Elementary Education (MAE)

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Overview

Program highlights

Designed for K–6 elementary classroom teachers with licensure in the field of elementary education
Ranked #13 on TheBestColleges.org national list of Top Online Master's in Elementary Education
Supports faculty-guided teacher research on relevant issues within your classroom context throughout the course sequence
Courses are designed using the Quality Matters set of professional standards based upon research, best practices and national standards for course design.
Includes graduate courses addressing curriculum issues, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and action research
Delivered on a cohort basis beginning every other fall and completed in five consecutive semesters (fall, spring, summer, fall, spring; six hours of credit each semester)
Aligned with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Convenient course delivery

Courses are offered online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. While most students encounter very few technical difficulties with our online courses, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed.

Program Schedule

Elementary Education (MAE) - Fall 2021 Cohort

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

Program schedule is pending -- check back soon for details!

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 2019-20 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.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence?

While it is often possible to make up courses that are missed, our commitment is to deliver the courses as outlined in the cohort schedule. This is not designed as a program in which students come and go. Rather, the cohort model requires that students take the prescribed sequence in unison. Should you need to miss a course, you should consult with your program advisor for options.

Is the GRE or any other examination required?

There are no entrance exam requirements for this program.

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 GPA guidelines?

Undergraduate GPA	Admission consideration
3.0 and above	May be considered for full admission
2.75-2.99	May be considered for provisional admission
Less than 2.75	May be denied admission

Can transfer credits from another college/university apply toward program requirements?

In general, students complete the full set of courses outlined in the program. It is possible to transfer a limited number of graduate credits. However, this credit must meet the following criteria:

Course must be a regular graduate course with a graduate course number (not professional development or college credit through an Educational Agency or conference).
Course must be taken by the student in graduate status, and the official transcript must show a grade of B- or better earned.
Course must be applicable as a graduate requirement at the institution where it is taken.
Course must be taught by regular graduate faculty.
Course must meet the UNI seven-year recency requirement.
Academic departments will determine whether or not they wish to accept transfer credit even if it meets the above requirements. These criteria were established to prevent credits not intended for use toward graduate degrees (i.e., Area Education Agency/professional development credits) from being used to meet UNI degree program requirements.

Please check with the program coordinator about specific situations.

What are the benefits of pursuing the Elementary Education MAE degree?

Designed for elementary classroom teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of the teaching and learning process, this program helps you develop professionally in four major areas: Application of Knowledge, Understanding Theory and Practice, Leadership and Scholarship.

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 Elementary Education MAE cohort. We will send you program updates as they become available.

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

Program Coordinator(s):

Dana Atwood-Blaine

Curriculum and Instruction

(319) 273-2167

Dana.Atwood-Blaine@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Rita Gutman

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-2504

Rita.Gutman@uni.edu

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

Continuing Education and Special Programs