at either of the other two Regents’ Universities (Iowa State University or University of Iowa) for UNI resident credit. Students in good standing at any of the three Regents’ Universities may attend another Regents’ university for a maximum of two semesters. Approval for participation and credit in the exchange program must be obtained well in advance since the department head must approve the acceptance of such credits if these are to apply to the major, and to insure adequate time for processing of the application. Detailed information and application forms for the exchange program are available from the Office of the Registrar, UNI.
Evening and Saturday Classes. A variety of university courses are scheduled for evening hours and occasionally for Saturday morning, and include courses for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Students who plan to enroll for Saturday and/or evening classes ONLY may register by mail. Mail-in forms are available in the Office of the Registrar upon request. Schedules of classes are generally available in April for the fall semester and in November for the spring semester. Specific instructions for registration by mail are contained in the schedule and on the mail-in registration form.
Specific information for each semester’s registration is available at the Office of the Registrar or on the Web site www.uni.edu/regist
Washington Center Internships and Seminars. The University of Northern Iowa is affiliated with The Washington Center, a nonprofit educational agency, which offers internships and seminar programs for graduate and undergraduate students in all majors. Any student may participate in two- or three-week seminars addressing topics such as leadership, the law and society, and domestic or foreign policy. Juniors, seniors, and recent graduates may go to Washington for a one-semester internship. Academic credit from UNI may be earned for the internships and seminars. Information on these programs is available from the Director of Leadership Studies in Room 125, East Bartlett Hal