About Us
The Division of Continuing Education and Special Programs is comprised of Continuing and Distance Education and Individual Studies.
Continuing and Distance Education
Continuing and Distance Education expands access to high-quality educational opportunities available from the University of Northern Iowa through a variety of methods, technologies and exemplary support services. We provide leadership in the planning, promotion, support and administration of credit courses and programs that fall outside “traditional” on-campus coursework. Offerings are delivered online, via interactive video, at off-campus locations, or through a blended approach.
Individual Studies
Individual Studies provides personalized educational experiences, including the Bachelor of Liberal Studies, General Studies, and Individual Studies majors. Individual Studies also oversees National Student Exchange and Guided Independent Study, allowing students to enroll in a course at any time, work at their own pace and complete the course in up to nine months.
Accreditation
The University of Northern Iowa is accredited through the master's degrees, the specialist's degrees and the doctorate by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (NCA). Individual colleges and programs within the University are accredited by the respective professional accrediting agencies within their disciplines.
View UNI's statement of accreditation status.
Mission
Continuing and Distance Education
The mission of the Office of Continuing and Distance Education is to expand access to high-quality educational opportunities available from the University of Northern Iowa through the use of a variety of methods and technologies and the provision of exemplary support services.
We accomplish our mission by providing leadership in the planning, promotion, support and administration of credit courses and programs that fall outside of "traditional" on-campus coursework. Our offerings are delivered online, via interactive video, at off-campus locations, or through a blended approach.
Individual Studies
The Office of Individual Studies provides programs which may appeal to students interested in personalized educational experiences that differ from the norm, including the General Studies major, Individual Studies major and National Student Exchange.