Departments & Offices
CSBS embraces the idea of a teacher-scholar model, where faculty who are actively engaged in research place value on undergraduates doing research and take a “deeper” approach to their teaching.
The college also prides itself in having faculty and students work closely together to ensure student success. Students receive one-on-one advising from their designated professor-advisor, who helps ensure appropriate classes are selected for a timely graduation and enhanced resume for success in career placement or continued education.
Our departments offer nearly 75 courses of study for majors, minors and certificate programs. Several undergraduate and graduate programs provide unique opportunities for students to study across the state, country or abroad.
Explore CSBS’ departments in more detail by clicking on each below.
Departments
Department of Family, Aging & Counseling
The Department of Family, Aging & Counseling offers programs focused on the health and well-being of families, communities and individuals, across the lifespan.
*Part of the School of Health & Human Sciences
Department of Geography
Geography is the science of place and space. We use high-tech tools to discover and explain spatial patterns in the natural and human worlds. Geographers are active in the study of global warming, natural hazards, globalization, homeland security, rural and economic development, disease outbreaks, and much more.
Department of History
The Department of History offers a student-centered learning experience that connects the past to the present. Students are trained to think critically with the historical contextualization necessary for 21st-century cultural competence, citizenship and career success in a variety of fields.
Department of Kinesiology & Athletic Training
The Department of Kinesiology & Athletic Training offers students a pathway to careers focused on health and sports. Our programs lead to futures in health professions like athletic training, physical therapy and occupational therapy, alongside the most established physical education teaching program in the state of Iowa.
*Part of the School of Health & Human Sciences
Department of Military Science
The Department of Military Science offers coursework in leadership development to all students and administers the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for students who want to serve as Army officers. Courses in leadership prepare students to lead at multiple echelons in both military and civilian sectors.
Department of Nursing & Public Health
The Department of Nursing & Public Health offers high-quality, hands-on education to develop future nurses and public health professionals for the state of Iowa and beyond.
*Part of the School of Health & Human Sciences
Department of Political Science
Political science teaches how to take on and talk about important and complex issues related to government, power and change. Students develop the tools to be responsible citizens, successful professionals and leaders in their communities.
Department of Psychology
The human psychological process is a complicated, remarkable system. A degree in psychology dives into this system by teaching students how memory and language influence our thoughts, how our emotions guide our actions, how other people influence us, and ultimately, how we can use psychology to improve human functioning.
Department of Social Work
Do you enjoy working with people and understanding them? Do you want to make a difference in others' lives? Then you may want to consider a social work major at the University of Northern Iowa. Students in social work take classes in human growth and development, human behavior, social work practice and social policy.
*Part of the School of Health & Human Sciences
Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Criminology
The faculty of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Criminology are committed to the principles of a liberal arts education. Through our teaching, research and service, we seek to enhance the intellectual awareness of various aspects of the human condition around the world and throughout history.
School of Health & Human Sciences
The School of Health & Human Sciences empowers students to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities in Iowa and beyond.
Programs within the school help prepare tomorrow’s health and human science professionals for high-demand careers by offering community-centered and hands-on learning opportunities within state-of-the-art facilities and through dedicated field experiences.
Programs
Interior Design
The design of a room can greatly affect every person who steps into a given space. As an interior design major at UNI, students will become thoughtful, creative and ethical problem solvers in the interior design profession. Equipped with state-of-the-art drafting and digital rendering software, the program prides itself on helping its students achieve through education, experience and thorough preparation for the licensing exam.
Social Science & History Teaching
UNI houses the largest program for both social science and history teaching majors in the state of Iowa. As a history or social science teaching major, you'll have the opportunity to explore, define and sharpen your skills as a future classroom teacher. Our program continues to be very strong as we meet the challenges of the new century in education.
Women's & Gender Studies
The UNI Women’s & Gender Studies program offers three interdisciplinary academic programs: an undergraduate minor, a graduate master of arts and a graduate certificate for students enrolled in other degree-granting graduate programs at UNI. The program also provides a full schedule of special events such as workshops, presentations, social activities and lectures.