University of Northern Iowa to Launch 3-Year Education Degree

• UNI introduces “Degree in 3” program to fast-track elementary teacher preparation.
• New initiative aligns with Iowa’s mandate for three-year degree programs.
• Accelerated path saves students time and tuition while offering scholarships and stipends.

The University of Northern Iowa is aiming to expedite elementary teacher preparation with a new three-year degree initiative, intending to transition qualified educators from college settings to their own classrooms faster.

UNI revealed in a news release that it will introduce a “Degree in 3” program in fall 2026, enabling students to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education within three years.

Provost, José Herrera stated in the announcement that the new initiative “broadens the scope” of the elementary education program, the largest major at the institution, and adheres to mandates from the Iowa Legislature for every state university to provide at least one three-year degree program.

“UNI’s three-year degree is a bold response to the state’s demand for teachers and aligns very well with Iowa’s legislative objectives,” Herrera said in the release. “This builds on our legacy in teacher education while providing an alternative for today’s high school students seeking an accelerated path to elementary teaching.”

The university anticipates that the initial batch next fall will consist of 25 to 30 new freshmen, as stated in the release. Out of nearly 2,000 students enrolled in teaching programs at UNI, about half opt for elementary education.

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Similar to the comprehensive four-year degree program, the announcement indicated that students in the new track will complete 120 credit hours for their degree, distributed among fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters. They will also engage in "a variety of comprehensive clinical experiences and student teaching."

Students prepared for the more rigorous program will conserve both time and tuition costs compared to following the conventional degree route, UNI College of Education Dean Colleen Mulholland stated in the announcement. According to the release, students on an accelerated track will qualify for scholarships amounting to $5,600 for summer school fees and stipends for student teaching.