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 Higher Learning Commission. 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 provide exemplary leadership and support in the planning, development, promotion and delivery of high-quality online, off-campus and blended courses and programs offered through distance education.

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.