The mission of Upper Iowa University is to “provide quality educational opportunities accessible through varied delivery methods to inspire success and empower lives.” Their core values of integrity, excellence, accessibility, respect, and stewardship fundamentally shape the educational experience of UIU students. The University is committed to helping students meet their educational goals and has a special commitment to military students and veterans. In fact, both their online and on-campus programs have been recognized among the Top Military-Friendly Programs in the United States.
Education
The School of Business & Professional Studies offers bachelor’s degrees with majors in relevant subjects like graphic design, agricultural business, software engineering, financial management, and more. One unique program offered is the RN to BSN. Participants can complete their degree in either a hybrid or fully online format and can additionally choose to work towards their degree on either a part-time or full-time basis based on their individual needs. Two graduate programs are available to business students as well. These include an MBA and Master’s of Sport Administration. Master’s of Business Administration participants have the opportunity to choose an area of emphasis in Accounting, Corporate Financial Management, General Management, Human Resource Management, or Organizational Development.
Student Life
There are many ways for UIU students to get involved on campus. Clubs and organizations like Enactus and honor societies serve as an excellent networking tool for business students looking to improve their resume and gain friendships. The Office of Service and Civic Engagement coordinates many community service opportunities. Local hospitals, libraries, food banks, and animal shelters all benefit from participation in these projects. Outdoor Pursuits is the University’s outdoor recreational program that is designed to promote outdoor exploration and comradery. Bikes, fishing gear, skates, kayaks, skateboards, and more can all be checked out free of charge. Group trips also include fun activities such as horseback riding, sledding, archery, and paintball.
Online Programs
Each semester Upper Iowa University educates over 3,000 students through their distance learning programs. There are no residency requirements, which makes earning a degree anywhere around the globe convenient and accessible. Programs are offered in three distinct formats. The Online Program follows an eight-week schedule with accelerated six-week courses during the summer. This not only translates to a fast graduation date but also means that prospective students have many opportunities throughout the year to start the program. The Self Paced Program was the first of its kind when it began in 1973. According to their website, “The Self-Paced Paper format is structured around written assignments and proctored exams while the Self-Paced Web format offers a web-based platform for assignment submission and course completion.” An associate’s degree and bachelor’s with general emphasis in business can both be completed in any of the three distance learning formats. A few of the fully online business programs include Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, and Marketing.