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2006-2008 Catalog of Courses |
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Graduate Admission, Academic Regulations, and Degree Requirements |
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www.grad.uni.edu
The University of Northern Iowa offers advanced programs leading to graduate degrees in:
Master of Business Administration Doctor of Industrial Technology
The University of Northern Iowa is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States and continues its endeavors to meet the needs of higher education and advanced preparation in diverse career fields with a strong and growing graduate program. Graduate degree programs were initiated at UNI in 1951 when the university was authorized by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa to offer a program of graduate work leading to the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.); the program began with the summer session of 1952. In 1960 the graduate program was extended with the addition of a sixth-year program leading to the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) degree. The addition of the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa in 1982, enables UNI to offer a complete course of professional preparation for the educational practitioner. Six intensive study areas are available through this degree program: community health education; curriculum and instruction; educational leadership; leisure, youth and human services; rehabilitation studies; and special education.
In recognition of a more general need for advanced study, the university further expanded the graduate program in 1965 with the addition of the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree. This program is open to students who plan to pursue careers in fields other than education and is available, as well, to students interested in doing advanced work in teaching fields -- elementary, secondary, and college level. The addition of the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in 1975, the Master ofMusic (M.M.) degree in 1976, the Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) in 1991, the Master of Science (M.S.) in 1993, the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), the Master of Accounting (MAcc) in Fall 2000, and the Professional Science Master in Fall 2006 (P.S.M.) demonstrates the university's continued recognition of the changing needs of higher education and the institution's desire to meet those needs. The Master of Business Administration degree is open to students whose career interests are in the fields of business - those already working in the general community, as well as students who have not yet entered their major career field. The Master of Music is a professional degree designed for the student planning a career in college or secondary school teaching, for a performance career as a professional musician or composer, or for further study at the doctoral level. The Master of Public Policy is an interdisciplinary professional degree preparing students for careers principally in the public sector. The program is structured to accommodate both full-time students and those already in positions in public organizations. The Master of Science degree is offered in Athletic Training, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Environmental Science/Technology/Health and is designed to prepare students for positions in those areas. The Master of Social Work degree is designed to prepare students for the advanced practice of social work in a variety of public and non-profit settings. The Master of Accounting degree is designed for Accounting majors; however, other majors within the College of Business Administration may be admitted to the program. The Professional Science Master's degree combines scientific or technical training with abbreviated business training and interdisciplinary cohort-building experiences.
The Doctor of Industrial Technology, the university's first doctoral program, was authorized by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa to begin with the 1978 fall semester. This doctoral program provides advanced-level study in industrial technology for a wide variety of professional fields and includes the study of the technological systems used in industry and their effect on society and culture.
Graduate majors are available in most departments, and graduate-level courses are offered by all departments of the university.
Those who wish to continue their professional and cultural growth without fulfilling the requirements for a graduate degree may do so if they satisfy the requirements for admission to graduate study.
Graduate CurriculaThe twelve graduate degrees and majors offered within these degrees are as follows:
The Quad-Cities Graduate Study CenterThe University of Northern Iowa is one of nine colleges and universities of Iowa and Illinois which are participating in the Quad-Cities Graduate Study Center, with offices in Rock Island, Illinois. The cooperating institutions offer graduate courses, and appropriate courses completed at the center may be regarded as residence credit by the institution at which the student is working toward a graduate degree, when such is approved for inclusion in the student's degree program. An interested student should confer in advance with the head of her/his major department. Preliminary inquiries may be directed to the Dean of the Graduate College.
Graduate Credit for Undergraduate StudentsUndergraduate seniors who are in their final semester and within eight semester hours of graduation, or in their final summer session and within four hours of graduation, may register for graduate credit with the approval of the head of the department offering the course work. Approval by departments and the Graduate College must be obtained on a Student Request form if the cumulative GPA is below 3.00. The student presents the Student Request form, with appropriate signature(s), when scheduling for class. Their combined total of course credits, both undergraduate and graduate, may not exceed fifteen hours in a semester or eight hours in a summer session, and they must be enrolled in sufficient undergraduate work to complete the bachelor's degree in the semester or summer session in which application is made. Graduate work completed on the early admission basis will be counted as graduate credit only if the student actually earns the bachelor's degree at the end of the semester or summer session in which the work is taken. Such credits may or may not be counted toward graduate degree programs at the discretion of the graduate department.
Program CertificatesThe University of Northern Iowa makes available, in addition to traditional programs, the opportunity for students to earn program certificates. Program certificates provide an alternative to programs leading to a degree, a major, or a minor; they certify that an individual has completed a certificate program approved by the university. For further information concerning specific requirements for these certificates see specific departmental listings, or consult with the department listed or the Office of the Registrar.
Licensure and EndorsementsLicensure. For approval in some graduate programs, a student must have earned or be eligible for teacher licensure or its equivalent endorsed in an area appropriate to the graduate major. For information on licensure, consult the Office of the Registrar.
Teaching Licensure and Endorsements. Students interested in securing licenses to teach in another state should secure information directly from the State Department of Education in that state.
Addresses of different state departments may be obtained from Career Services or the Office of the Registrar.
Post-Baccalaureate, Undergraduate StudyA student who has received a bachelor's degree may choose to apply for further study at the University of Northern Iowa as an undergraduate rather than a graduate student. Inquiries should be made to the Office of the Registrar. Undergraduate status will be accorded students who seek:
Students with baccalaureate degrees do not earn graduate credit while remaining in this undergraduate classification. They must be admitted either to graduate Degree or Non-Degree Status before they can receive graduate credit for their course work (courses numbered 100[g] or 200).
Admission to Graduate Study(This section applies to all students taking graduate courses at the University of Northern Iowa after receiving the bachelor's degree.)
The admission procedures of the Graduate College are administered separately from those of the university's undergraduate program. Prospective students may apply for graduate admission under one of two categories: Degree Status or Non-Degree Status. Each category carries specific regulations. Applications for U.S. residents can be obtained and completed online. The completed Application for Admission to Graduate Study should be mailed to the Office of the Registrar, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0006. International students should contact the Office of Enrollment Services - Admissions at www.uni.edu/admissions/ or by phone 319-273-2281 or by fax 319-273-2885.
Admission to graduate study does not guarantee admission to an advanced degree program. Responsibility for determining eligibility for admission to graduate degree programs rests primarily with the academic departments. The academic departments are responsible for receiving degree status admission applications and for determination of admissibility.
A graduate of a college or university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools or a corresponding regional agency will be granted admission to graduate study if her/his application for admission has been approved.
A graduate of a college or university that is not accredited may be granted provisional admission at the discretion of the Dean of the Graduate College.
Note: Students with a recognized baccalaureate degree who are seeking a second baccalaureate degree, teaching endorsements or approvals through UNI recommendation, and/or miscellaneous undergraduate course work may be admitted through the undergraduate Office of Enrollment Services - Admissions. These students pay undergraduate fees and may not apply credit earned toward a graduate program.
Application DatesApplications for Degree-Status admission and all credentials required for admission should be on file in the Office of the Registrar at least one month before departmental review. Students must contact the academic department regarding application review deadlines.
International students should note the special application deadlines required by the International Services Office.
Applicants for Non-Degree Status will be accepted up to five days before registration.
Requirements for Admission to Degree StatusThe admission process for Degree Status begins when the application for admission and all supporting documents and fees have been received in the Office of the Registrar. U.S. and international students who are seeking financial assistance and wish to receive the fullest consideration must submit a completed application (please see following requirements) by February 1.Many graduate departments have earlier deadlines, which are indicated in their department materials. All departmental materials should be reviewed carefully for information about early deadlines. U.S. students must submit a completed application to the Office of the Registrar. International students must submit a completed application to the Office of Enrollment Services - Admissions. Requests for Degree Status are reviewed and acted upon by the appropriate academic departments, the Office of the Registrar, and the Graduate College.
An applicant who has a bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools or a corresponding regional agency will be granted admission to graduate study if her/his application for admission has been approved. The Office of the Registrar determines that the applicant has an accredited bachelor's degree or will complete the bachelor's degree before commencing graduate study. A graduate of a college or university that is not accredited may be granted provisional admission at the discretion of the Dean of the Graduate College.
A student who expects to earn a graduate degree at this university must file an official transcript from the college or university granting the baccalaureate degree if other than the University of Northern Iowa. Degree Status applicants who have attended other colleges or universities after earning the bachelor's degree must file an official transcript of each record. Only transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to the UNI Office of the Registrar are considered official.
The applicant should check with the department offering the major of her/his choice, to determine whether/which Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests are required prior to admission. If required, the applicant must request that the scores be sent directly from the testing agency to the Office of the Registrar.
Students applying for admission to a graduate degree program in the College of Business Administration are required to submit their scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). They need not take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The student must request that the testing agencies forward her/his test results directly to the Office of the Registrar.
All applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International students should contact the Office of Enrollment Services - Admissions, University of Northern Iowa, for explanation of requirements. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to graduate status is 500 (paper-based)/173 (computer-based). Individual departments may require a higher score. Additional admission requirements (e.g., departmental application, letters of reference, goal statement, etc.) may be established by departments. Students should contact the department for this information.
Students will be admitted to Degree Status on one of two bases:
At the discretion of the academic department concerned, an applicant (with an undergraduate and prior graduate GPA of less than 3.00) may be admitted as a Provisional Degree Student. A Provisional Degree Student is admitted to a graduate program, subject to certain reservations/requirements. The department must notify the student in writing upon admission of its reservations and requirements that must be satisfied before a student may be removed from provisional status.
A Provisional Degree Student who completes eight (8) or more graded hours of a degree program with a 3.00 grade point average, or better, is generally eligible for reclassification to Degree Status. The responsibility for such reclassification rests with the academic department concerned. Reclassification review should take place the semester after the student has completed eight (8) semester hours in their graduate program. The department has responsibility for notifying the Dean of the Graduate College about the reclassification decision. No student may receive a UNI graduate degree while on provisional status.The department admitting a student to its graduate degree program will draft a letter of acceptance to be sent to the student; this letter will describe the requirements necessary for completion of the degree program in question.
Status Acceptance and Waivers. Any waivers of degree requirements as established by a department must be furnished to the applicant by the department in the letter of acceptance. Requirements for Admission to Non-Degree StatusNon-Degree Status has been established for the post-baccalaureate student who:
The admission process for Non-DegreeStatus applicants begins when the application for admission and all supporting documents have been received in the Office of the Registrar. Requests for Non-Degree Status are reviewed and acted upon within the Office of the Registrar.
An applicant must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. All students wishing to receive graduate credit must file an official transcript from each college or university from which they have received a degree, unless the degree was obtained from the University of Northern Iowa. Only transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution to the UNI Office of the Registrar are considered official.
All applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). International students should contact the Office of Enrollment Services - Admissions, University of Northern Iowa, for explanation of requirements. The minimum TOEFL score required for admission to graduate status is 500 (paper-based)/173 (computer-based).
NOTE: Academic departments are not obliged to count toward their degree programs any credit for course work undertaken in a Non-Degree Status. If a department decides to accept such credit, no more than 12 semester hours may be counted toward a degree program.
Classification of Residents and Nonresidents for Admission, Tuition, and Fee Purposes
Academic RegulationsAcademic DisciplineGraduate students on degree programs are expected to maintain high academic standards. At the end of each term and when incomplete grades revert to F (Failure) graduate student records are reviewed. Students with unsatisfactory performances are placed on probation or suspended from graduate degree programs and any graduate enrollment at UNI. A student who has registered for nine (9) semester hours in a program of study and attained a cumulative GPA less than 3.00 in that program will be placed on probation. If the student registers for eight (8) hours while on probation without qualifying as a degree candidate (GPA of 3.00), the student is reviewed at the end of the term for suspension from graduate degree programs. A student who has registered for eighteen (18) semester hours in a program of study and attained a cumulative GPA less than 3.00 in that program will be suspended. Students placed on academic suspension cannot enroll in non-degree graduate status or take courses in the student's program of study during the year of academic suspension. Reinstatement: After one full calendar year, students who wish to enroll in classes must re-apply to their degree program and receive approvals from their departments and the Graduate College for reinstatement.
When a student is suspended, at least one calendar year must elapse before reapplication for admission to a graduate degree program may be made. Applications for Readmission to Graduate Study must be approved by the department and the Graduate College before a student will be removed from academic suspension. Such applications must be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate College.
A student reinstated after suspension who fails to attain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the program of study for the first enrollment period will be permanently suspended from the graduate program.
In determining a graduate student's grade index, all graded course work attempted at this university within the student's program of study will be used as a basis of computation. If the student has not yet filed a program of study, all graduate courses will be used as a basis of computation. If a graduate student repeats a course, both grades will be used in computing the index.
No more than six (6) semester hours of C credit (C+, C, C-) earned within the program of study may be applied toward credit for graduation. When C-range grades in the program of study exceed the six hour limit, one or more of such courses must be repeated. The original grade for any repeated course will be included in computation for the cumulative GPA in the program of study, as well as in the overall GPA. A course taken to satisfy degree requirements in which a student receives a D or F grade will not be considered satisfactory and must be repeated. The original grade for any repeated graduate course (100g, 200, and 300) will be included in the computation for the cumulative GPA in the program of study, as well as in the overall GPA. Individual departments may identify specific courses within the program of study for which a minimum grade of B is required.
Nonacademic DisciplineDepartmental Nonacademic Probation and Dismissal Policy Procedures*
In addition to the university-wide requirements for academic standing, academic departments may establish additional requirements (e.g., ethical/professional standards), violation of which might determine an individual graduate student's standing with regard to probation and dismissal from a graduate program. To this end, departments with such requirements must put these in writing and place them on file in the departmental office and the Graduate College.
Departments must make all reasonable efforts to inform graduate students of the existence of such policies/standards and disseminate them to students upon their admission to graduate study in the program/area. Subsequent changes in policies/standards must be communicated by the department to each student in the program and to the Dean of the Graduate College. The new regulations will not apply retroactively to the disadvantage of students already in the program.
Departments must provide information to students which outlines: required courses applicable to the various departmental programs of study, examination procedures and other formal evaluations, departmental policies with regard to awarding and renewing assistantships, time limits on programs of study (if less than seven years), registration policies, grade point requirements, requirements for changing from one degree program to another within the department, and other matters as are appropriate. The nature of the departmental advisory system should also be explained to incoming students.
*This policy does not preclude enforcement of any other university policies (e.g., policies regarding the academic standing of graduate students, academic ethics policies, grievance procedures for graduate students and graduate assistants).
Enrollment and Registration Procedures
Regulations Affecting RegistrationEach student admitted to Degree Status or Non-Degree Status is assigned an advisor. The advisor will assist the student in the registration process involving the selection of courses and other matters such as:
Schedule of Fees
Waiver of RegulationsExceptions to Graduate College regulations may be granted by the Dean of the Graduate College. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing on a Student Request form, and receive departmental approval before submission to the Dean of the Graduate College for final decision.
HealthGraduate applicants for admission to UNI are not required to file a report of a physical examination or medical history. However, the university does require documentation of measles (rubeola) immunization by all students. Documentation of additional tests are required for international students (contact International Programs). Instructions for complying with this requirement will be sent to each student upon admission. In the interest of providing optimum health care, University Health Services recommends that incoming students who have physical disabilities or health concerns provide the Health Clinic with information concerning their situation.
VeteransThe university cooperates with the Veterans Administration in providing for the education of veterans under the provision of federal laws. Dependents of veterans or of those persons who may be classified as prisoners of war or missing in action may also receive financial assistance from the Veterans Administration. The VA Clerk in the Office of the Registrar will assist students eligible under any of these laws and provide the required reports. Subsistence will depend upon the number of course hours for which the student enrolls. Questions should be referred to the VA Clerk in the Office of the Registrar.
Office of Enrollment Services - Financial AidQualified degree-seeking students may secure loans from either Perkins (formerly National Direct Student Loan or NDSL), or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan. Loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time (5 semester hours in the fall or spring semesters or 4 semester hours in the summer).
A limited number of opportunities for part-time employment are available on the campus for students attending University of Northern Iowa at least half-time. On-campus positions pay a minimum of $5.65 per hour. Graduate students who wish further information about financial assistance may contact the Office of Enrollment Services - Financial Aid, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0024.
Student Life
University Facilities and Educational Services
Fine and Performing Arts at UNI
Graduate AssistantshipsGraduate assistantships are available to qualified students who are working toward a graduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa. They may only be held by full-time students who are in residence during the time of the assistantship appointment. The associated work assignment is of an academic nature and designed to contribute to the student's graduate education. Service-related assignments termed intern assistantships are also available. A full assistantship carries a stipend paid in equal installments over a 10-month period. One semester and half-assistantship stipends may also be awarded. The associated work assignment will not exceed 20 hours per week assisting designated professors in certain appropriate academic functions, including teaching and research. Intern assistantships are available in a few non-academic departments.
A graduate student receiving an assistantship stipend may also receive other forms of university-based financial aid, tuition awards, fellowships or scholarships, as long as the latter do not require services performed by the student, i.e., where such could be considered wages. However, a student receiving an assistantship stipend cannot be otherwise employed on campus, except as an hourly student employee outside of the department or area of the assistantship. To be eligible, a graduate student should have a minimum 3.00 GPA. Once the student has begun studies at the University of Northern Iowa, GPA eligibility will be based upon courses within the program of study. In absence of a program of study, all graduate courses will be used as a basis of computation for GPA eligibility. A graduate student receiving an assistantship stipend must be enrolled full-time (9+ graduate hours to a maximum of 15 hours per semester) in courses listed on the approved Program of Study form. The Application for Program Approval (GF1) must be completed during the student=s first semester of attendance as a graduate degree student and submitted to the Graduate College by November 15 for the fall semester and April 15 for the spring semester.
Stipend application forms may be obtained from the department in which the student is applying for an assistantship. Applications should be filed by February 1 with the department.
Recommendations for awarding assistantship stipends are made by the department head to the dean of the given college who selects those to be recommended to the Graduate College. Graduate assistantship stipends are awarded through the Graduate College. Graduate ScholarshipsGraduate College tuition scholarships are awarded through the Graduate College upon recommendation of both the department head and college dean. To be eligible, a graduate student must have Degree Status and should have a minimum 3.00 GPA. Once the student has begun studies at the University of Northern Iowa, GPA eligibility will be based upon courses within the program of study. In absence of a program of study, all graduate courses will be used as a basis of computation for GPA eligibility. A graduate student receiving a tuition scholarship must be enrolled full-time (9+ graduate hours to a maximum of 15 hours per semester). The Application for Program Approval (GF1) must be completed during the student's first semester of attendance as a graduate degree student and submitted to the Graduate College by November 15 for the fall semester and April 15 for the spring semester. Full or half tuition scholarships are available.
Scholarship application forms may be obtained from the department office in which the student is applying for a scholarship. Applications should be filed by February 1 with the department.
The Graduate College also administers the campus activities involved in several scholarship competitions, such as Fulbright, Rhodes, and Marshall, which support graduate study abroad. Interested students are encouraged to inquire about these programs of support in their junior or senior year of college or as early in their graduate programs as possible.
Some university departments offer scholarships for graduate study. Students should obtain information about these awards from the departments in which they intend to do graduate work. Master's Degree Programs
Common Regulations and Requirements
Application for Program ApprovalAcademic departments have established procedures for advising and monitoring students. A student must be unconditionally admitted to graduate degree status prior to the submission of an Application for Program Approval (GF-1). The student must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 for courses taken as a graduate student.
A departmental representative (e.g., advisor), or committee meets with the student to inform her/him of program requirements and expectations. Under advisement, the student=s program of study will be planned and an Application for Program Approval (GF-1) completed. This interview is usually conducted during the first semester in which a student is enrolled in a degree program.
At the departmental interview, the student's program of study will be planned and an Application for Program Approval (GF-1) completed. This form must indicate how all requirements for the master's degree will be met. The thesis or non-thesis option should be designated.
The GF-1 must be signed by the student and receive departmental approvals before submission for final approval in the Graduate College. Some departments require the submission of completed GF-1s electronically. Students should check with their academic departments for procedures related to the electronic submission of their GF-1s. No more than 15 semester hours of credit completed before this interview is conducted can be applied toward the degree being sought. This includes transfer and correspondence (specified as "Guided Independent Study" at UNI) course work as well as credit earned as a senior. The Dean of the Graduate College may: approve the Application For Program Approval form at once (and then notify the student); delay action until additional data is available; or return it to the department with comments. The Dean of the Graduate College is in general charge of each graduate student's program.
Graduate level transfer courses taken prior to degree admission are eligible for application to degree requirements if official transcripts were filed at the time of admission to graduate study. Transfer courses taken after degree admission will not be processed for inclusion in the program of study until official transcripts are filed with the Office of the Registrar. Approval of transfer course work assumes the Office of the Registrar has received an official graduate transcript indicating that: the course work was graduate level; meets the recency requirement; and grade(s) received are B- or above. Academic departments are not obliged to count toward their degree programs any credit for course work undertaken without specific advice provided by the department, either through an advisor assigned to the student prior to the formal interview or in the course of the interview itself. (In addition to departmental assessment, all transfer courses must satisfy criteria established by the Graduate Council.) The Making Up of Incomplete Work.Work reported as Incomplete(I) in the fall session for graduate students must be completed by June 1 the next calendar year.Work reported Incomplete in the spring and summer sessions must be completed by January 1 the next calendar year. The exact length of time to remove the Incomplete within the above guidelines, is set by agreement between the instructor and the student. If the work reported as Incomplete is not made up by the deadline noted above, it is automatically entered as an F (Failure) on the student's record.
Any requests for an exception to the above guidelines for graduate students must be submitted in writing on a Student Request form, signed by the department head and approved by the Graduate College. Only under the most unusual circumstances would requests for additional time be approved.
Some courses continue beyond the normal ending date of the semester or session. In such cases the initial grade reported will be an RC which means Research or Course Continued. Once the extended instructional period is finished the RC grade will be replaced with the appropriate grade assigned by the instructor.
Thesis Committee. For students following the thesis option, it is recommended that their committee members be identified upon submission of their GF-1 to the Graduate College for approval. The committee usually consists of the student's advisor as chairperson and two additional graduate faculty members. The committee assists the student in further defining the student's course work, in supervising her/his research and writing, and eventually accepts or rejects the thesis.
Selection of Thesis Topic. The student following the thesis plan of study is urged to make at least a tentative selection of a topic by the end of her/his first semester. The delineation of an exact topic is not necessary before completing an Application for Program Approval form.
Graduation RequirementsThesis Plan
Non-Thesis Plan
Other Requirements and Criteria
Summary of Hour RequirementsA summary of the hour requirements for both the thesis and the non-thesis plans is listed below. These are the minimum number of hours and should not be interpreted as a maximum number. Additional hours may be required by departments for individuals on specific programs or special objectives.
~correspondence courses at UNI are specified as "Guided Independent Study"*Includes 6 to 9 hours for research (xxx:299), depending on the master's program.**Includes at least one research paper. Total hours depends on major chosen.^Must include 6 or more hours in one semester or summer session.^^Up to one-third of the hours on the graduate program of study.#Includes no more than 6 hours research credit (xxx:299) for thesis. Some departments have a higher minimum.##In some departments they may include no more than 3 hours of Research (xxx:299).
Second Master's DegreeA student may pursue a second master's degree at the University of Northern Iowa upon completion of the first master's degree or may pursue two separate master's degrees concurrently by meeting all requirements for the second degree. Only 8 semester hours of work from the first degree may be used for the second degree. All university graduation requirements including completion of 200-level course work, separate master's project/thesis, comprehensives, and all other specific requirements shall be met for the second degree in addition to the first degree.
Interdisciplinary Master's DegreeA student may pursue a master's degree with two majors or two emphasis areas by meeting all the requirements for the second major; 8 semester hours of work from the first major may be used for the second. The requirements for work at the University of Northern Iowa, 200-level work, and all other specific requirements shall be met for the second major, in addition to work completed for the first major. Common research project/thesis and comprehensives are permissible. For students completing one thesis for two majors, course work common to both majors would include 6 hours of xxx:299 Research and 2 additional hours. This would constitute the 8 semester hours of course work that may be common to both majors.
Master of Accounting DegreeStudents who plan to receive the degree Master of Accounting (MAcc) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the specific major requirements. Master of Arts DegreeA number of curricula lead to the degree of Master of Arts. Programs are available for advanced preparation of elementary and secondary teachers, for college teaching, and for graduate study without reference to teaching. The following majors are offered:
Art Biology Chemistry Communication Studies Computer Science Education Criminology Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Technology English French Geography German Health Education History Leisure, Youth and Human Services Leisure Services Management Emphasis Youth and Human Service Administration Emphasis Mathematics Mathematics for the Middle Grades (4-8) Mental Health Counseling Music Performance and Training Technology Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development Physical Education Psychology School Library Media Studies Science Education Science Education for Elementary Schools (K-6) Sociology Spanish Speech-Language Pathology Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Technology TESOL/Modern Languages Two Languages: French/German, Spanish/French, German/Spanish Women's and Gender Studies The Master of Arts program is a highly flexible one. The plan of study prescribed for each student depends upon the student's undergraduate preparation, experience, and future plans. The needs of the student, as determined by the student and her/his advisor and departmental committee, are the guiding factors in course selection. It should be stressed, however, that regardless of the plan of study followed, graduate work leading to the degree of Master of Arts should constitute a cohesive, logically planned program, not merely an accumulation of credit in a variety of courses. On most programs both the thesis and the non-thesis plans are available.
Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Arts (M.A.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the specific major requirements. See individual department sections for specific major requirements. Master of Arts in Education DegreeThis degree is designed for students whose work is primarily in professional education. Two plans of study leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Education are available: one plan requires the writing of a thesis; the other does not.
Many programs at this level carry with them the requirements for teacher licensure. In some cases, the student may be building up competency in a field in which s(he) has had little or no preparation at the bachelor's level. For these reasons some of the programs must carry with them a substantial number of specific requirements. Whenever possible, however, an effort is made to keep the specific course requirements for each major at a minimum, so the student, with the help of her/his advisor and the departmental committee, may plan the graduate program which will best meet the student's individual needs.
Detailed information for each program and specific requirements for each major may be obtained from the head of the department offering the major.
The following majors are offered:
Department of Curriculum and Instruction Curriculum and Instruction: Specialty Area Focus Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction: Education of the Gifted Curriculum and Instruction: Elementary Education Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy Education Curriculum and Instruction: Middle Level Education
Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education Postsecondary Education: Student Affairs Principalship School Counseling
Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations Educational Psychology Educational Psychology: Professional Development for Teachers
Department of Special Education Special Education Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments
Although a special curriculum is not available for supervisors of student teaching, a student can arrange a program to qualify for such a position.
Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the specific major requirements. See individual department sections for specific major program requirements. Master of Business Administration DegreeGraduate study in business at UNI provides a broad-based, integrated program which emphasizes the functional areas of business in order to provide the graduate with a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical business operations. The M.B.A. curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students with undergraduate backgrounds in the liberal arts, sciences, engineering, as well as those with degrees in business. The M.B.A. program is accredited by AACSB International, the primary accrediting organization on management education. The plan of study prescribed for the degree is structured to develop graduates who will have acquired:
Admission to the Master of Business Administration program is dependent upon the quality of the applicant's undergraduate record, the score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and writing skills demonstrated on the addendum to the application. The GMAT must be taken prior to acceptance into the program. Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the specific major requirements. Master of Music DegreeStudents wishing to take a course for graduate credit in the School of Music or wishing to pursue a degree program in this department must consult with the Associate Director for Graduate Studies in Music prior to registration for the course. Detailed information concerning requirements and procedures will be provided, and specific evidence of previous accomplishments will be reviewed.
The Master of Music degree is a professional degree designed to prepare the graduate for:
Composition Conducting Jazz Pedagogy Music Education Music History Performance Piano Performance and Pedagogy
An applicant for a graduate degree program in the School of Music should possess the baccalaureate degree in music or a demonstrated equivalent. The student should have attained a high degree of proficiency in one or more of the following areas: performance, theory-composition, conducting, music education, or music history.
Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Music (M.M.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the masters program and admission requirements specific to the major. Master of Public PolicyThe Master of Public Policy is a professional interdisciplinary degree program providing specialized and advanced training for students wishing to assume roles as policy analysts, principally in the governmental and nonprofit sectors of society.
Core courses in the program provide thorough coverage of the contributions of political science, economics, and history to the analysis of public policy. The core also includes methods courses that provide training in the rigorous methods of policy analysis required of professionals in the field.
Focus courses allow a student to develop an understanding of a particular substantive or methodological area of policy analysis. Continuing participation in seminars allows discussion of current practice and development, provides a forum for on-going discussion, and includes philosophical orientation to the ethical questions which arise in policy contexts. An internship with a public policy organization introduces the student to the professional environment and allows application of theory and methods to actual policy problems.
Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the major program requirements. Master of Science DegreeThe following majors are offered:
Athletic Training Biology Chemistry Computer Science Environmental Science Environmental Technology Environmental Health
Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Science (M.S.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the specific major requirements.
See individual department sections for specific major program requirements. Master of Social Work DegreeThe Master of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
The mission of the University of Northern Iowa's Master of Social Work degree program is to prepare students for advanced micro practice or social administration. There is commitment to serve the community and to contribute new knowledge to the field. Students and faculty are also committed to creating environments that enhance optimal human potential and growth. Theoretical underpinnings and learning environment are based on systems and strengths perspectives. Advocacy and promotion of cultural sensitivity, human rights, and social and economic justice are central to the program.
Students who plan to receive the degree Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the major program requirements. Professional Science Master's DegreeThe Professional Science Master's degree combines scientific or technical training with abbreviated business training and interdisciplinary cohort-building experiences.
The following majors are offered:
Biotechnology Ecosystem Management Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry Industrial Mathematics Continuous Quality Improvement Option Mathematical Computing and Modeling Option Applied Physics
Students who plan to receive the Professional Science Master's degree (P.S.M.) must meet the graduate regulations and requirements for the master's program and the specific major requirements.
See individual department sections for specific major program requirements. Specialist in Education DegreeThe following major is offered in the Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations:
School Psychology
Graduation RequirementsThe student shall complete the general requirements for the Specialist in Education degree and shall meet the requirements as specified by the departmental committee using a combination of graduate courses taken for the master's degree and beyond.
Hours of credit. A student must earn a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the master's degree. Credit earned in excess of that required for the master's degree may be applied toward the 30-hour requirement if that credit is earned during the final semester. Certain limitations on the amount and kinds of credit must be observed:
200-level credit. A student must earn at least 24 semester hours of credit in courses numbered 200 or above, counting both the master's and the post-master's work but not counting any Research credit.
Scholarship. A cumulative grade index of 3.00 (B average) must be earned as a graduate student in all courses attempted in the program of study. No credit toward graduation is allowed for a course in which a grade below C (C-, C, C+) is earned.
On-Campus Residence. A student must have completed at least 18 hours in residence credit on campus, including one semester or two summer sessions of full-time enrollment in residence after the master's degree. Examinations.
Thesis. A student who did not complete a thesis for the master's degree must complete one for the specialist's degree. A department may require a student who has written a master's thesis to write a thesis for the specialist's degree also. The thesis must be presented in the style and form prescribed for the master's thesis. It must have the approval of the thesis committee and the Dean of the Graduate College.
The work on a thesis will involve 6 hours of research credit (xxx:299). To earn this credit, a student registers for Research and usually not in one block. The instructor may assign a grade for a semester's registration in research based upon the progress made, or may assign a Research Continued(RC) if the instructor feels the work has not reached the place where it can be evaluated. Registration for the last segment of research credit (for work on a thesis) should not be made until the thesis is near completion. The Registrar may authorize an extension of time for the completion of Research Continued (RC) in research up to one additional calendar year with the consent of the instructor. If at the end of that time the work has not been completed, the grade of RC will be changed to an F (Failure).
Completion of the thesis project occurs when the thesis has been approved by the thesis committee and the Dean of the Graduate College.
The Dean of the Graduate College approves the appointment of three members of the Graduate Faculty as an advisory committee to guide the student in selecting and completing an appropriate thesis project. Filing of Thesis. The student must present two copies of the thesis in final form, either originals or photocopies, to the Graduate College no later than six weeks before graduation. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a delay in graduation. The requirements for the preparation and filing of the thesis are set forth in the Thesis and Dissertation Manual. Copies of the manual may be obtained through the Graduate College office and should be consulted prior to beginning the thesis.
Final copies submitted to the Graduate College must be on white, acid free, 24-pound, 25 percent or 100 percent cotton paper. The student may purchase the approved paper at the print center in the Physical Plant. The final copy must be clean and suitable for microfilming, with uniform darkness, and a sharp imprint.
When the thesis is submitted to the Graduate College, the student will present a receipt of payment for the cost of the thesis binding. This fee is paid at the Office of Business Operations. The student will also indicate to the Office of the Graduate College the name and edition of the style manual used in preparing the thesis. Consult the Thesis and Dissertation Manual for the list of approved style manuals.
Filing of Abstract of Thesis. An abstract or summary of the thesis is required of all students following the thesis plan toward the specialist's degree. The abstract will be approximately 350 words in length and is submitted with the thesis. Three copies of the abstract must be filed in the Office of the Graduate College.
Licensure. In some cases, appropriate teaching endorsement will be recommended for those who meet the standards set by the university in conjunction with the appropriate licensure agency. Receipt of the degree is not a necessary prerequisite to recommendation for the appropriate endorsement(s) unless state standards require such. A program graduate grade point average of 3.00 or better will be required prior to recommendation for endorsement(s).
Exit Requirement. Before graduating with the Specialist in Education degree, the student must take the Praxis II test in School Psychology (number 0400) and submit a copy of the complete Examinee Score Report to the program coordinator.
Application for Graduation. The same regulations apply as for the master's degree. A candidate for the Specialist in Education degree must make application for graduation not later than the end of the ninth week of the semester or the fourth week of the summer session in which s(he) plans to receive the degree. The application form may be secured in the Office of the Registrar or the departmental office.
Doctor of Education DegreeThis program is intended to provide practicing educators the opportunity to continue their study and earn the terminal professional degree in their field. The Ed.D. degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of credit beyond the master's degree. The Graduate Record Examination (General Test) is required for admission to the program. There are three components to the program: 15 semester hours in a Professional Common Core of work in educational foundations, fundamentals, and research; 38 semester hours of Advanced Professional Study in one of six areas of intensive study and a related area; and a Dissertation of 7 semester hours.
By design, then, all students are required to study in basic areas that undergird and define educational practice and develop skills of problem definition, data collection and analysis, and interpretation. The six areas of intensive study provide for a specialized focus on practice. The six intensive study areas are: Community Health Education, Curriculum and Instruction,Educational Leadership, Leisure, Youth and Human Services, Rehabilitation Studies, and Special Education. (In some areas, it is possible to combine doctoral degree study with work toward an endorsement to perform a particular role in K-12 education.) Brief definitions of the six areas are as follows.
Community Health Education. This area of intensive study is designed to equip community health promotion and public health education professionals for positions of leadership in applied community and public health education settings. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in applied academic settings including (but not limited to) allied health and nursing colleges, universities with a focus on teaching, and liberal arts colleges, as well as leadership positions in major community and public health organizations such as county, state, and national departments of public health, and government and non-government health organizations. (For more information, contact the Chair, Health Promotion and Education Division, School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services.)
Curriculum and Instruction. This area of intensive study is designed to prepare scholar-practitioners to plan, implement, evaluate, and supervise educational programs for children and adult learners. (For more information, contact the Head, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.)
Educational Leadership. This area of intensive study involves the preparation of personnel for leadership roles in PK-12 schools, postsecondary institutions, and non-school educational settings. (For more information, contact the Head, Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education.) Leisure, Youth and Human Services. This area of intensive study is designed to interpret and apply youth development models and concepts as well as nonprofit administrative practices to the planning, management, supervision and evaluation of informal education programs in the community. Graduates are prepared for careers as applied scholars, administrators of community nonprofit organizations, youth serving agencies, public parks and recreation, foundations, and government agencies. Program of study will be based upon student's needs, interests, and upon approval by academic advisor and program of study committee. (For more information, contact the Chair, Leisure, Youth and Human Services Division, School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services.)
Rehabilitation Studies. This area of intensive study is designed to prepare Certified Athletic Trainers and/or other Allied Health professionals to plan, implement, evaluate, and supervise educational programs as well as develop a scholarly agenda. Graduates will be prepared for careers as athletic training program directors, clinical coordinators, applied scholars, and practicing clinicians. This program focuses on a holistic approach of preparing students by including administration, education, and rehabilitation studies within the curriculum. (For more information, contact the Chair of the Division of Athletic Training within the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services.)
Special Education. This area of intensive study is designed to provide students with a variety of leadership positions in public schools, higher education and human services agencies serving infants, children, youth and adults with disabilities. This program will center on preparing leaders who will be able to promote new meanings about diversity, develop inclusive school cultures and instructional programs, and forge productive relationships between schools and their communities. (For more information, contact the Head, Department of Special Education.) Specific program requirements are listed within each department (Department of Curriculum and Instruction; Department of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Postsecondary Education; School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services - Division of Athletic Training and Division of Health Promotion and Education; and Department of Special Education)
Admission to Doctoral Study
Initial AdmissionFormal application to doctoral study should be made to the appropriate intensive study area office, where descriptive materials and application packets may be obtained.
Admission to the program will be granted to those applicants who provide evidence of prior academic success; successful and appropriate professional experience; effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; and professional and academic goals which may be effectively served by the degree program offered. Additional criteria may be established by an area of intensive study since some previous specialization work is presumed.
Candidacy StatusSoon after full admission, an advisor will be appointed for each student. In most instances, the advisor will be from the student's area of intensive study. Prior to the completion of 15 semester hours of course work toward the doctorate at the University of Northern Iowa, the student will meet with the advisor and develop a program of study for submission to the Graduate College. Approval of the program of study will signify admission of the student to candidacy status. General Regulations
Program emphasis is on providing the intellectual tools necessary to pursue scholarly research and applied practices in the field of industrial technology. Efforts will be made to develop in each student the interest and desire required for a leadership role in improving educational and industrial programs and determining directions for future programs. The degree program requires a minimum of 64 semester hours of credit completed beyond the master's degree.
The Doctor of Industrial Technology degree program is intended to prepare graduates for one or more of the following professional careers:
Admission to Doctoral Study
Application for AdmissionIndividuals possessing the master's degree in Industrial Technology, Technology Education, Technology or a related technical program, from any accredited institution may apply for admission to the Doctor of Industrial Technology degree program.
Applicants in the final semester or summer session of work on the master's degree may submit application materials and be admitted on provisional degree status until the master's degree notification is received in the Office of the Registrar.
Types of Admissions Admission to the Doctor of Industrial Technology degree program may be granted on a degree status or provisional status basis.
Faculty Advisory CommitteesAfter admission has been granted, a faculty advisory committee will be appointed by the Graduate Dean in consultation with the Head of the Department of Industrial Technology. The student and the faculty advisor will be responsible for recommending members for appointment to the faculty advisory committee. The student should then specify in a letter to the Graduate Coordinator the rationale for each graduate faculty member recommended to serve on the committee. The committee will consist of three members from the Department of Industrial Technology and two members from outside the department, one of whom will be a representative of the Graduate College assigned by the Graduate Dean. Eligible committee members from within the Department of Industrial Technology will serve as chair and co-chair. The five committee members must be members of the University of Northern Iowa Graduate Faculty. An expansion of the committee may occur if a non-faculty person agrees to serve due to expertise or as a representative of an area of knowledge. Approval shall comprise a written petition submitted in the normal procedure. Non-faculty personnel will participate in all committee responsibilities except for signature decisions. This advisory committee shall have the responsibility for the following:
All but one of the voting committee members must approve all actions of the committee.
Should it then be necessary to request changes in the composition of the committee, the graduate student must specify in a letter to the departmental Graduate Coordinator the rationale for the replacement. A disagreement in perspective, thought, or position may not be cause for replacement. Any faculty member choosing to resign from the committee must submit a letter of request to the departmental Graduate Coordinator.
Admission to CandidacyStudents will usually apply for admission to candidacy and submit programs of study for approval during their first semester or second summer session in residence. All course work in progress or completed prior to applying for admission to program approval must be subsequently approved by the faculty advisory committee in order to be counted on a student's program of study.
Admission to candidacy will be recommended to the department head only after a formal interview of the student has been conducted by the faculty advisory committee. Any changes made in course requirements after the application for program of study has been submitted must be approved by the faculty advisory committee and the Dean of the Graduate College.
General Regulations
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