UIU Expands Career-Focused Academic Offerings with New Degrees and MBA Emphasis

7/1/2026

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FAYETTE, Iowa — Continuing the momentum of its Impact 2028 Strategic Plan, Upper Iowa University is expanding its portfolio of innovative academic programs with the launch of four new offerings designed to prepare students for today’s fastest-growing industries.

Beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year, UIU will introduce bachelor’s degrees in Digital Marketing, Project Management, and Public Health, along with a new Business Analytics emphasis within the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

The additions build upon a series of innovative academic initiatives introduced over the past two years that are reshaping how students earn their degrees while preparing for careers in high-demand fields.

“These new programs represent our continued commitment to providing students with flexible, relevant, and career-focused educational opportunities,” said Dr. Billie Cowley, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “As workforce needs continue to evolve, Upper Iowa University is evolving alongside them by offering programs that combine practical skills, emerging technologies, and real-world application.”

Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Careers

Launching in Fall 2026, the new academic offerings continue UIU’s strategy of providing workforce-focused programs that equip students with in-demand skills.

Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing

The Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing prepares students for careers in social media strategy, digital advertising, search engine optimization, content development, analytics, and brand management.

Digital Marketing Program

Bachelor of Science in Project Management

The Bachelor of Science in Project Management equips students with leadership, organizational, and operational skills that translate across industries including business, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, construction, and nonprofit organizations.

Project Management Program

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health prepares graduates to improve community health through disease prevention, health education, healthcare systems, and population wellness.

Public Health Program

MBA Emphasis in Business Analytics

The new MBA emphasis in Business Analytics builds directly upon the success of the undergraduate Business Analytics program. Graduate students will develop advanced skills in data analysis, visualization, predictive modeling, and strategic decision-making—capabilities increasingly sought by organizations across every industry.

MBA: Business Analytics Emphasis

Building on a Foundation of Innovation

Upper Iowa University introduced several groundbreaking academic initiatives in the 2025-2026 academic year, including a 90-credit Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—one of the few programs of its kind designed to help students complete their bachelor’s degree more efficiently while reducing both time and tuition costs.

The innovative bachelor’s degree pairs seamlessly with the university’s MBA program, allowing motivated students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as four years.

The university also expanded its business curriculum with new bachelor’s degree options in Business Analytics and Cybersecurity, while introducing MBA emphasis areas in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity to prepare graduate students for technology-driven leadership roles.

“This is not about adding programs for the sake of growth,” Cowley said. “Each new offering is intentionally designed to create academic pathways that align with employer demand and help students graduate with a competitive advantage.”

Supporting the Goals of Impact 2028

The new programs reflect Upper Iowa University’s broader commitment to expanding access, responding to workforce needs, and creating educational pathways that serve both traditional and adult learners.

As part of Impact 2028, the university continues investing in innovative academic models, flexible learning options, and workforce-aligned curriculum that prepare graduates for success in an increasingly dynamic economy.

“Students today are looking for programs that provide flexibility, affordability, and a clear return on their educational investment,” President & CFO Kathy Franken said. “These new offerings, combined with the innovations we’ve introduced over the past two years, demonstrate Upper Iowa University’s commitment to meeting students where they are while preparing them for where they want to go.”