UNI announces bold new ‘Degree in 3’ path to elementary teaching degree
A new pathway to teaching elementary education at the University of Northern Iowa allows students to complete their Bachelor of Arts degree in three years, saving them time and money while allowing them to begin their careers one year sooner, on a faster path to their first teaching salary.
Applications are now being accepted for an accelerated “Degree in 3” elementary education BA pathway, an on-campus option which expects 25 to 30 students in its inaugural class in fall 2026.
“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,” said UNI Provost José Herrera. “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 new pathway, intended for incoming freshmen, maintains the standard curriculum of 120 credit hours for completion, including an array of in-depth clinical experiences and student teaching. In this faster, more intensive path to teaching, students will complete coursework year-round, including winter and summer semesters, followed by student teaching.
In addition to tuition savings, Degree in 3 students are eligible for up to $5,600 in scholarships to assist with summer tuition and student teaching stipends. Graduates will get a head start to earn first-year teaching salaries in Iowa beginning at $50,000.
