College of Education
The future depends on our students. They depend on you.
The future depends on our students. They depend on you.

The University of Iowa College of Education Online

Improve tomorrow with your online graduate degree from Iowa

Advance your career and become the kind of educator who changes lives for the better with our convenient online MA in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency (MATLCC).

We’re top-ranked for good reason

The University of Iowa has been leading the way in educational equity and inclusion since the 1800s. We’re proud to be ranked the #1 Best College in Iowa, and the #23 Best Online Master of Education by U.S. News & World Report.1, 2

After more than 175 years of innovative excellence, the University of Iowa continues to blaze new trails in teacher education.

#1
Best College In Iowa1
#23
Best Online Master of Education2

Take your career and students further

Want to see how a master’s degree can help you teach better, lead more effectively and fuel your career? Complete the form to get a program brochure.

Get valuable insights into the online experience, learn more about the College of Education, and see where this degree can take you.

Discover Your Next Step

This will only take a moment.


By clicking "Get Program Brochure" and submitting this form, I agree to receive text messages, emails and other communication regarding educational programs and opportunities, and to be contacted by the University of Iowa and Everspring, its authorized representative. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. View our privacy policy and disclosures.

Achieve more with Iowa

Drawing of graduate in cap and gown

Big Ten Research Resources

Get better results with help from Iowa’s seven research centers and five research initiatives leading education and student support innovations.

Drawing of hands cradling a globe

Online and Hands-On

Study online, on your schedule. Put your learning to work in a culminating project based on your goals and the needs in your own community.

Drawing of magnifying glass

Learn More, Earn More

Your master’s degree can help you earn more. Nationally, those with master’s degrees earn an average of 20% more than those whose highest degree is a bachelor’s.3

We’re committed to serving military and veteran students

Because we value your service and experience, we offer extensive, research-based support for military and veteran students that includes specialized counseling and resources, as well as financial assistance.

yellow ribbon

Wrap your degree in a Yellow Ribbon

In addition to the benefits available through the Post 9/11 GI Bill, we proudly offer qualifying veterans access to financial support through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program.

Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Distinguish yourself with this visionary program

MA in Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency (MATLCC)

Raise your ability to meet the needs of ever-more culturally diverse student populations, and your technical fluency in this innovative program for teachers and educational leaders. The DEI-centered curriculum encompasses evidenced-based frameworks for technology integration, educational leadership, and teacher-leader/instructional coaching best practices. As you earn your degree, you may also be able to fulfill continuing education requirements for licensure, prepare for certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and partially fulfill the requirements for an Iowa State ESL endorsement.

  • Design your own action research project
  • Complete in as little as 20 months

Explore the program

woman standing with hands on her hips

Ready to take the next step?

“I enjoyed the pacing. I only took one class at a time during the school year and I still completed the program in under two years.”
Allison L., MATLCC ‘21

Go one-on-one with K-12 thought leaders

Small classes and dedicated faculty let you go deep on the subjects that will propel your career. In the University of Iowa online programs for working educators, you can count on coaching and support from our expert instructors. They’re highly networked scholars and researchers who are committed to helping you become the leader you want to be.

Online programs designed by teachers for teachers

Opportunities for community and connection are built right into our easy-to-use online learning management system, along with the research-backed curriculum and well-designed lesson modules. The University of Iowa offers technical support by phone, email and chat, along with FAQs on a range of topics.

You can depend on us

Depend on the University of Iowa online education degrees to help you serve your community and the future by supporting K-12 learners in all their diversity. Get the evidence-based tools you need to help all students succeed from the researchers and scholars at Iowa. Enroll and study wherever you are to grow your career in the company of recognized experts and innovators at a surprisingly affordable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services and support do I have access to as an online student?

Students admitted and enrolled in program coursework are supported through program advisement and financial aid services and have access to the University of Iowa Library Services and IT Support Services.
  • Remote access to UI Libraries’ subscription databases and research collections
  • Research assistance by phone, email, or online meeting
  • Book delivery (within the U.S.)
  • Scanning and delivery of articles and book chapters
  • Resource guides and recommendations for research tools

What are the technology requirements?

Online students have access to free software and technical assistance to ensure they meet the minimum system and connection requirements. Please visit the University’s technical support site for more information.

Is the University of Iowa accredited?

Yes. The University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Can I apply if my GPA is lower than 3.0?

Yes, however, you will be asked for additional information to support your application to the program.

Will my degree indicate that I completed coursework online?

No, the expectations of graduates from this program are no different than any other graduate from the University of Iowa. The only difference is in the method of program delivery.

Does this program offer licensure in Iowa or any other state?

No, this program does not offer initial licensure in Iowa or any other state. Depending on which electives you choose, you may be able to complete a large number of requirements toward a selected State of Iowa K-12 endorsement. Candidates seeking the endorsement may need to complete additional coursework before applying to the BOEE. This only applies to teachers in Iowa. Students residing in other states need to review the requirements in their state.

Is the GRE or any other examination required?

No, the GRE or other test scores are not required.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

These programs are designed to allow maximum flexibility, so the course sequence is flexible although each program has a set capstone experience.

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

You may transfer previously completed graduate coursework, with approval from the program director in conjunction with the faculty lead for the course being substituted. The MATLCC program accepts up to 9 program credits. Candidates seeking transfer credits must provide a syllabus for the course completed to be used for the course review process. Official transcripts will also be required for any institution where transfer credits were earned. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the institution to the Office of Admissions, 108 Calvin Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242 or adm-transcript@uiowa.edu. Do not send unofficial copies to this account. Official mailed records must be received in a sealed envelope directly from the issuing institution.

How are the courses delivered?

All courses are delivered entirely online through Canvas. Courses are typically 8 weeks in length.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Students who want to apply for financial aid should complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible. The financial aid office at the University of Iowa will work with students to determine options for funding university coursework based on FAFSA results. Iowa’s FAFSA code is 001892. Learn more on our tuition and financial aid page.

Students with specific questions about financial aid may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid by email at financial-aid@uiowa.edu or by phone at 319-335-1450. For more information, visit the financial aid website.

Admissions Deadlines

Spring 2025 Term

Nov
17
PRIORITY DEADLINE
November 17
Spring 2025
Jan
2
FINAL DEADLINE
January 2
Spring 2025
Jan
16
START DATE
January 16
Spring 2025

Trust the University of Iowa for a brighter tomorrow. Get a world-class education at a state school price.

Sources

  1. Retrieved on February 9, 2023, from premium.usnews.com/best-colleges/ia
  2. Retrieved on February 7, 2024, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-iowa-OEDU0796/education
  3. Retrieved on December 2, 2024, from nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cba/annual-earnings

The University of Iowa has engaged Everspring, a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.