Key Points:
- UNI launches the UNI 3-year elementary degree starting in fall 2026.
- Students complete the same 120 credits year-round with full classroom training.
- Scholarships and early graduation can save up to $70,000.
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) has announced the launch of a new three-year bachelor’s degree program in elementary education, set to begin in fall 2026. The UNI 3-year elementary degree aims to prepare qualified teachers faster and meet the growing demand for educators across the state.
Accelerated Path to Teaching
The “Degree in 3” program will allow students to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in just three years instead of the traditional four. According to UNI Provost José Herrera, the program strengthens the university’s teacher education legacy while giving students an accelerated route to the classroom.
“UNI’s three-year degree is a bold response to the state’s demand for teachers,” Herrera said in a university statement. “This builds on our legacy in teacher education while providing an alternative for today’s high school students seeking a faster path to elementary teaching.”
The program will accept an initial cohort of 25 to 30 incoming freshmen in its first year. Nearly half of UNI’s 2,000 education majors currently pursue elementary education, making it the university’s largest major.
Same Coursework, Faster Completion
Students enrolled in the UNI 3-year elementary degree will still complete 120 credit hours — the same as those in the traditional four-year degree — but will take courses year-round during fall, winter, spring, and summer terms. The university said this schedule allows students to gain the same depth of learning while accelerating their academic progress.
The program will also include multiple clinical experiences and student teaching opportunities, ensuring participants receive the same practical classroom training as traditional students.
Financial and Career Benefits
UNI College of Education Dean Colleen Mulholland said that students who take on the faster-paced program will save both time and money. Those in the “Degree in 3” track will be eligible for scholarships totaling $5,600 to help cover summer tuition and student teaching stipends.
Mulholland noted that by graduating a year early, students could enter the workforce sooner and save significantly on tuition and living costs. “The combination of less time on campus and added financial opportunities puts students an estimated $70,000 ahead in contrast to a traditional four-year path,” she said.
The program will also offer continuous academic, career, and wellness support throughout the year to help students manage the rigorous schedule.
Supporting the Next Generation of Teachers
The University of Northern Iowa has a long-standing reputation for producing educators, and this new program reinforces that commitment. By providing an accelerated option, the university hopes to attract students eager to start their teaching careers sooner and help address the ongoing need for qualified teachers in Iowa and beyond.
Applications for the UNI 3-year elementary degree will open ahead of the fall 2026 semester, giving future educators a new opportunity to begin their teaching journey at UNI.
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