University College

University College (UC) is home to a wide range of programs for University of Iowa students and precollege students. An overview of the many programs that are housed in University College is provided below.

Undergraduate Degrees

Two online degree programs, the Bachelor of Applied Studies (BAS) and the Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS), are administered through University College. Both programs enable students to complete a bachelor's degree through Distance and Online Education. The BAS, designed for graduates of community college technical programs, provides alternatives to traditional academic majors, permitting students to plan their own emphasis areas in consultation with their advisors. The BLS is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program without a traditional academic major; students select a track and work with their advisors to enroll in courses that meet their individual objectives.

Undergraduate Certificates, Minors, Training, and Coursework

The college offers undergraduate Certificates in Clinical and Translational Science, Leadership Studies, Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy, and Sustainability. University College also is home to many undergraduate research opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields as well as in microbiology and medical scientist training.

An affiliated program, Lifetime Leisure Skills, offers a broad range of sports and fitness activities, while the Reserve Officer Training Corps programs, Aerospace Studies (Air Force ROTC), and Military Science (Army ROTC) prepare undergraduate students for commissions as officers and offer minors. An undergraduate minor is offered in Urban Studies that allows students to understand and address urban issues. Public Policy offers a minor so that students are able to analyze public policies and the process of policymaking. In addition, there are major college-level programs such as the University of Iowa Honors Program, Study Abroad, and Career Center Programs.

Students from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa may take courses at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, and Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates develops research skills in students led by UI faculty members.

University College offers courses in several K–12 programs as well: the Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence, the Secondary Student Training Program, and University of Iowa Upward Bound.

Students sitting on an outside bench involved in lively conversation.

Student Success and Outreach

Associate Dean: Andrew Beckett

Many University College programs serve the entire undergraduate population (particularly first-year students) and are designed to smooth entering students' transition to college life. Students begin their connection to the University College when they take their first online course, CSI:1600 Success at Iowa, at around the same time they attend Orientation. When they arrive on campus, they experience campus life for the first time with the On Iowa! program.

Other programs that promote success include Excelling@Iowa, Tutor Iowa, and the Academic Resource Center (ARC). These direct service programs support students when they need support in their college career.

Academic Support and Retention

Co-Directors: Danielle Martinez, Stephanie Preschel
Website: https://asr.uiowa.edu/

On Iowa!

Website: https://oniowa.uiowa.edu/

Orientation

Director: Tina M. Arthur
Website: https://newstudents.uiowa.edu/orientation

Success at Iowa

Coordinator: Suzette Blanchard
Website: https://newstudents.uiowa.edu/success-iowa-online-course

Distance and Online Education

Associate Dean: Anne W. Zalenski
Website: https://distance.uiowa.edu

Distance and Online Education combines leading-edge technology and support with nationally recognized faculty to provide the best educational experience possible—online and on location. In partnership with University of Iowa colleges and departments, online and on location coursework provide degree and certificate opportunities for students looking to complete their degree from a highly ranked public institution. Courses offered through University College are taught by University of Iowa faculty and staff members.