2+2 Elementary Education (BA)

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Overview

Celebrating 25 years: 1995–2020

This program provides a flexible option for non-traditional students who wish to earn an Elementary Education teaching degree. Students complete two years of coursework at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny or Carroll, in concert with courses taken from the University of Northern Iowa.

Please note: 2+2 students are expected to complete an Associate of Arts (AA) degree at an Iowa community college, or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, to satisfy UNI Liberal Arts Core requirements prior to graduating from UNI. Although it is not required, UNI encourages students to have earned their AA degree prior to entering the UNI portion of the 2+2 schedule.

Convenient course delivery

UNI courses are offered primarily at a distance and include an online component with some courses requiring face-to-face instruction on a centrally-located DMACC campus. Additionally, some courses include a field experience component.

Testimonials

Melissa Marwedel, 2017 graduate

The UNI/DMACC 2+2 program is a wonderful way to earn a degree in elementary education. The instructors are great and the support staff are amazing and helpful.

Marissa Maas, 2017 graduate

After doing research and looking at many different colleges, I chose the UNI/DMACC 2+2 Program. This program had many benefits for me. The biggest benefit for me was having the option to keep working full-time. Throughout the program, I was able to live in my hometown with my now husband and work full-time while obtaining my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education.

Program Schedule

2+2 Elementary Education (BA) - Spring 2021 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Spring 2021

KAHHS

2045

Health and Physical Education for Elementary Teachers

Methods and materials in health education and physical education appropriate for children. No credit for students with credit in HPE 3135 or PEMES 2045. No credit given to Physical Education or Health Education majors or minors. Prerequisite: EDPSYCH 2030.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

INSTTECH

1031

Educational Technology and Design

Selection and use of various educational technologies within an instructional design framework. Includes the design and production of media and the operation of hardware and software for Pre-K-8 educational use.

3 unit(s)

Course details and enrollment information

Summer 2021

ELEMECML

4123

Methods of Teaching Visual and Performing Arts Integration in the Elementary Classroom

Introduction, exploration and application of various methods for teaching and assessing visual and performing arts integration with content across the elementary curriculum. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

LITED

3115

Methods of Teaching Early Literacy

Reading and writing instruction in grades PK-3, with an emphasis on integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as integration across content areas. Prerequisite(s): Registration requires admission to Teacher Education program. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): LITED 1044 (230:044). Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

EDPSYCH

4152

Development of the Middle School Aged Child

Focus on the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of the middle school aged child (ages 11 to 15). Examination of the contexts of the middle school child including the home, school, and peers. Prerequisite(s): junior standing.

3 unit(s)

Dual majors only

Fall 2021

ELEMECML

4150

Elementary Curriculum

Recent trends in the curriculum for children in grades K-6. Prerequisite(s): completion of Level I of the Professional Education Requirements - Elementary Education; junior standing. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): Level II of the Professional Education Requirements. Registration requires full admission to the Teacher Education Program. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

ELEMECML

4152

Middle Level Curriculum

Examination of middle school design, programs, and practices for meeting the needs of young adolescents in grades 5-8, including middle school philosophy, history, interdisciplinary instruction and teaming, core curriculum, exploratory courses, and advisory programs. Students must be available for a Tuesday field experience. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): Level II of the Professional Education Requirements. Registration requires full admission to the teacher education program. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course. Students must be available for a 10-hour field experience.

2 unit(s)

Dual majors only

LITED

4155

English Language Structures and Usage for K-8 Educators

The study of English language structures, usage, conventions, and variations across contexts. Emphasis on learning to teach these concepts to K-8 students, including English Language Learners. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course. Priority registration for Middle Level Education Dual majors.

1 unit(s)

Dual majors only

MEASRES

3150

Classroom Assessment

This course is an introduction to the purposes and development of classroom assessment with a focus on diagnostic, formative, and summative assessment. Additional course topics include assessment ethics, standards of quality in assessment, communication of assessment data, the use of assessment data to make instructional decisions, and standardized assessment. Prerequisite(s): TEACHING 2017; EDPSYCH 2030 (200:030). Registration requires full admission to the Teacher Education Program. Must have a cumulative 2.50 gpa or higher to enroll in this course. Physical Education majors may substitute PEMES 3174 (420:174) for MEASRES 3150 (250:150). Music Education majors will be waived from MEASRES 3150 (250:150). Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): TEACHING 3128; EDPSYCH 3148 (200:148).

2 unit(s)

TEACHING

3128

Level 2 Field Experience: Teacher as a Change Agent

Field experience in which students are actively involved in preparing and teaching lessons in PK-12 school settings under the close supervision of a mentor teacher and field experience coordinator. In preparing, teaching, and reflecting on their lessons and other experiences, teacher candidates are expected to apply and document their understanding of teaching and learning processes, motivation, assessment, and classroom management. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): TEACHING 2017; EDPSYCH 2030 (200:030); or equivalents. Requires admission to teacher education and 2.50 cumulative GPA. Corequisite(s): EDPSYCH 3148 (200:148); MEASRES 3150 (250:150).

1 unit(s)

Spring 2022

CAP

3160

Community and Public Health

Examination of the major public health issues facing the U.S. and world population. Investigation of major public health initiatives, public policy, and ethical issues related to public health. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. (Same as HPE 3160)

3 unit(s)

ELEMECML

3164

Teaching Elementary School Social Studies

Basic methods and materials for teaching the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in history, geography, political science/civic literacy, economics and behavioral sciences. Prerequisite(s): ELEMECML 4150/5150 (210:152g) or ELEMECML 4151/5151 (210:151g); junior standing. Registration requires full admission to the Teacher Education Program. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

ELEMECML

4135

Middle Level Instruction, Differentiation, and Assessment

Strategies for instruction, differentiation, and assessment for addressing the cognitive characteristics and needs of young adolescents in grades five through eight. Prerequisite(s): EDPSYCH 3148 (200:148); EDPSYCH 4152/5152 (200:152g); junior standing. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): ELEMECML 4152/5152 (210:150g) or equivalent. Registration requires full admission to the Teacher Education Program. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

Dual majors only

SOCFOUND

3119

Schools and American Society

This course analyzes the history, sociology, political economy, and philosophical foundations of K-12 education. Its focus is on the societal issues that impact student learning and classroom practice and the political processes that impact public education and the teaching profession. It is designed to cultivate critical thinking about themes pertaining to public schooling through an interdisciplinary lens. Prerequisite(s): junior standing.

3 unit(s)

Summer 2022

LITED

3116

Methods of Teaching Content Literacy in the Intermediate Grades

Reading and writing instruction in grades 3-6, with an emphasis on integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as integration across content areas. Prerequisite(s): ELEMECML 4150/5150 (210:152g) or ELEMECML 4151/5151 (210:151g); LITED 1044 (230:044); junior standing. Requires admission to teacher education program. Prerequisite(s) or corequisite(s): LITED 3115 (230:115); must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

Elementary majors only

LITED

4117

Methods of Teaching Content Literacy at the Middle and Secondary Levels

Literacy instruction in the middle and secondary grades, including understanding the reading process, literacy across the curriculum, improving fluency, and assessment of literacy. Prerequisite(s): junior standing. Registration requires admission to Teacher Education Program. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

Dual majors only

MATH

3204

Mathematical Reasoning for Elementary Teachers III

Mathematics as problem solving, communication, connections, and reasoning. Includes geometry, measurement, and proportionality. Activities connected to elementary school mathematics. Designed for elementary education majors. Prerequisite(s): MATH 2204; UNI and cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better; junior standing or consent of department.

3 unit(s)

TEACHING

4170

Human Relations: Awareness and Application

Development of awareness of various societal subgroups, recognizing and dealing with dehumanizing biases, and learning to relate effective to various groups in order to foster respect for human diversity. Emphasis on self-awareness in human relations issues and how this awareness can be translated into positive relationships with others and integrated into one's professional responsibilities. Prerequisite(s): full admission into teacher education; junior standing.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2022

ELEMECML

3120

Classroom Management K-8

Focus on skills needed to plan, organize, manage, implement, and evaluate appropriate instruction in the elementary classroom. Prerequisite(s): ELEMECML 4150/5150 (210:152g); junior standing. Registration requires full admission to the Teacher Education Program. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

ELEMECML

3161

Teaching Elementary School Science

Investigation of current textbook series, trends, teaching materials, and appropriate instructional strategies for contemporary elementary school science programs. Prerequisite(s): ELEMECML 4150/5150 (210:152g) or ELEMECML 4151/5151 (210:151g); junior standing. Registration requires full admission to the Teacher Education Program. Must have a cumulative and UNI GPA of 2.50 or higher to enroll in this course.

3 unit(s)

MATH

3203

Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School

Effective instructional models and strategies for teaching elementary school mathematics; involves selecting and designing mathematical tasks, creating an environment, and orchestrating discourse. Using and supplementing mathematics materials within a sound psychological framework for making instructional decisions. Prerequisite(s): MATH 3204; UNI and cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better; full admission to teacher education is required.

3 unit(s)

Spring 2023

TEACHING

3134

Elementary Teaching

Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Provides the student the opportunity to experience, in depth, the full role and meaning of teaching in a school setting. Experiences include planning and organizing for instruction, developing classroom teaching competencies and skills, evaluating pupil progress, participating in extra-class activities, working with special school personnel, and utilizing school and community resources in the instructional program. Prerequisite(s): completion of Levels I and II of the Professional Education Requirements.

4-12 unit(s)

Elementary majors will enroll in 12 units

Dual majors will enroll in 6 units

TEACHING

3137

Middle School/Junior High Teaching

4-12 unit(s)

Dual majors only (6 units)

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-7206, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Additional FAQs

What are the benefits of pursuing the UNI 2+2 program?

If you’re thinking about changing jobs or careers, you can make a change AND stay in your home community. The UNI 2+2 program is for students who have family priorities and fixed job schedules. UNI partners with the DMACC Carroll area to help educate students where they live. Upon completion, 2+2 students earn a UNI bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.

What are the admission requirements?

Students who are engaged in the DMACC Carroll area Associate of Arts degree are eligible for the UNI 2+2 program

What applications are required for the 2+2 program?

First, students should apply for admission to the University of Northern Iowa. After admitted, students are also required to apply to the Teacher Education Program at UNI. Students must have all requirements for admission to the Teacher Education Program completed by May 1 following their first term.

Next Steps

We want to hear from you!

Please complete the online interest form to the right to express your interest in joining a future 2+2 Elementary Education (BA) cohort. We will use the information you provide to send you program updates, including important information about application deadlines.

Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Marc Renning

Curriculum and Instruction

(712) 792-8323

Marc.Renning@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Carolina Wilson

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-2121

Carolina.Wilson@uni.edu

Pre-K	Kindergarten
1st	2nd
3rd	4th
5th	6th
7th	8th
9th	10th
11th	12th

Continuing Education and Special Programs

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Celebrating 25 years: 1995–2020

Convenient course delivery

Melissa Marwedel, 2017 graduate

Marissa Maas, 2017 graduate

2+2 Elementary Education (BA) - Spring 2021 Cohort

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

We want to hear from you!

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