Iowa universities expand nursing and education programs

February 27, 2026 - 18:32

In a move to address critical workforce shortages, two of Iowa's public universities are significantly expanding their program offerings in high-demand fields. The initiatives, recently approved by the state Board of Regents, will see new academic pathways established in nursing and special education.

Iowa State University is launching a new bachelor's degree program in nursing. This marks a strategic expansion for the institution, designed to prepare more registered nurses to enter the healthcare system. The program aims to leverage the university's existing strengths in sciences and research to create a robust pipeline of nursing professionals.

Concurrently, the University of Northern Iowa is introducing a new bachelor's degree program in special education. This program is specifically tailored to equip future educators with the specialized skills needed to support K-12 students with disabilities. The expansion directly responds to the persistent need for qualified special education instructors across the state.

These coordinated efforts represent a direct investment by the state's higher education system in meeting Iowa's most pressing employment needs. By growing the number of graduates in these essential sectors, the universities aim to strengthen community health services and educational outcomes, providing vital support for Iowans for years to come. The programs are now in the development phase, with enrollment expected to begin following final curricular preparations.