University of Northern Iowa Launches Fresh Special and Inclusive Education Bachelor’s Degree

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) will begin offering a Bachelor of Arts in Special and Inclusive Education this fall, following approval from the Iowa Board of Regents. This new program addresses a critical need for qualified special education teachers in Iowa and marks the first time bachelor’s degrees in special education have been permitted in the state .

Addressing Iowa’s Teacher Shortage

The program’s creation responds to a growing demand for highly skilled special education professionals across Iowa. Previously, UNI offered special education training exclusively through a popular minor. The new major provides a more focused and comprehensive pathway for students seeking to specialize in this field .

Program Flexibility and Endorsements

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Special and Inclusive Education will be prepared to support students with disabilities in both special education and general education settings. The program builds upon UNI’s established strength in teacher preparation and offers flexibility in pursuing endorsements. Graduates will be eligible for the following Instructional Strategist endorsements:

• Instructional Strategist I: Mild and Moderate K–8 (260)
• Instructional Strategist I: Mild and Moderate 5–12 (261)
• Instructional Strategist II: Intellectual Disabilities K-12 (264)

This expanded range of endorsements allows graduates to meet diverse needs within Iowa school districts .

Online Access and Enrollment

UNI plans to offer an online track for the new major, increasing accessibility for students across the state. The program anticipates enrolling between 10 and 20 students annually .

Expanding Distance Education at Iowa Regents Institutions

The addition of this program aligns with a broader trend of expanding distance education opportunities across Iowa’s public universities. The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and UNI collectively served nearly 148,000 credit enrollments in distance education courses in the 2024-25 academic year . This growth reflects the increasing demand for flexible learning options and helps address workforce needs throughout the state.