University of Northern Iowa launches 3-year degree program to tackle teacher shortage and fast

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) has announced a new initiative to help aspiring teachers begin their careers sooner. Beginning in fall 2026, the university will launch a “Degree in 3” program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in just three years. The move is designed to address Iowa’s growing teacher shortage and make higher education more affordable. According to UNI’s official press release, the program enables students to complete their degree requirements more quickly while maintaining the same academic standards and hands-on teaching experience as the traditional four-year pathway. Provost José Herrera said in the release that the new program “extends the reach” of UNI’s largest major and meets the Iowa Legislature’s directive for each s