UNI at Des Moines Area Community College

The opportunity to finish your degree is here!

The University of Northern Iowa and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) have partnered to expand pathways to online degree completion opportunities for students located in and around Des Moines. The UNI @ DMACC partnership expands on a 25+ year history of collaboration with the Elementary Education BA 2+2 program.

View the UNI @ DMACC degree programs

Why UNI?

An advisor is assigned to each student and provides a highly individualized experience to guide students during their journey to completing a bachelor's degree.
Degree programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of nontraditional students who cannot travel to Cedar Falls to attend classes on the UNI campus.
Distance students have access to UNI's entire set of support services that are designed to promote student success.
We strive to make high-quality degree completion opportunities as accessible to students as possible. Students in these programs pay UNI's standard tuition rate and minimal student fees. Future Ready scholarships and financial aid are also available.

Here to help

Questions about the UNI @ DMACC partnership? Contact us today!

‌ Paul Sapp

Paul Sapp
IACC Director
Office of Admissions
Book an appointment
paul.sapp@uni.edu
319-273-2864

Jakob Jehn

Jakob Jehn
Student Success Specialist
Des Moines Area Community College
Book an appointment
jakob.jehn@uni.edu
319-273-5657

Erin Conlan

Erin Conlan
Advisor & Student Support Specialist
2+2 Elementary Education BA program
erin.conlan@uni.edu
319-248-7502

I am a:

Have you earned or will you earn an associate's degree from an Iowa community college?

YesNo

Degree Type

Program of Interest

Iowa Community College:

I want to start at UNI in:

Community College Affiliation

UNI accounting student working at a desk

UNI @ DMACC
Degree Programs

In addition to the UNI@IACC programs, students in the Des Moines metro area have the opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Arts in Accounting degree. This new hybrid model will allow students to take accounting courses at the DMACC-Urban campus while completing all other business and elective courses entirely online.

‌Learn more about the Accounting (BA) program ‌ View all UNI @ DMACC programs

illustration of a paper with a dollar bill and graduation cap

Focused on affordability

As a UNI @ DMACC student, you may qualify for DMACC-specific scholarships in addition to the Future Ready Scholarships, other UNI scholarships, and financial aid. Through these initiatives, students may receive a scholarship covering the difference between community college and UNI tuition. To be eligible, students must complete the FAFSA and meet income and academic eligibility criteria. Completing the FAFSA will allow UNI to potentially reduce or eliminate a student's remaining balance through other forms of financial aid, based on availability.

Explore available scholarships

Future Ready Scholarships

UNI Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the degree pathways partnership between DMACC/UNI?

This partnership provides DMACC students located in and around Des Moines the opportunity to complete a UNI degree without the need to attend classes in Cedar Falls. Students will enroll in online UNI classes upon completion of a DMACC 2-year degree. Explore the degree completion programs available here.

Can I take UNI classes on the DMACC campus?

Most of the programs include courses that are offered entirely online. However, face-to-face courses on the DMACC-Urban campus are available for the Accounting Bachelor of Arts degree. All other UNI coursework is completed online through Blackboard and interactive video conferencing platforms.

Who should I work with to get started?

UNI staff members Paul Sapp and Erin Conlan are located at the DMACC-Urban campus and are available to answer any questions you might have. Students are welcome to stop by their office, email UNIatDMACC@uni.edu, or call 515-248-7219 to learn more.

What scholarships and grants are available?

Scholarships and grants are available for students looking to complete their bachelor's degree online from UNI. To qualify, students must have earned credit or earned a degree from DMACC, and enroll in one of the online degree completion programs through UNI. Students enrolled in programs through the UNI @ DMACC partnership should complete the FAFSA each year to be eligible for financial aid.

What if the degree I'm interested in isn't available online?

Hundreds of DMACC students transfer to UNI's beautiful campus in Cedar Falls every year. Learn more about the UNI transfer programs at majors.uni.edu.

When can I start?

For many of the degree completion programs, you can begin courses in any semester. However, some programs are offered on a cohort basis and begin during specific terms. Visit iacc.uni.edu to find the next start option for your program of interest.

Should I apply for admission to UNI?

Yes, and at the time you apply, please send us your most recent DMACC transcript. You can also attach an unofficial version to your application for admission. Once you've finished at DMACC, you'll need to have them send your final, official transcript directly to UNI. If you've completed coursework from any other colleges/institutions, we’ll also need final, official transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions from that institution. Students are encouraged to apply for admission at least one semester before attending UNI.

How will my UNI advisor help me to earn my degree?

Your UNI advisor is committed to your success and will be there every step of the way as you work toward your degree. Our advisors have deep experience and recognize the unique needs of adult learners. We hope that you and your advisor will form a trusted partnership during your program.

How long will it take to complete my degree?

This will depend on the program and the number of credits you have already earned. Our degree completion programs typically assume students have already completed an associate’s degree, which leaves around 60 credits to be completed at UNI. Most programs are designed for part-time enrollment and can be completed in a little over three years.

What are the requirements to apply for the program?

Many of the programs require an associate's degree. Find the specific admission requirements for your program of interest here.

Is an online program the same as an on-campus program to employers?

Whether you complete a UNI program online or on-campus, rest assured you are receiving a quality education from dedicated UNI faculty that is designed to launch or elevate your career. Just as there is no difference in the level of instruction, there is also no difference in how the degree will display on your transcript. All degrees awarded at UNI are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

Learn about the partnership