Arkansas State University: A Comprehensive Guide to Degree Programs

Arkansas State University (A-State) offers a wide array of academic programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields. With over 150 bachelor’s degrees and various graduate programs, A-State provides opportunities for students at all stages of their academic journey. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working professional looking to advance your career, or someone seeking a local way to earn a degree, A-State has a program to fit your goals.

Undergraduate Programs

A-State offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, including associate's and bachelor's degrees, as well as technical certificates and certificates of proficiency. These programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in their chosen field and prepare them for future success.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees are designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge for direct entry into the workforce. These programs often include hands-on training and real-world experience, making graduates highly sought after by employers. Some of the AAS degrees offered at A-State include:

Agriculture Technology: This degree offers an in-depth study of contemporary agricultural practices.
Automotive Service Technology: This program provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of vehicles.
Business Management & Supervision: This dynamic two-year program prepares students for leadership roles in the business world.
Computer Networking Technology: This degree provides comprehensive training in the design, implementation, and management of computer networks.
Crime Scene Investigation: This program provides advanced training in forensic science techniques used to investigate crime scenes.
Energy Control Technology: This degree provides comprehensive training in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technology.
General Technology: This degree offers a customizable curriculum that allows students to focus on specific technical skills.
General Technology: Pathway to Culinary Arts Food Service & Management: The Technical Certificate in Culinary Arts offers comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and restaurant operations.
High Voltage Lineman Technology: This program trains students in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical power lines and systems.
Law Enforcement Administration: This degree provides a comprehensive education in the management and leadership aspects of law enforcement.
Liberal Arts and Sciences: The Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a well-rounded education in the arts, humanities, and sciences, preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions.
Nursing (LPN to RN Transition Pathway): This degree provides a pathway for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to become registered nurses (RNs).
Nursing (RN) - Traditional Pathway: This program offers a comprehensive education in nursing, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Associate of Science (AS) Degrees

The Associate of Science (AS) degrees are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in a specific academic discipline, preparing them for transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree. Some of the AS degrees offered at A-State include:

Business: This degree offers a foundational education in essential business principles and practices.
Data Science - Data Analytics: This comprehensive, two-year program prepares students for entry into data science and data management careers, or for transfer to baccalaureate programs.
Education: This degree provides a foundational education in teaching principles and practices.
Criminal Justice: This degree offers a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of the criminal justice system.
Natural Sciences: This degree focuses on biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science, preparing students for transfer to scientific fields.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degrees

General Education: This degree provides a broad foundation in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions.

Technical Certificates

Technical certificates offer focused training in specific technical skills, preparing students for entry-level positions in various industries. These programs are typically shorter in duration than associate's degrees and provide hands-on training in a particular field. Some of the technical certificates offered at A-State include:

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Advanced Manufacturing Technology: This certificate provides a comprehensive education in modern manufacturing processes.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology - Computer Aided Design Pathway: This certificate provides a comprehensive education in modern manufacturing processes.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology - Industrial Controls Technician Pathway: This certificate provides a comprehensive education in modern manufacturing processes.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology - Industrial Maintenance Pathway: This certificate provides a comprehensive education in modern manufacturing processes.
Advanced Manufacturing Technology - Machining Pathway: This certificate provides a comprehensive education in modern manufacturing processes.
Agriculture Operations: This certificate provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage agricultural businesses effectively.
Automotive Service Technology: This certificate offers an in-depth study of vehicle systems and repair techniques.
Business Management & Supervision: This two-semester program deepens your understanding of key business concepts.
Computer Networking Technology: This certificate provides advanced training in network infrastructure, design, and security.
Cosmetology Instructor Trainee: This certificate prepares licensed cosmetologists to teach and train future professionals in the beauty industry.
Cosmetology: This certificate offers comprehensive training in hair, skin, and nail care, preparing students for careers in the beauty industry.
Crime Scene Investigation: This certificate provides comprehensive training in forensic techniques and crime scene analysis.
Criminal Justice: This certificate offers an in-depth study of criminal justice systems and procedures.
Culinary Arts: This certificate offers comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and restaurant operations.
Diesel Technology: This certificate offers comprehensive training in the maintenance and repair of diesel engines and systems.
Early Childhood Development: This certificate offers comprehensive training in early childhood education, preparing students for careers as educators and caregivers.
Energy Control Technology: This certificate offers advanced training in the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems.
High Voltage Lineman Technology: This certificate trains students in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical power lines and systems.
Law Enforcement Administration: This certificate provides advanced training in law enforcement leadership and management.
Practical Nursing: This certificate prepares students for careers in nursing.

Certificates of Proficiency

Certificates of proficiency offer specialized training in a specific skill or area of knowledge. These programs are typically shorter in duration than technical certificates and are designed to provide students with a specific skill set that can be used in the workplace. Some of the certificates of proficiency offered at A-State include:

Agronomy: This certificate focuses on the science of soil management and crop production.
Apprentice Preventative Maintenance Technician: This certificate offers training in the maintenance and repair of equipment and systems, focusing on preventive maintenance techniques.
Automotive Engine Performance: This certificate offers specialized training in diagnosing and repairing automotive engines.
Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning: This certificate focuses on the systems that regulate climate control in vehicles.
Automotive Mechanical Systems: This certificate provides students with the skills needed to maintain and repair critical vehicle systems, including brakes, steering, suspension, and transmissions.
Automotive Transmissions and Axles: This certificate provides specialized training in the repair and maintenance of drivetrain components.
Business Management & Supervision: This one-semester program is designed to kickstart your career in the business world.
Certified Nursing Assistant: This certificate prepares students for roles as certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
CNC Operator: This certificate offers students training in the use of computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
Commercial Truck Driving: This certificate prepares students for a career in the trucking industry, focusing on obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Corrections: This certificate provides an introduction to the correctional system and the management of incarcerated individuals.
Crime Scene Investigation: This certificate provides training in the fundamental techniques used in forensic science and crime scene analysis.
Culinary Arts: This certificate provides foundational training in culinary techniques and kitchen management.
Early Childhood Development: This certificate focuses on the care and education of young children.
Emergency Medical Technician: This certificate provides essential training for individuals seeking to work in emergency medical services.
Esthetics: This certificate provides specialized training in skincare and beauty treatments, including facials, chemical peels, makeup application, and hair removal.
General Studies: This certificate provides a flexible curriculum covering basic academic skills and general knowledge.
Industrial Maintenance - Electrical: This certificate focuses on the maintenance and repair of electrical systems in industrial settings.
Industrial Maintenance - General: This certificate provides training in the maintenance and repair of mechanical systems in industrial settings.
Industrial Maintenance Technical Operator: This certificate focuses on the operation and maintenance of industrial machinery and equipment.
Information Communication Technology: This certificate offers foundational training in networking and IT support.
Introduction to Air-Conditioning: This certificate provides foundational knowledge in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems.
Law Enforcement Administration: This certificate focuses on developing the leadership and administrative skills needed in law enforcement agencies.
Manual Machining: This certificate focuses on teaching traditional machining skills, essential for creating precision parts in various industries.
Manufacturing Welding: This certificate provides training in welding techniques used in manufacturing, including MIG, TIG, and arc welding.
Medication Assistant Certified: This certificate provides training in administering medications in healthcare settings.
Patient Care Technician: This certificate prepares students to assist healthcare professionals in various medical settings.
Phlebotomy: This certificate provides training in blood collection techniques, preparing students for careers as phlebotomists.

Bachelor's Degrees

A-State offers over 150 bachelor's degrees in a wide range of fields, including business, education, engineering, and the liberal arts. These programs provide students with a comprehensive education in their chosen field, preparing them for advanced study or entry-level positions in their chosen profession.

Graduate Programs

A-State offers a variety of master's and doctoral degrees for students seeking advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen field. Graduate study requires a firm commitment to inquiry and learning and is intended for students who have demonstrated the power of independent thought and investigation.

Accelerated Master's Degree Option

A-State offers an accelerated master’s degree option that enables outstanding undergraduate students to begin taking graduate course work in their junior or senior year. Students admitted into an approved accelerated master’s degree program may have a limited number of graduate level courses counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree.

Additional Academic Opportunities

Minors

Arkansas State University offers over 60 minors with requirements varying from 18-24 semester hours.

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Pre-Professional Programs

A-State offers pre-professional programs in fields such as pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-physical therapy, pre-optometry, and pre-veterinary medicine. These programs provide students with the necessary coursework and preparation for admission to professional schools.

ROTC Program

Since 1936, the Department of the Army, in cooperation with the officials of Arkansas State University, has provided a military training program through the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). Completion of either the two-year or the four-year ROTC program leads to a commission as an officer in the United States Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard.

Concurrent Enrollment Program

The Arkansas State University Concurrent Enrollment Program offers high school students who are enrolled in partnering high schools the opportunity to earn college credit for courses taken during high school.

Off-Campus and Online Programs

Arkansas State University provides higher education study opportunities for those who wish to pursue such study but may be unable to come to the A-State campus to attend classes. This service is rendered through online and off-campus classes in the area which the university serves. A-State Online is the most experienced online provider in the state, with more than 10,000 graduates to date. A-State offers select bachelor’s programs in education, technology, nursing, and more. A-State maintains responsibility for curriculum, teaching, admissions, tuition, financial aid, accreditation, and all other academic- and instruction-related functions and decisions.

Accreditation

Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The associate, baccalaureate, master's/post-master's certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice nursing programs at Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The educator preparation programs at Arkansas State University are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

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